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View Full Version : 1961 Camper Restoration


djvx
07/20/2009, 10:00 PM
I just bought this thing, good shape. I will be restoring it a little.....well maybe alot actually. I think it will be pretty cool, especially since it's towable with the VX. I will need mirror extenders if anyone knows of some that fit our vx rearviews? (I noticed that hauling it home) Anyone ever tackle one of these before??


http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/thumbs/camper_001.JPG (http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/camper_001.JPG)http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/thumbs/camper_002.JPG (http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/camper_002.JPG)http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/thumbs/camper_004.JPG (http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/camper_004.JPG)
technocoy
07/20/2009, 10:19 PM
you should look into the 16 foot airstream restorations... there are a bunch of people doing those and they are typically about the same dimensions/overall shape.
djvx
07/20/2009, 10:23 PM
Thanks techno--I'll look into it.
Riff Raff
07/20/2009, 10:24 PM
Wow, that's pretty cool. I still own a 16ft 1969 Aloha Camping trailer that looks almost identical, although mine is still in like-new condition. Mine has been custom-painted to match my FJ-40, which I use as the tow vehicle. Those little vintage 16ft trailers are awesome with plenty of room; are extremely lightweight, and are easy to tow.

Just remember to be very "prudent" when towing it, as it doesn't like high freeway speeds (tends to fishtail violently above 60 MPH) and take all curves at least 5 MPH slower than the posted curve sign (otherwise it might tip-over due to its top-heaviness). Tow it safely at no more than 60 MPH maximum on the highway; and take all curves slowly, and it will last for many years. Congrats on your purchase.
djvx
07/20/2009, 10:38 PM
Wow, that's pretty cool. I still own a 16ft 1969 Aloha Camping trailer that looks almost identical, although mine is still in like-new condition. Mine has been custom-painted to match my FJ-40, which I use as the tow vehicle. Those little vintage 16ft trailers are awesome with plenty of room; are extremely lightweight, and are easy to tow.

Just remember to be very "prudent" when towing it, as it doesn't like high freeway speeds (tends to fishtail violently above 60 MPH) and take all curves at least 5 MPH slower than the posted curve sign (otherwise it might tip-over due to its top-heaviness). Tow it safely at no more than 60 MPH maximum on the highway; and take all curves slowly, and it will last for many years. Congrats on your purchase.

I will heed your advice, thanx :yeso:
tom4bren
07/21/2009, 05:44 AM
Good score DJ. You'll have a lot of fun with that.

Wifey & I are kind of doing a 180 from your approach tho. We're in the process of buying this:


http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/Concord---Silver.jpg
Triathlete
07/21/2009, 02:22 PM
Tom, I bet if you load enough stuff in the back of that thing you could do wheelies...thats a long backend behind the wheels.:bwgy:

DJ you should paint it to match the VX!:yesy:
JAMAS
07/21/2009, 02:23 PM
DJ you should paint it to match the VX!:yesy:

Heck yeah.....put some cladding around the sides......That would look sick!
Riff Raff
07/21/2009, 02:51 PM
DJ you should paint it to match the VX!

:thumbdn: Heck, NO!!! Leave it all white. There's a reason why manufacturer's always paint their camper's white-- it's to reflect the Sun and stay cool in the heat. If you paint it black, you'll roast like a turkey and explode.:disturbed

When I custom-painted mine to match my FJ-40 (which is Yellow), I only painted a narrow side panel yellow to signify the relationship between the tow vehicle and the trailer. The rest of the trailer remains all white.:yes:
ISCE
07/21/2009, 03:19 PM
I just bought this thing, good shape. I will be restoring it a little.....well maybe alot actually. I think it will be pretty cool, especially since it's towable with the VX. I will need mirror extenders if anyone knows of some that fit our vx rearviews? (I noticed that hauling it home) Anyone ever tackle one of these before??


http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/thumbs/camper_001.JPG (http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/camper_001.JPG)http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/thumbs/camper_002.JPG (http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/camper_002.JPG)http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/thumbs/camper_004.JPG (http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/data/500/camper_004.JPG)

Awesome find. Brings back memories, my family had one just like that when I was a kid. We had it parked on a lot in Trout Haven, a fishing resort in Colorado. Fun memories of that little camper!
djvx
07/21/2009, 08:36 PM
Riff Raff ---breakn' out the Disturbed "Smiley" :laughing:
tom4bren
07/23/2009, 02:31 PM
"Tom, I bet if you load enough stuff in the back of that thing you could do wheelies...thats a long backend behind the wheels."

It rides like a dream tho & should tow the VX nicely (when I score a trailer). This puts me one major step closer to making it to Moab next year or the year after.

All the paperwork is done - picking it up tomorrow.