Wow....Really? Four Months Ago

I can't believe I haven't posted anything here since April - especially since so much has happened since April.  Or maybe it is because so much has happened since April, that I haven't posted here.

Where to begin.

That Shasta Compact, in great condition, the subject of the last time I posted?  Well, it's sitting in my driveway.  Smashed.  It was rear ended in transit from Maine to Illinois.  Which was bad enough, in itself. But the busted up rear-end opened up the back end and the rot - you know - the typical rotted framing of most vintage campers.  Of course, the seller had assured me that this trailer was free of that rot as it had been kept indoors. Sigh.  Not true on so many levels, for so many reasons.

I'll get it fixed, somehow.  Just not exactly sure how that will happen.  No vintage trailer restoration fairies have appeared at my door - only the police - after my neighbors called.  Of course he left, as the trailer had plates and wasn't in violation of any law.  So the whole summer has come and is now almost gone, along with my dreams for getting this little Shasta Compact up and camp worthy for me and my granddaughter.


My dream Shasta - the 1957 Model 1500 is still in Washington.  It is beautiful and it gets more beautiful as it is lovingly brought back to her former glory, and made even better as she gets upgrades for us to more fully enjoy her.  The plan is to go and get her next Spring.  For now, I get constant updates.

Shasta Addicted

Sundance is now in Seattle, where she is being lovingly and carefully upgraded.  I couldn't be happier with my choices - pursuing the trailer even when it seemed unlikely I could buy it and then deciding to have it sent to Washington to be upgraded.  So worth it.

Turns out Sundance is not a Model 1500 but smaller.  It's been hard to find any information, but it could be a 1400?  The title says 1957 1500.  Hoping to find a date somewhere inside at some point.  

Electric outlets have been installed...along with wiring for light in the bed area.  My heart skips a beat every time a new picture comes, with something new added.  I just want to be certain that we're making all the right choices - this is such a beautiful trailer that was kept so immaculately for so many years. In addition to adding outlets (carefully placed by the restorer), the overhead light in the kitchen area will be upgraded and a light will be added in the bed area.  I'm hoping to find a vintage Shasta light used in the bigger trailers from that year.

The transfer from Salt Lake to Seattle wasn't perfect.  I went with U-Ship and got a reasonable bid.  The people were very nice but something happened that dented the curbside back of the trailer.  It appears that the freight carrier will pay for the damage but I'm sad that it happened - both for me and for the freight carriers.

In purchasing this beautiful trailer, I didn't get the 'project' trailer I had started out looking for.  I wouldn't change my mind for anything, but a part of me still wanted a project. So we bought this...

This is a 1969 Shasta Compact.  It's really in great shape.  Hoping to go pick it up in the next few weeks. It needs a 'little' work.  A new or refurbished stove, a new fridge, cleaned paneling, mattress for the bunk, baby moons.  There is one 'iffy' area in the back street-side area behind the lounge. 

The blue paint is fading, showing the original golden/brown paint underneath.  Hoping to remove the blue without damaging what's under.  Not that I hate the blue...but Sundance came with an awning that I don't want to use on her - but thinking it might work for this one.  This trailer needs a name.

Time Flies...

My last post was just before we headed to Florida and New Orleans for almost two weeks.  Then, of course, there was all the 'catching up' at work and home after such a long trip.  I kept looking for vintage travel trailers all the way from Illinois to Florida, Louisiana and back to Illinois and I didn't spot a single one, not on the road or parked.  That really surprised me.  I guess that's why I hear that the restored campers get so much attention.

The lost check is still lost.  The Bank still won't replace it.  Sigh.  So not good.

The trailer has finished with the photo shoot and I've made arrangements through UShip to have it taken to Seattle where it will have some restoration done.  It's going by flatbed and not being towed, which makes me really, really happy.  I was rather worried about it being towed before being totally checked out.  Now I feel better.  I can't wait until it gets to the restorer so I can get an objective opinion.  I'm so biased - I love it but if there's hidden damage, that won't be a good thing. 

So tomorrow it will be picked up and on its way. 

Getting Closer...

Well, the issue with the lost check is still not resolved - but it hasn't been cashed, so that's a good thing.  I've replaced it and the seller is mailing the title.  A baby step forward.  Now I just have to get her to the next destination.


In the meantime, I'm still decorating in my head, and buying things here and there that I think will work.  Like these neat plastic vintage canisters made by Blisscraft of Hollywood. 

I'm not sure all will fit on the counter - but I'll use the Coffee and Tea ones for sure.  So cute.  They're missing their little measuring spoons but I think the scoops from a Crystal Light lemonade can will work just fine.  I love these!


I might need to start adding some blue in here somewhere.  I never realized that I like yellow so much!

Going Crazy

Yep, I am definitely going crazy.  It's hard enough waiting for the trailer to be ready to ship but add the mess with the lost check to it and I'm losing my mind.  I'm trying not to think about it but I can't help it. 


