70's Scamp Restoration

[Jay B.]

Last October I drove up to Nashville and paid too much for this:

https://picasaweb.google.com/1127553...15896847/Scamp#

Didn't matter, Fell in love. Yes, it was trashed. Yes, that is a portable air conditioner where the closet used to be. Nothing worked, everything needed to be replaced. Fiberglass cut up, floor rotten, rubber cracked, windows broken. I had no idea what I was in for.

[Kevin K]

Jay B. Trailer looks like it's in good shape a few items need attention.
So whats your plan of action?

[Peter_Crowl]

You sure that's an air conditioner and not the Robot Maid?

[Greg H]

That's a store bought portable air conditioner. So what are you doing, selling it or what?

[Jay B.]

Here are photos of the next step.

https://picasaweb.google.com/1127553...5896847/Scamp2#

As you can see the front bunk had been cut up, even though no dinette had been installed. The closet had been cut up for who knows what. My first step was to gut the entire thing, except for the elephant skin which was in pretty good shape. Next I set about to reconstruct both the front bunk lower support and rebuild the closet. I learned a whole lot about fiberglass on this one.

[Jay B.]

Here are photos of the a/c install.

https://picasaweb.google.com/1127553...ImBuNyD7oSB1gE#

[Donna D.]

Wow, you're really doing a lot of work. Good job on the install.

[Jay B.]

When I found it there were two mismatched jalousie windows on the sides. Even after alot of help from the forum I was unable to find replacements so I had to opt for the radius corner windows. Ordered them from the guys at Scamp. Here are the pictures of the install process.

https://picasaweb.google.com/1127553...J2g5r2zlvrW7gE#

It was not as difficut as I had anticipated. Less open area for airflow than the originals but that was offset by the fantastic fan install.

[Jay B.]

This shows most of the pieces back together. All new wiring and lights. Progressive 30 amp converter charger. All LED's and yes, those are Mustang tail lights. Two undercounter lights, one 12v and one 110v. New 110v refrigerator. Added a couple of 110v outlets. Ran cable for tv if I ever put one in. Backsplash is a piece of aluminum finish laminate. Lots of the replacement parts came from Scamp. Found those guy really helpful.


https://picasaweb.google.com/1127553...IHGt93d7Ji_igE#

[ken h]

Hi Jay
Your trailer did'nt to bad at the start, but wow you are doing some great work. The front bench looks like new and the a/c is very coool

Looking forward to more pictures.

[james kent]

Great pictures! Not many peope would remanufacture the closet and other parts as you did. Thanks for sharing it with us. An in-depth account of how you did that would definately be a huge help to anyone thinking of doing the same.

[Jay B.]

Here are the finished pictures of the interior:
https://picasaweb.google.com/1127553...CPLR58vd4t3MVQ#
Every nut, bolt screw and hinge was replaced. The only thing that was not removed was the elephant skin, and that was scrubbed with tsp and bleach and then primed and painted. (Thanks to the forum for that tip!) All cabinets got new maple doors and retro handles. Sink features a removable cuting board. Countertop is maple and cherry butcher block. Table is solid cherry. Cushions are memory foam and sleep great!

I cannot thank enough everyone that has ever posted a tip, trick, technique, modification, build log, or picture on this forum. I looked at everyone of them. Thanks!

[Vickie B.]

I see we have yet another craftsman in our midst! Unbelievable work!

[BigMike]

Originally Posted by Jay B.

Here are the finished pictures of the interior:
https://picasaweb.google.com/1127553...CPLR58vd4t3MVQ#
Every nut, bolt screw and hinge was replaced. The only thing that was not removed was the elephant skin, and that was scrubbed with tsp and bleach and then primed and painted. (Thanks to the forum for that tip!) All cabinets got new maple doors and retro handles. Sink features a removable cuting board. Countertop is maple and cherry butcher block. Table is solid cherry. Cushions are memory foam and sleep great!

I cannot thank enough everyone that has ever posted a tip, trick, technique, modification, build log, or picture on this forum. I looked at everyone of them. Thanks!

Hey Jay

Very nice indeed! I like the way it all came together with the two tone wood.
In one of the shots of the rear, did I see a late 60's or early 70's Mustang Taillight assembly?

Again, very nice work.
Michael

[DannyH]

Jay, the doors, table and countertop looks beautiful. The whole interior is great. Your wood working skills were put to good use in this project. Thanks for sharing.

[melissab]

And your'e going to let renters have at it???? If you decide to sell it be sure and post it here first!! Beautiful work! I'd be interested.

[khite]

I have read that others have also used memory foam for their cushion/mattress. Do you mind telling me what you purchased exactly? Was it a mattress that you cut up? Thanks!

[Donna D.]

I bought a 4" king size memory foam mattress from Overstock.com. Cut it to shape with an electric knife. IMHO it's HOT to sleep on. Which is good in the cool Spring and Fall, but too hot for good sleeping in the warm summer months. YMMV

[Roger C H]

Originally Posted by Jay B.

...Table is solid cherry...

I had a solid Birch table. One day it was in the bed position and I was kneeling on it doing something on the back window when CRACK! The table split. Not along a glued seam, but one of the boards split.

So my advice to you would be to be sure to reinforce the table across the opening, that is across the boards/grain.

BTW your restoration is unbelievable! Excellent job!

[Byron Kinnaman]

Originally Posted by Roger C H

I had a solid Birch table. One day it was in the bed position and I was kneeling on it doing something on the back window when CRACK! The table split. Not along a glued seam, but one of the boards split.

So my advice to you would be to be sure to reinforce the table across the opening, that is across the boards/grain.

BTW your restoration is unbelievable! Excellent job!

You have to be somewhat careful in adding across grain supports. If you fasten them all the way across something will split as the table top expands and contracts with moisture. This can be solved by attaching the cross braces with a screw at each end of the cross brace through an elongated hole in the cross brace. This will allow the table top to expand and contract without putting stress on the glue joints or fibers.

A better solution is to use a good quality plywood which is more stable and stronger.