I found this little gem, a 1963 Traveleze, just a mile from my house. The previous owners had freshened up the interior with paint, curtains, and cushions, but the exterior was in rough shape and needed new paint. At some point, someone had used silicone sealant around all the windows and seams. Removing it turned out to be the most labor-intensive part of the restoration. I had to scrape every bit of it off and clean the surfaces with acetone to prep for paint.
After everything was cleaned up, I taped off the door and all the windows, then primed the exterior with white aluminum primer from rattle cans. Once prepped, I painted the entire coach with an oil-based enamel white paint. The roof had already been sealed with a solid product, so I painted right over it. For the trim, I taped off the areas and hand brushed them using oil-based paint. The clean, fresh look really brought her back to life.
Life on the Road with a Vintage Soul
Janice and I have already taken several camping trips in the trailer, including a week on the Texas coast. It’s our first vintage camper, and we both agree it’s a huge step up from sleeping on the ground in a tent. When I’m not working on trailers, I also restore classic wooden boats—my current project is a 1965 Cruisers Inc. Seacamper.
I’ve always loved vintage things and believe they should wear their age with pride. I don’t mind the dings and marks on this trailer—they tell a story. Just like us, she’s got a little wear that adds character and charm. We named her the “Hotel California,” and she definitely turns heads wherever we go, whether it’s on the road or parked at a campsite.
By: Daniel Stober, Westlight Photographics
Weatherford, Texas
