newbie question 69 compact

[danknappdanny]

Hello All,
first of all, sorry for the long post. I have a few questions

I have been lurking in the shadows for a few days and decided to ask a some questions. I purchased a 1969 Shasta Compact last week. My intentions for the camper were to get it road worthy, fix just what needed immediate attention, and take it to my hunting land and leave it so we could have a place to lay down, keep dry, etc..

Well I've always been very fond of the old trailers, wanted one to restore, but having 2 kids it never was practical. I bought a 38' keystone to calm my camping jones but I still wanted a little trailer, so a short drive and $400 later i own one. that needs a lot of help.

The trailer was in decent shape considering what my original plans were, but as started surfing and seeing what people have been able to do with these i was hooked!!! when I began to start taking things out of the compact, i noticed more and more problems that needed addressed. The entire front, rear and lower right side is ROTTEN!!!

Ive since decided that if I take this to my hunting land, it will probably continue to rot to the point where it will be worthless. I think I'm going to restore it.

Questions:

When replacing parts of the wooden frame, is it better to do this from the inside? all the paneling is coming out, but I'm concerned that when i start removing the front cabinets, it going to just fall a part and I will not have anyway of knowing what went where.

the way I see this thing being constructed is the paneling on the inside also keeps it structurally sound...no? So my plan was to only replace the frame pieces that needed it, re-panel the inside, reseal everything and update the electrical and appliances.


What is the ideal thickness and type of interior paneling?

Can this be done without totally tearing the camper apart?



Is there a place that sells after market parts?
I'm missing the following:

the " Shasta " metal emblem
the " compact " metal emblem
the rock guard over the front window
the fold up table inside..prob can make it
the left side wheel well molding
screen door
door hardware...latch, handle, lock what ever goes on there

i think that's it
Sorry for the looong post but I get excited talking about this damn thing

any help would be appreciated.
d

[natosha]

Yes! I need a rock guard, too!

[Gone Kayaking]

Welcome to the forum! And congratulations on your new obsession.

My suggestion is for you to post some pics of what you have on your hands, and then start reading through the restoration threads (owner restorations) and links to their blogs and see what your options are. The pictures will help other members make recommendations.

These were built from the inside to the outside, so consensus is that it is best to tear down in reverse order meaning skin off (or at least partially off) and then rebuild from the framing out. THat said many people have kept the skin on to rebuild and worked a section at a time. And then addressed the outside last. It is good to brace things so they don't get out of kilter.

As for the parts, I suggest you do a search on the forum under those specific topics and see. You will find parts listed on ebay, craigslist, and this forum from time to time.

[Bob]

If you only have to replace parts of the framing, you could do it from the inside. The alum. siding is attached to the framing, so if you replace too much from the inside, you don't have the siding secured very well. Re-framing around doors and windows and corners is no problem though, because of all the screws that you replace when you put the stuff back. I think you're right about the structure, it's mostly in the interior paneling and exterior siding. I think that the framing might be sandwiched there just to have something to nail to.

[danknappdanny]

That's what it's looking like the deeper I go. What is the thickness of the interior paneling used on these? Looks thinner than 1/4. Also. Does anyone have a pic of the front with the cabinets and panels removed? The frame is basically dust and I want to make sure to get the frame correct when I go back together. My plan is to rebuild a side at a time starting with the right and working my way around clockwise. Will this work?

[shastabear1]

Ive found out that the wheel well molding fits on either side of the compact...in fact, I needed the roadside molding for my 1500 and took it off my compact...exact fit!
As for your door hardware, I went and replaced all mine (since all mine had was a dead bolt on it) by purchasing the "L handle" and the "canned ham" interior latch. Both parts are about 25 bucks.
And your emblems? As someone else noted, can be found on ebay from time to time...

Randy

[shastabear1]

Also...member MARY1960 just might stilol have a screen door.

Randy

[danknappdanny]

Do u know how to get in touch with her? Looks like she's getting out of the game

[vikx]

The wall panels are normally 3/16 or 1/4. Ceiling, front and rear panels are 1/8". They follow the curves well.

The parts you are looking for are very difficult to come by. There are some aftermarket, but a donor trailer comes in very handy.

Rebuilds are easier if done from the outside in... JMO

[blu26ovl]

I ordered new outside "L" handle and inside door latch/handle from Vintage Trailer Supply on-line for my Compact.

Brent

[danknappdanny]

I started demoing the compact. I found that the front and rear corners are all shot. The front is so bad that it's going to be impossible to determine how to cut new wood. Any templates available, any tricks, anyone want to come and show me, lol

[txmcook]

Shoot me a email and I will help where I can. Working on a 64' and had bad rot problems.