Just brought home a Ventura - Fiberglass RV
Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×


Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 07-24-2017, 03:43 PM   #1
Member
 
philtripp's Avatar
 
Name: Phil
Trailer: Ventura
Manitoba
Posts: 63
Just brought home a Ventura

Hey all,

Recently brought home a Ventura that I found behind a guys barn! Ive been looking through all of the posts hear and look forward to chatting with you all about my upcoming project. My wife and I are planning to tackle the project together over the winter months.

I will post some photos here and we will also be blogging about our adventure!

Pleased to meet you all!

Phil
philtripp is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-25-2017, 02:47 PM   #2
Senior Member
 
Name: Tom
Trailer: Sprinter 'til I buy
Denver, CO
Posts: 944
Nice find. We look forward to your reports and photos.
Tom 72 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-25-2017, 02:52 PM   #3
Member
 
Name: Jim
Trailer: ventura 1300
Ontario
Posts: 55
Smile Just brought home a Ventura

Hi there Phill ,
I did just that a couple ago and found it a great little trailer, I'am near Thunder Bay and will be going to the fiberglass meet at ST MALO in August , hope you will make yourself know or email me anytime.
Best Regards,
Jim .
jvrayner is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-27-2017, 12:15 PM   #4
Member
 
philtripp's Avatar
 
Name: Phil
Trailer: Ventura
Manitoba
Posts: 63
Thanks guys! Im sure I will be seeking out advise yet.
philtripp is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-05-2017, 08:25 PM   #5
Member
 
philtripp's Avatar
 
Name: Phil
Trailer: Ventura
Manitoba
Posts: 63
So it's been a while since I started this thread but the renos have been getting underway. I will try to catch everyone up over the next while.

For starters here it is! 1974 Ventura camper manufactured in the very community I currently reside in. In fact a friends dad used to build them lol. I found this little beauty behind a farmers shed and picked it up for $600. There was extensive water damage as a result of several holes in the roof and collapsed framing. The roof was basically acting as a bowl with the old broken roof vent as it's drain. All said though I think it was a steal! The fridge even works on all three power/fuel options and holds a temp of -11C on the coldest setting.

I will post some more progress pics soon.

Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_6800.jpg
Views:	22
Size:	288.3 KB
ID:	113545Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_6801.jpg
Views:	21
Size:	313.8 KB
ID:	113546Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_7665.jpg
Views:	20
Size:	353.3 KB
ID:	113547Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_7669.jpg
Views:	20
Size:	241.4 KB
ID:	113548Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_7671.jpg
Views:	18
Size:	291.6 KB
ID:	113549Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_7670.jpg
Views:	17
Size:	264.8 KB
ID:	113550
philtripp is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-05-2017, 08:27 PM   #6
Member
 
philtripp's Avatar
 
Name: Phil
Trailer: Ventura
Manitoba
Posts: 63
Just brought home a Ventura

Also can someone verify if my pictures posted twice? Im using the iPhone app and after posting it looks like there are two copies of each photo.
philtripp is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-05-2017, 08:31 PM   #7
Senior Member
 
Dudley's Avatar
 
Name: David
Trailer: 1998 Casita 17 SD
Alberta
Posts: 786
Registry
looks good, both the trailer and the picture posting, only one of each picture so all is good.

I think that was the first year of the ventura. No furnace or upper storage area above the rear window
Dudley is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-05-2017, 08:38 PM   #8
Member
 
philtripp's Avatar
 
Name: Phil
Trailer: Ventura
Manitoba
Posts: 63
So we are fortunate to have a garage larger enough to fit our project for the winter. Even though the car will have to live a lonely cold life outside this year...

After getting the camper inside I started removing the inside components. I will be reusing most of the original bench/cabinet framing with new skins, reusing the fridge/sink/faucet. Everything else will be replaced.

After gutting the inside it looks like 95% of the wall framing is in good shape while the whole roof will be getting reframed. I'm going to be remaking the roof supports as they were made at the factory and then reinforcing them with a yet to be determined substance. Likely some aluminum as mentioned my Dudley I believe.

