So the demolition on the 56 Southland Runabout begins. We put in a full days work removing the front skin and about 3/4 of the interior walls and ceiling. The previous owners just put new wood over the old. That is NOT the right way to do it. However, they actually did me a favor by doing this because I was able to pull off the wood sections they put up fairly easily and will use them as templates for the new birch. The original wood behind it in most areas would of never come off in one whole section. So that is the bright side of it. My plan is to install brand new birch on every wall and the ceiling.
Getting the window out went OK. It was sealed with silicone…ARRG! I hate that stuff. It’s a real pain to remove. The most difficult part though was the J-rail screws. It took my husband almost 4 hours just to get them all out on both sides so we could remove the front skin. While he was doing that I was inside demolishing everything in sight (:
Here is a view from the inside. This is after I pulled all the paneling that the previous owner and installed over the original. I’m not mad or anything as I suspected this is what they had done so it was no surprise to see all the water damage and oh there is plenty on this wall!
A close up. Very de-laminated and paper thin laters. Most of it just crumbled when I removed it.
I took all the original rotted paneling off. Hubby is still out there working on those screws, poor guy.
Another view. I was able to remove the bench on the right but this one you see in the picture it will take a bit more work to remove.
In the kitchen I pulled off all the diamond plating looking peel and stick wall paper stuff (not sure what else to call it) and took off all the trim around the window.
I’m about half way done with ripping out the roof paneling. You can’t really tell in this picture but the roof beams actually look pretty good, except for 1-2, so I was happy about that.
Yeah! We finally got the rear skin off! This is probably the point where my husband and I look at each other and say “What have we done?!” and that overwhelming feeling sets in. But I’m very confident that we will get this done and she’ll be adorable! This photo also proves to all those that were worried that my husband is still alive and well. I didn’t choke him or anything during the first day of demolition. It might happen later in the restoration and I’ll keep you posted (:
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Oh my goodness, we just came home with our first vintage trailer yesterday! A 1970 Aristocrat, not sure which model yet, but about 17′ long. It is missing the emblems, but is all original. Trying not too look to closely at it yet… we will watch your project and progress with great interest!
I have also caught the bitty trailer bug. My husband restored a sheep wagon and I am starting the cushions and curtains, but it will be western and rustic as it was used in Wyoming for work not pleasure. I want to do a girly trailer for the granddaughters and me. I’m planning on showing your progress to my husband so he’ll want to start one. Then we must find one. Hoping you can help us with that.:)
Tammie, your sheep wagon sounds really neat! I’d love to feature it on the site once you are done with it. If you want feel free to submit pictures here: http://littlevintagetrailer.com/submissions/ Oh and I do keep my eyes out for little trailers so you never know, another may come along.
My exciting purchase is a 1964 Manorette. I found it off of Craigslist and am having it towed home this Saturday! It’s desperately in need of restoration but I’m excited! I made the purchase for $100 and it will cost me double that just for the tow. My expenditure this month! This, I hope, is my retirement vehicle. I love it and I’m sure you will be pleased when you have finished. Looking forward to following your progress.
How so very exciting for you Jean! I hope you’ll submit photos of it once it’s restored! http://littlevintagetrailer.com/submissions/
wow, what a job! Is it usually that end of the trailer that has the most or all of the water damage?
keep it up!
Jim
Jim, it’s pretty typical for trailers this age to have some water damage in the front and the rear. Also the roof vent is another typical area. This trailer in particular, the previous owner simply put new wood over the old which equates to them simply not repairing the trailer correctly. Cosmetically it looked OK and one probably could of camped in it for some time before needed to address the issues. But it simply bothered me and I just couldn’t leave well enough alone I guess LOL! Anyway, the proper way to restore it would be to remove all the old wood (that’s what we’ve started) and replace any bad framing before installing the new wall panels. It’s all basic carpentry for the most part though it just takes time. The skin on the front we removed as there used to be an air conditioner installed so there was a big cutout in the skin for that, thus why we removed it. The intent is to replace the skin on the front anyway.
one of the best tools to use when restoring a trailer is a Kreg jig – it’s a pocket hole jig. i used over 700 screws when i rebuilt my 69 Aristocrat. get the kit that is about $40 and also get the clamp they sell for it.
Leroy, I agree! I recently bought one as well. Such a neat tool!
Hi. We just brought home a 65 aristocrat mainliner project. Do you know of anywhere to get replacement metal skin. Someone installed some ugly vents that shouldn’t be there.