I'm still browsing (and sometimes buying) vintage things for it - so everything had better work out OK with this. I bought that really cool chenille bedspread I posted about.  I was a little nervous about the colors being right but it came this week and I love it.  It's really, really nice.  I think it will look great - especially with the leaves - sort of an outdoorsy feeling to it. 


Also got the yellow and black vintage jug.  It looks like it was never used.  Really neat. 


And yesterday, I found this:

The accessories have never been used.  I've actually seen another Red-Man picnic basket with a yellow edging but this one is pretty cool.  Some of the ones I've seen have the shelf pretty messed up.  This one looks unused (although this isn't the best photo of it).


So another week of being nervous and wishing the purchase of the trailer was actually completed.

A Long, Long Week

No posts since Monday - because on Tuesday I got an email that the seller had not received the check I had sent out on the previous Thursday and was going to relist the trailer for sale!  I was devastated.  I emailed him and called him and sent him a copy of the withdrawal from my bank account on the day I mailed the cashiers check.  I also found out that the cashiers check was not the best idea I've ever had.


After a few scary emails - I think he finally understood that I had really sent a check and he's been patient.  I've been crazy with worry. 


So every day I emailed the seller and everyday he told me that the check hadn't come.  :(  It takes 90 days to get it replaced and in the meantime I don't have the money and he doesn't have the money.  What a nightmare. I am going to have to pay him and then try to get my money back from the bank.  This really stinks. 


How could a check - mailed from a bank - just go missing?


I am hoping that it all works out - if the check doesn't arrive today, I will report it lost/stolen on Monday and then see what the next steps are.

If Only...

So I'm pretty certain I've found the 'perfect' trailer.  It's exactly what was on my 'wish' list when I started searching.  It's vintage, it's a canned ham, it's small, it's a Shasta and it's all original - needing very little restoration - just some system upgrades (crossing fingers).  So...I'm happy, right?


Well, no.  Partly because it's not here yet and won't be for months.  But also because I keep seeing these amazing trailers - some perfectly restored and some totally original but almost perfect!  Of course they're all way out of my price range.

Like this, for example.  I love, love, love this trailer.  It's an all original 1962 Holiday Rambler.  The inside is just as perfect as the outside.   Maybe there will be another one someday...


I need to stop looking at Tin Can Classifieds and EBay and Craigs List. 

I Needed This!

Well, maybe not so much, but it's so cool, vintage and yellow!  With the original box!  Who could resist? Obviously not me.  It's my first purchase for the new trailer.

I found several other 'must haves' as well, but book marked those to purchase later.  The Pelican Cooler isn't rare - I found a number of them on EBay - in the same yellow, green or red but this one appears to be unused and hopefully unbroken.


I would love to find an awning with a similar look.

Just Looking...

Been having some fun searching the Internet for items to complete the inside of this wonderful vintage trailer. I wish it was here so I could actually see the colors - I found an awesome vintage chenille bedspread but not sure the color will work (or the size).

Also fell in love with a charming vintage television set - however, that would be a bit challenging (well, more than a bit) since I wouldn't have a clue as to how to restore it or get it restored.  But it sure would be neat! Below is one that has been restored (but is not for sale).

Yes, I do believe I've lost my mind. Not to mention that I'm already intending on buying a second trailer that I've fallen in love with.  

Little of This and a Little of That

One step closer today - mailed off a cashier's check to the seller.  It's starting to hit me that I really bought this. I'm still reading and researching everything I can find online about Shasta restorations and vintage Shastas.  So much fun.


Not so much fun is trying to figure out insurance.  It appears that liability insurance - so if it hits something on the road the other driver is covered is not a problem - but insurance on the trailer itself is the issue. Also trying to figure out the state of Illinois title and registration system - but haven't quite mastered it yet.  I have the VIN number but no title or bill of sale yet. 


Also trying to figure out if she'll fit in our garage - she'll fit fine width-wise - but I'm worried about her height through the garage door.  Might be an issue.  I hope not.  Going to check out near-by storage places too.


Now that I've found the perfect trailer and the search is over - I sort of miss it!  Did I really just type that?

Waiting...and Lists!

So...it's going to be months before the Shasta is here in the Midwest.  In the meantime, I'm scouring the Internet for pictures and articles, joining vintage camper groups and learning as much as I can.  The Vintage Shasta Travel Forum is an awesome site for vintage Shasta (or anyone else looking for experts in camper restorations) lovers.  Tons of information and super friendly, and helpful members.

Wondering if I should name her yet? A friend of mine sent a whole cool list of possibilities my way - and I had a few of my own in my head. So I'm making a list of names to choose from - but too nervous to do it yet. Don't want anything to go wrong before she gets delivered.


I'm also making 'wish lists' of 1950s stuff I'd like to find.  Melmac dishes, a cool retro clock, a chenille bedspread...the list can go on and on; however the bank account won't.  So for now, no real purchases, just wish lists. Not sure whether to search for a true vintage chenille bedspread or a reproduction. The Vermont Country Store has some - but nothing with a yellow theme.