All of the original windows are there and will be rebuilt and put back in. The door is another matter completely...what a disaster! I will either buy a new door or find something to retrofit as the existing one is toast and I'm missing a piece of the aluminum door trim Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_7663.jpg
Views:	17
Size:	177.0 KB
ID:	113551Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_7706.jpg
Views:	13
Size:	329.8 KB
ID:	113552Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_7707.jpg
Views:	13
Size:	283.9 KB
ID:	113553Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_7708.jpg
Views:	16
Size:	282.8 KB
ID:	113554Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_7841.jpg
Views:	16
Size:	205.8 KB
ID:	113555Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_7843.jpg
Views:	17
Size:	327.2 KB
ID:	113556Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_7844.jpg
Views:	16
Size:	329.7 KB
ID:	113557Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_7846.jpg
Views:	14
Size:	299.7 KB
ID:	113558Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_7847.jpg
Views:	15
Size:	294.6 KB
ID:	113559
philtripp is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-05-2017, 08:39 PM   #9
Member
 
philtripp's Avatar
 
Name: Phil
Trailer: Ventura
Manitoba
Posts: 63
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dudley View Post
looks good, both the trailer and the picture posting, only one of each picture so all is good.

I think that was the first year of the ventura. No furnace or upper storage area above the rear window


Yeah there was no furnace, although the steel gas line was run under unit for a future install. And no upper storage above the rear window (I may have to add that!)
philtripp is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-05-2017, 08:42 PM   #10
Member
 
philtripp's Avatar
 
Name: Phil
Trailer: Ventura
Manitoba
Posts: 63
I can't begin to describe how many layer of who knows what was used to try sealing this vent! If only people knew how easy it was to just remove and reinstall with new butyl tape.

Not sure if you can see or not but the roof is also covered with a rubberized seal coat which is currently being removed with a grinder and a flap disc. Either number of large holes I'm considering applying a few new layers of fiberglass to the whole roof surface.

Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_7873.jpg
Views:	20
Size:	304.9 KB
ID:	113560
philtripp is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-05-2017, 09:02 PM   #11
Senior Member
 
Dudley's Avatar
 
Name: David
Trailer: 1998 Casita 17 SD
Alberta
Posts: 786
Registry
Yes I went the rubber paint direction and it worked ok but was a real pain to clean. I left it on but painted it with some RONA plastic paint and that gave it some gloss and was easy to clean. My fiberglass was very badly spider cracked on the top half and at the time, I was fixing up a $800 beater.

BTW saw this guy out at a RV salvage yard just outside of Fort Saskatewan. A staff member owns it was is doing a rebuild as well
Attached Thumbnails
IMG_0308 (Medium).JPG  
Dudley is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-05-2017, 09:06 PM   #12
Member
 
philtripp's Avatar
 
Name: Phil
Trailer: Ventura
Manitoba
Posts: 63
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dudley View Post
Yes I went the rubber paint direction and it worked ok but was a real pain to clean. I left it on but painted it with some RONA plastic paint and that gave it some gloss and was easy to clean. My fiberglass was very badly spider cracked on the top half and at the time, I was fixing up a $800 beater.



BTW saw this guy out at a RV salvage yard just outside of Fort Saskatewan. A staff member owns it was is doing a rebuild as well


Nice! It's always fun to see the Ventura campers getting Reno'd. I see so few of them around.
philtripp is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-05-2017, 09:06 PM   #13
Senior Member
 
Dudley's Avatar
 
Name: David
Trailer: 1998 Casita 17 SD
Alberta
Posts: 786
Registry
watch out for the wood behind the belly band as it can rot. The top and bottom halves are not glassed together but are screwed into the wood and that's all that is holding it together.
Dudley is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-05-2017, 09:08 PM   #14
Member
 
philtripp's Avatar
 
Name: Phil
Trailer: Ventura
Manitoba
Posts: 63
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dudley View Post
watch out for the wood behind the belly band as it can rot. The top and bottom halves are not glassed together but are screwed into the wood and that's all that is holding it together.


