This isn’t a story about perfect restorations. It’s about seeing potential in old campers that might otherwise be forgotten. Hopefully, these simple transformations will encourage others to see what they can do with a little work, even if they aren’t ready to tackle a full restoration.
These are two campers I once owned and later sold. My intent was never to “flip” them for a profit. I wanted to save them and help someone see beyond the faded paint and years of neglect. Of course, my friends also say I’m a sucker for a sad case!
1964 Scotty
I found this Scotty sitting in the middle of the woods. The owner was asking $600, but probably would have accepted $100, which would have been a fair price for its condition.
I paid him $200. The trailer was surprisingly complete, and the interior was fairly solid. I also liked the owner, who was about to go to prison and could use the extra hundred dollars.
The aluminum skin was in decent condition. I was also happy to discover that the original door window was still there, hidden beneath a piece of plywood that had been tacked over it.
I replaced the Bargman door lock, sanded and painted the exterior, installed a new tongue jack and added new chrome hubcaps. Inside, I repainted it in a blue similar to the original factory color.
I eventually sold the Scotty to a good friend for $500, which was less than I had invested in it. He loves the trailer and plans to continue the restoration, probably starting with the frame.
I didn’t make any money, but I really felt like I had saved something.
Happy ending!
1963 Shasta Astrodome
This Shasta Astrodome came my way because of the City of Terrell, Texas. The city said a camper could not remain in a backyard, even behind a fence and completely out of sight, unless it was registered for active use on Texas roads. The trailer had not moved in more than 20 years, so the owner had to sell it.
A friend alerted me when it appeared in his neighbor’s driveway.
The exterior needed plenty of attention, but the interior was surprisingly well preserved and still had its original bathroom. Unfortunately, everything had been painted a faded, unpleasant shade of brown. Beneath that paint, I discovered the original “Lucy Blue.”
I thoroughly cleaned the interior and repainted it in a light blue that was close to the original color. The transformation was simple, but it made a big difference.
Shortly after I first brought the Astrodome home, a woman stopped by my property. She had fallen in love with the trailer but didn’t have the money to buy it. Every few months, she would stop by just to visit and say hello to it.
After I had cleaned and painted the camper and was ready to sell it, I contacted her before listing it anywhere. I told her that if she still wanted it, it was hers.
She managed to pull everything together and took the Shasta home. Seeing her smile made it all worthwhile.
Another happy ending!
