Love Bug newbie!

[xkross]

I found a Love Bug parked out in a field. It was covered in mold and moss. Gave the owner $200 for it. My hobby is renovating old Airstreams, so this camper is new to me, and I will have plenty of questions for you folks that have been doing this for a while. I dug out the mountains of coon poop, gutted the interior and exterior, and power washed it inside and out. (Smells a little better now)

My trailer plug has ten wires coming out of it, and all of the wiring was gone.
Does anyone have an elctrical diagram for the wiring or know where I can find one?

I plan on spraying cork on the interior walls. Does anyone have any experience doing this?

The axle is sagging and I will replace it. I would also like to raise it up a little.. Instead of the normal +10 degree rake angle, can I use a different rake angle or should I keep with this one and use spacer blocks?

Thanks for your help!

[floyd]

Looks like a bit of a project.

[xkross]

A journey of 1000 miles begins wit the first step!

[CalCop]

Wow! What a project.
I'm not sure what model trailer this is. Boler, Scamp, I doubt its a Casita. I just don't know.
Thie first thing to do is identify what you have. That way when asking for wiring diagrams or other help, people who know can be of more help.
Lots of luck

[xkross]

It is a Love Bug, made in Tripoli Iowa in 1973.

[Artist Chic]

Welcome to a great forum. Congratulations on getting your new project.

What fun you will have working on her! You have a blank canvas and with your Airstream experience will likely have a stunner when done!

I have her sister, also built in 1973. I love my Lovebug. She has provided me much joy.

I can't wait to see what you do. I am not near mine right now but will be in a month. If I may be of help, happy to do so.

[John in Santa Cruz]

I'd not be concerned with any original wiring diagram, wire and plumb it to suit your requirements.

[xkross]

Thanks for the reply, John. I am an electrican and won't have any problem wiring it up. I just wondered why the 7 pin umbilical cord had 10 wires coming out of the back of the molded plug.

[John in Santa Cruz]

every 7 blade pigtail I've seen has had 7 wires. brake, power, and ground are fatter wires, the various lighting circuits are thinner gauge. unless the 'reverse' center pin is also wired, then there's an 8th wire.

[xkross]

Thanks John. My camper doesn't even have brakes. I will ohm the pins and wires out and use the ones that are doubled up to bring in battery power from my truck.

[Dan Besaw]

The look from the outside is kind of rad! It looks like a Rat Rod! If I it, I would keep the outside looking like that, but inside would be fancy as hell.

[xkross]

A surprising amount of people on facebook groups have said the exact same thing!

[Scamper Linda]

I love the watermelon red colour!

[xkross]

We haven't decided what color to paint it yet.

[Jon in AZ]

Originally Posted by xkross

We haven't decided what color to paint it yet.

I’d want white on top for reduced heat gain in summer. Have fun with the bottom!

[xkross]

Yes, we were thinking white definetly on the top and maybe a bluish mint green on the bottom. We are thinking about 2 toning the door as well.

[Jon in AZ]

Sounds great! Two-tone doors… make it harder for the bears to find their way in…

I personally lean toward something like this. From my "ideas" file...

[xkross]

I really like the color, I'll show it to my wife and see what she thinks. Do you know what the color of the paint is?

[TomMarti]

Sort of "inherited" a 1973 Love Bug. Here's a couple before and after photos from renovation. That Love Bug logo you have there is a pretty good thing to keep. This site was a great inspiration with lots of good ideas and helpful members. Don't be bashful in asking.

From photos it's obvious I replaced axle, raised it by three inch blocks on frame, put on 15" wheels. Made it a glorified tent.... removed sink and water, kept the propane stove, no heater, no fridge. Fiberglas repairs from cracks and dings, and filled all the unused connections (water lines, heater vent, wiring plug in front, etc.) New 110 marine style connector. All new wiring with led lights all around, outside and in, including inside cabinet. Lots of other stuff typical of what many of us have needed to do.

Most important, we REALLY enjoy using it. Here's a few exterior "before" photos:

[TomMarti]

here's a few "after" exterior photos. It's Petit EZPoxy Polyurethane 333 Seafoam Green on the bottom and Mediterranean white up top. Interior I used 3106 Semi-gloss white.