I've got the belly band removed currently and there was a bit of rot present in the plywood behind. I think I will glass the halves together and then either apply a vinyl moulding to separate the future paint colors. Seems to be the best idea to eliminate future issues.
philtripp is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-05-2017, 09:14 PM   #15
Senior Member
 
Dudley's Avatar
 
Name: David
Trailer: 1998 Casita 17 SD
Alberta
Posts: 786
Registry
I know where there is one but its really rough. The poor thing was shot through the door lock and propane regulator as well as a window. Then a bear got in and someone shot buckshoot through the street side wall so there are about 20 1/4" holes. I know I can get it cheap and may just do it up and sell it. Save it from the scrap yard.
I went inside to see what year it was and opened the closet door to find a 10" hornets nest and a lot of very mad hornets! Exit stage left and about 7 bites.
Dudley is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-05-2017, 09:18 PM   #16
Member
 
philtripp's Avatar
 
Name: Phil
Trailer: Ventura
Manitoba
Posts: 63
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dudley View Post
I know where there is one but its really rough. The poor thing was shot through the door lock and propane regulator as well as a window. Then a bear got in and someone shot buckshoot through the street side wall so there are about 20 1/4" holes. I know I can get it cheap and may just do it up and sell it. Save it from the scrap yard.

I went inside to see what year it was and opened the closet door to find a 10" hornets nest and a lot of very mad hornets! Exit stage left and about 7 bites.


Yikes that does sound a bit rough! It would certainly be worth it to Reno for resale. Especially since you've already done one of them, the second would be easier I'm sure.

Can't imagine having a bear inside that tiny camper...
philtripp is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-05-2017, 10:01 PM   #17
Senior Member
 
Patricia D.'s Avatar
 
Name: Patricia
Trailer: 1975 Ventura
Ontario
Posts: 353
Phil,
It is fun to see pictures of your progress.
I envy you your garage. I had to pack up my trailer for the winter on Friday. I estimate that I was 3 days from being finished the cabinetry and rest of the interior fittings. I still have the water system and the electrical to complete but it is just too cold to work outside now.
I hope you keep posting as you go.
Patricia D. is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-06-2017, 06:25 AM   #18
Senior Member
 
Name: bob
Trailer: Was A-Liner now 13f Scamp
Missouri
Posts: 3,209
amazing

phil you are a in a group of amazing people here to have the courage to start a project like this let alone able to follow through to the finish.

I wonder are you logging the hours you are using on this redo? I know leasure hours don't account for much but it still has to be time consuming!

I love your passion and your work!

bob
k0wtz is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-06-2017, 07:12 AM   #19
Member
 
philtripp's Avatar
 
Name: Phil
Trailer: Ventura
Manitoba
Posts: 63
Quote:
Originally Posted by k0wtz View Post
phil you are a in a group of amazing people here to have the courage to start a project like this let alone able to follow through to the finish.

I wonder are you logging the hours you are using on this redo? I know leasure hours don't account for much but it still has to be time consuming!

I love your passion and your work!

bob


I'm not currently logging my hours, perhaps I should be! I would estimate that I have about 10-15 hours into it at this point.

It will certainly be a project that I spend many hours on, thankfully I have a long cold winter ahead of me with nothing but time!
philtripp is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-06-2017, 07:37 AM   #20
Senior Member
 
Name: bob
Trailer: Was A-Liner now 13f Scamp
Missouri
Posts: 3,209
when you are done

I can see this consuming some time but I am betting you have plenty. I wish I had the skills some of you have here. I cant imagine when that final thing is done and you load up to take it on a trip.

Not long ago at our state trout fishing park a couple pulled up in an old Shasta that had been redone. They got visitors all afternoon from people bragging on their job.

the trailer itself had been repainted white trimmed in mauve even the wings. it really looked neat and was perfect inside.

another old trailer saved from the salvage yard to be used another 50 years!

bob
k0wtz is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
ventura


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Hi I just brought my "new" 1972 Hunter Compact Jr home and have begun some renos to a billmccracken Hi, I am.... 2 07-16-2015 09:42 PM
Just brought home a 13' Companion Joan of Shark Hi, I am.... 4 12-07-2013 08:55 AM
We brought another one home ! Phil Underwood Care and Feeding of Molded Fiberglass Trailers 27 03-03-2010 08:35 PM
Brought home a 76 Scamp.......its small jimtesla General Chat 15 09-10-2009 02:02 PM
New Guy. Just brought home an '86 13' Burro Craig D Care and Feeding of Molded Fiberglass Trailers 11 07-01-2009 08:18 PM

» Upcoming Events
No events scheduled in
the next 465 days.
» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 01:32 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.