1973 LoveBug Love-in

[Robert Johans]

Hi Folks,

Just completed the total restoration and customization of a 1973 LoveBug. This was built to the owner's unique set of parameters. (He's a rock climber, almost always boon docking, who wanted a "comfy" base camp.)

A few special details include: extra high ground clearance; solar power; oversized bed; and dinette for two. New Hehr "jalousie-style" windows; Dometic/SMEV combo cooktop/sink; and Suburban furnace.

Take a look:

[Robert Johans]

Here's some more:

[Robert Johans]

And some details:

(Let me know if you'd like to see the "before" pictures, or any other detail shots.)

[keekers]

WOW!! Great custom work. Amazing!

[cpaharley2008]

Just curious, what do some of your creations cost? Mid $20's or $30K or more? Your work is exceptional and I hope you realize that and you are well compensated. Half the battle is finding the parts, that is a neat propane tank as well as your solar display. Do you provide the trailer or the customer? Great job.

[Linda R002]

Wow, that is one of the best interiors I have ever seen. Super great job.

[Cathy P.]

Oh, my gosh, awesome is the only word I can think of!

[Donna D.]

Robert, is that a surround curtain rod I see around the back?

[theresa p]

i am sitting here with my mouth hanging open---speechless! you have done an incredible make-over on this rig. i sure hope the mountain climber who owns it realizes how gorgeous it is!!!!

[Robert Johans]

Thanks all for the kind replies.

Donna, I found that surround curtain track at Ikea!

Harley, yep, these renos can be pretty expensive, but mostly because the client asks for a lot of customization. My rates are quite reasonable, but there's a lot of time involved restoring the integrity of these old trailers. Before any interior work! New frame, new floor, all new utilities. Everything is new except for the shell. I.e.: This one required the repair of over 140 separate holes in the shell, from small bolt holes to big AC unit-sized cut-outs...

[John_M]

As usual quite simply astounding. I have literally looked at photos of some of the other trailers you have done for hours. I am sure I will do the same with this one. Great work!

[John_M]

Oh.... I forgot to say Donna is right - that curtain rod is sweet!

[ken h]

Congratulations on a job well done. I'm sure the customer will be extremely happy with the finished product.

Ken

[Camilla]

I love it! Where did the neato cooktop come from? Wish you were closer to me and I was rich!

[Carol H]

Robert, yet another amazing job!!! I know if I was the customer I would be thrilled with what you have done.

[GerryL]

Amazing job. I'd love to see a before photo to see where it came from.

[RogerDat]

What did you use to get that amazing ground clearence? I have an older scamp and the one thing I regret is not having the ground clearence to get back into some of my favorite camping spots.

Love the inside, a work of art I really admire, but am betting wife would not let me inside if ours was as nice as that.

[idiotsniff]

Robert, can you tell me the model number for these side windows that open like the originals? do you know how much these cost?

thanks for your time,

[Robert Johans]

Again, many thanks for all the kind words...

"Idiotsniff": The torque-style windows are identified as 4801, and cost about $270.00.

"RogerDat": The frame is new, and was built with the axle 3" lower the usual. The TorFlex axle spindle has a 22° down angle. The wheels are 16", and the oversized tires required custom wheel wells to be built.

"GerryL": Here are a few "before" shots.

"Camilla": I am now a dealer for Dometic/SMEV products, including this combo cooktop/sink.

[ann cody]

Amazing work Robert. You have a talent that I wish I had ;(. I live in Canada and have a 1973 Boler. I would love to take out the old fiberglass cabinet and put in a nice custom built one. My question is, our canines is riveted in, so how would I fasten in a new cupboard? Don't really want to rivet.
Ann