Renovation on the 64 Shasta Compact

Today was a busy day! We tore out the ceiling birch around the vent and on the front wall above the counter. We then put new birch in. The framing looked good around the vent so we didn't need to replace it. That was a nice surprise. We still have the trim to do but we ran out of birch so off to get more soon. Next we'll put up a back splash, install a subfloor, stain … [Read more...]

64 Shasta Compact Gets New Paint

This little cutie is at the paint shop getting a new paint job. They finished the bottom half and today will paint the top half. Oh my, is she going to be so cute when she's all finished. Her original paint color was sort of a salmon color. This color is a bit brighter, which is what the buyer wanted and I think it will be adorable! I am having pink envy at the … [Read more...]

Vintage Trailers at Tin Can Tourist Spring Rally

The TCT rally event at Camp Dearborn was another huge success! If you've never attended a rally, I really encourage you to go. We pulled in and set up on Thursday. That night everyone gathered under the giant tent area armed with their crock pot dishes to share. YUM! Then Friday we spent the day shopping at antique shops in Howell, MI. Friday night they had a great … [Read more...]

Small Awning For Your Vintage Trailer

If you ever take short camping trips and don't want to use a full awning, an little "Over-nighter" might be the ticket. We bought ours from Marti's Awnings and just love it. It's small at appx 5 x 5 I believe. It's just the right size for over the entrance of your vintage trailer. Marti offers them in various colors and patterns so you can get one that matches your … [Read more...]

Restoration of 1956 Vintage Trailer Day 1

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 … [Read more...]

1964 Shasta Compact followed me home

Isn't she cute?! I went and picked her up yesterday. What was suppose to be a 6 hour journey round trip turned into a 10 hour journey due to a major highway being flooded. I think we sat in bumber to bumber traffic for 2 1/2 hours. Although it wasn't without a few smiles. There was about 4 people that inched up beside us and whipped out their camera phones taking … [Read more...]

Q & A: Buying a vintage camper and where to start?

I'm often asked where to start when considering buying a vintage camper. I'm going to answer this in a way that presents questions for you to consider before buying your first vintage trailer. This isn't about what to look for in a specific trailer but more about figuring out just what you want before you start searching for one to buy. So here are questions to ask … [Read more...]

How to make easy vintage trailer dinette cushions

So this is the fabric I picked out for the 1956 Southland Runabout. It's quite a contrast to the whimsical interior of our 61 Shasta Compact, but I really feel this vintage trailer commands a more toned down feel especially because of the darker wood interior. So this is what I decided on. I hope you like it! Here is the finished cushions. Ok, now on to … [Read more...]

1956 Southland Runabout Vintage Trailer

Where to begin....Well, the other day I saw an ad on Craigslist for a 1956 canned ham but there were no photos. The ad said the camper was in good condition (you know this statement always leaves a lot open to each persons interpretation!) But I thought it wouldn't hurt to check it out. So I contacted the seller to inquire about it. The seller sent me some photos and … [Read more...]

How to create extra sleeping room in a vintage trailer

OK, this is probably the neatest sleeping arrangement I've seen done in a vintage trailer. Imagine you have a small trailer that sleeps only 2 and you would love to have just one more bed to either sleep a child, guest, etc., Well, here you go! These folks converted the closet area in a front kitchen model camper into a sleeping area. Source of photo unknown … [Read more...]