Imagine my surprise and excitement when my husband, John, suggested we look for a small vintage camper to restore for my 70th birthday. What a gift! Needless to say, I was thrilled, and the hunt began immediately. Before long, we found ourselves in a bidding war on eBay for a 1965 Shasta Compact.
After winning the bid, we drove two hours to pick her up, only to discover that the photos had not told the whole story. Our decision had been based on a few pictures and the owner’s description, but when we arrived, we found the exterior covered with mold and lichen. Inside, there was extensive water damage, and the ceiling was caving in.
Still, she was ours. We knew that together we could give her a new life—and give me a whole lot of fun in the process.
I had subscribed to Vintage Camper Trailers Magazine for several years and had read many stories about camper rebuilds and restorations. Because of that, I already had a clear vision for what I wanted. I named the camper “Baby Dee,” and I knew I wanted to make her truly mine.
First, she needed structural work. John removed much of the siding, tore out the rotted wood, and replaced the framing and interior walls. He replumbed and rewired the entire camper, upgraded the electrical panel, and added additional lighting and outlets. Using single-stage automotive paint, he painted her a rich light yellow, added deep red accent stripes along the sides, and painted the wings to match.
Inside, I wanted a light, open feeling. I removed one of the beds, the hammocks, and two wall cabinets. I also laid the floor using high-grade 3/4-inch plywood, cutting grooves into it to simulate plank flooring. Then I treated the floor to give it an aged, slightly worn look.
We installed beadboard on the lower half of the walls and painted the interior walls and cabinets white. We added a small refrigerator, a microwave, and an antique five-drawer bureau with an attached mirror, which is permanently secured to the wall.
I built a small oak bench to cover part of the wheel well, and it also serves as seating for a small antique clawfoot table. Along the back wall, I added a shelf to display knickknacks. I also made a matching bedspread, throw pillows, and curtains to create a cozy and inviting space. John built a removable stand under the back window for an air conditioner, which keeps me nice and cool on hot summer days.
What fun it has been to take a nearly 60-year-old, run-down trailer and give it new life. I was especially honored when Baby Dee was selected for display in the Kansas City Auto Museum’s vintage trailer exhibit last fall, where she received wonderful praise from the local automotive community. The vintage camper exhibit has been one of the museum’s most popular displays.
Baby Dee is truly a dream come true. I enjoy this little gem more with every trip I take, and I am so thankful to my wonderful husband, who knew just how much this gift would mean to me.
Whether I am camping with glamper friends or grandkids, Baby Dee has become a place for laughter, good conversations, great food and drinks, campfires, and wonderful memories. She has given me a respite from daily life that restores and renews me, and I look forward to all the adventures and memories still waiting down the road.