I can't wait to actually 'see' my new camper.  I keep looking at the pictures and can't believe she'll be mine.  I'll be getting an awning with her - but I'd really love to find a real vintage awning - with the fringe!  So cool. I wonder if the Shasta Company sold any accessories for their trailers?  Never seen anything posted that they did - but it wouldn't surprise me.


I haven't shared this blog with anyone yet - waiting to be certain I actually am getting this particular camper (it was not an easy purchase) but just looking to chronicle the search. 

Sold!

I'm almost afraid to post about it - afraid to jinx it - but I finally got a confirmation from the seller that the Shasta I've been stalking is mine!


She's perfect - OK - she's old - like me - so she's not quite perfect but she's closer to perfection than I am, for sure.  She's all original and in excellent condition.  I'm hoping that there are no hidden issues inside the walls. She will go to a restorer to be thoroughly checked out and have electric, gas and water all upgraded.


There is a small tear on one of the dinette cushions - but I'm hoping to get someone to repair rather than replace them.  The curtains are original - I love them - just not sure they can be salvaged.  I hope so.  Going to try.


She needs a name.  I need the seller to cash the check before I give her one.  Yes, I'm paranoid something is going to fall through.

Going, Going, Where'd It Go?

What a difference a day makes. I went to bed last night, happy as a lark, because I had made a decision to go ahead and buy the expensive, but beautiful Shasta.  It is everything I was looking for (except the high price tag). At the end of the day I figured it was worth it because this will likely be my only one.  So yesterday afternoon I committed to the price - just had a few, minor, or I thought they were minor, details to work out.


Today, I confirmed the price and the other details.  I'm still not certain what happened but the deal I thought we had apparently was not a deal on the seller's end.  I'm still trying to figure out what happened.  I guess I asked a lot of questions - but this was a lot of money and I was committing without being able to see it in person.


I'm hoping maybe the seller just got busy - but that hardly seems likely.  After all, you'd think they'd want to close a deal for a trailer that cost this much. 


Maybe this whole thing just wasn't meant to be.

Making a List...

I wish I would have started this blog a little sooner - to keep track of all the trailers and prices and frustration; but as I'm still trailer-less, now is as good a time as any.

I've responded to numerous Craigs List ads...too many to remember. What I do remember, is that I actually received responses back from 4 sellers. None of the others bothered.

• I got excited about a Shasta just outside of Orlando - exterior was sooo cute - but interior photos told a sad story. Figured we could have picked her up when we're down there at the end of the month. Didn't think to save the photo.

• Seriously considered a Shasta Astrodome in Wisconsin (now sold) but was finally convinced that the Astrodome would likely be a towing issue for me, so I passed. Bought by a member of VSTF - so hopefully we'll get some updates on it.

• Still trying to track down a CL poster on a trailer in Michigan but looks like that's a dead end. Sad, too. Year, price and location all worked.

• Talked with a restorer/reseller in Michigan about a little Fleetwing.  I liked it a lot and probably would have bought it by now if I'd gotten answers to the the questions I had. None of the questions were deal-breakers for me. [edit] After I typed this post; I received an email from the seller answering my questions - so this is still a definite 'maybe'.

Still Possible:
Waiting to hear back on a Shasta Airflyte that's way too pricey but still on the list.
Watching an EBay listing for a really cool small trailer. Not a Shasta but it's cute. Not close but I might have a way to get it home for not much money.
Deal in the working stages for a non-Shasta, in the process of being totally restored. I love the thought of this trailer. Hoping the restorer doesn't get it complete until next year. :)

Thoughts:
Thinking if the Shasta Airflyte falls through, I'll go for the EBay trailer - providing it doesn't get bid way up, keep it as our restore project and wait for the non-Shasta to be finished. IF, and that's a big IF, the Shasta becomes available and I can get it for the right price, it still needs restoration - and it's too nice for us to practice on. That kind of takes away my thoughts of a restore project - but maybe that's a good thing?

On a Mission...

Somewhere out there is a tiny tin can trailer calling my name - I just haven't gotten close enough to it yet to hear it. Right now my brain is full of useless knowledge about vintage travel trailers of the 50's and 60's - Serro Scotty, Kit, Boles-Aero, Detroiter, Fleetwing, Aljoa (with an a at the end and without), to name a few, and of course, my favorite, Shasta.

I've scoured our neighborhood, stalked Craig's List (expanding to nationwide searches) every day, haunted vintage trailer websites and EBay, and surfed the Internet until I fall asleep with golden glow panels, gas lights, and vintage paint jobs dancing in my head like visions of sugarplums.

Sometimes I think maybe...this one is the one...but Craig's list posters don't return phone calls or answer emails, or it was sold, or it's way overpriced and barely still in one piece. Restorers and resellers take offense if you question the condition and seem insulted if you ask "does it leak?"

I've read the horror stories of purchasers who bought what they thought was their perfect trailer only to end up with a huge project beyond their skill level and budget. And still, I'm on the hunt. I can't say I won't end up the same way. But I'm trying hard to not let that happen.