Any help on our first project would be great!
Thanks Shelley
Hi Kelle,
We just bought a 1960 Coastline trailer that is completely gutted. It is also missing half of the floor, lol! But I can see her done 🙂 Thank you for posting your pics. It helps me see it’s possible. How do you fix the top joints? There of course is water damage, So, after we remove the skin and replace the wood damage, how do you bring the joints back together? I hope I’m making sense here, lol. There is the strip piece, I need HELP!!! lol I’ll post before and afters if you like.
God Bless,
Barbara
Barbara,
My Father owned Coastline trailer Manufacturing. I might be able to help you out with some of your questions. You can contact me at silverstreakking@cox.net
Oh My Goodness! Bruce, thank you for replying. Yes, I’m sure we have lots of questions for you. Do you by any chance have any paper work, or pics of the 1960 Coastline of how to set up the inside? We have been playing detective with the marks on the walls as to where things were, stove, benches, etc. It looks also like it have a corner bathroom. Any drawings as for as the underside plumbing would be amazing. Basically, anything you can tell us would be so helpful. So far, we have replaced some of the louvers on the windows and cleaned her out. She is currently parked on our driveway just waiting for us to restore her 🙂
Thanks so much,
Barbara
Barbara,
I will have to find the photo’s I have a lot of different photo’s. Do you still have the trailer? Somewhere I even have a tie with a Coastline painted on it.
Yes, we still have her. We would love see pics if you find them. Thanks Bruce
Barbara, could you please write to me on my email. Please send me your telephone number, and a good time to call. I found two pictures today of a brand new 1959 or 1960 Coastline trailer. My dad owned coastline trailers. Once I have your email I will scan and send them to you, and answer as many questions as I can. I was only 6 or 7 when they were built, but I do have some other photo’s.
Hi Barbara (and Bruce)
We just purchased a 1960 Coastline trailer and are keen to find out more about the company, models, floorpans, etc. Did you ever come by more information? Haven’t had much luck yet.
thanks!
jen
Hi Jen,
Thanks for touching basis. I have not found much info on the Coastline, but I did have a gentleman get ahold of me who’s father actually workered for the company years ago. Do you have pics of the inside of yours? I would love to see your layout
hi Barbara, we do have some pictures. my email is thecollectivegoods@gmail.com if you’d like to get in touch. jen
Wow! We have had a beautiful 1965 Cardinal Deluxe 12 ft (without the hitch) for 12 years now. We kept it because it is in amazing condition and we love vintage. Now seeing the craze (and our kids are grown), we are having fun again but with renewed excitement. You will be seeing pictures soon. Thank you for this website!!!
Any more updates? photos? I’d love to see how it’s coming along…watching those same videos now so get myself “educated” before starting our project.
Meme, unfortunately no because we ended up selling this trailer to a friend of mine.
i’m about to do the same thing just wanted to know would you do it again and do you have after pics thanks
I wondered where you get material for new skin. I have a 1964 Trotwood that needs wall repair due to water damage. I don’t want to get rid of it but I’m afraid of doing the work myself. I have been looking for someone to do it for me but haven’t found anyone. I live in central Illinois. Any tips? This is my first camper that I bought at an auction because it reminds me of my grandmas camper she had when I was young. I redid the interior three years ago but now the frame needs work.
Just found your article. Like old home week to us. We bought a 1964 Fireball in 2015 fie a “summer project”….but in July 2016 it’s still an ongoing project. Anyone who buys a vintage camper is either crazy or loves pain. But I love my project. My daughter calls it her older sibling sinc I spend sooooo much time and money on it! Maybe someday we will actually sleep and camp in it. But at least it keeod me busy. Goid luck. I assime by niw yours is done or in a ravine somewhere. Best wishes!
We bought a Vintage Wildcat camper, a lot of issues covered up, a lot of work, but will be a beauty when done. My husband asked me what I wanted to name it, I told him MsMoney Pit!! He’s retired so it keeps him busy. Good luck to everyone working on their campers. We love the old beauties!!
I just purchased a 56 Boles Aero Zenith.Im very excited and a littl overwhelmed,I’m looking into finding someone to restore it .Ive had people tell me it’s not that difficult todo the work myself,but I’m not a carpenter or electrion.Anyone in Northern California have recommendations?
I’d like to keep it as original as possible. Thanks!