Dan's 1976 Scamp Frame Off Restoration with Improvements

[Captleemo]

What kind of suspension is that?

[Curbfeeler]

Originally Posted by Captleemo

What kind of suspension is that?

https://www.etrailer.com/Trail...-Ax...SR2000S02.html

More info in post #10.

[Curbfeeler]

With the floor down, time to put stuff all back together. I was just not as happy with the closet as I wanted to be, so I cut and extended it about another 1/2 inch using wax paper and fiberglass cloth. I did not remove it this time; just glassed it to fit.

The result is a nice, square closet, and I'm very happy with it. I put down luan plywood supported by the wheel well and a couple miter-cut 1x1 strips of walnut epoxied in place.

I plan to locate the portable ac unit in here, thus the 120v box.

[Curbfeeler]

Held my breath a bit, but the front bunk fit in perfectly. Same with the kitchen. I had the divider wall from under the sink as a template but it was beat up, so I cut a new one from luan plywood. Used cardboard to ensure a perfect fit.

Totally removed the 120v wiring from the kitchen light and only using 12v led strips in that old fixture. Long story short, I only want the AC unit to run off 120v, even if shore power is available.

12 volt stuff tested and working:
- fan
- tripath stereo amp
- 3 way fridge
- 2 way light on side of closet, facing dinette.
- 4 USB outlets
- 4 lighter outlets

I've made a 12v junction box from a single gang metal box and a top from luan plywood. I'm powering the 12v with a 12v brick from an old PC monitor, capable of 5 amp output. I designed this so that I can quickly switch between the 12v outputs of my generator, my car jumper battery pack, eventually a solar system, etc. Trying to build this for the future, although right now we're on shore power 90% of the time.

[Dan-NS27]

Really nice work all around. I like that non axle suspension. Looks like a good way to go for refitting an old camper.

Fiberglass is fun to work with. Easy to fix mistakes and once painted, looks like how it's supposed to be.

[Curbfeeler]

Last post and then I'm caught up with progress. I had to reinstall my door, which was way easier than I'd expected. I parked the trailer close to my garage and used expanding bed dividers (these were used as jacks to support the ceiling previously) to hold it into the ideal location.

I kept the same hole locations on the body, but I did fill the door holes with tigerhair and moved them just a bit.

Very pleased with the fit!

[Borrego Dave]

Very good use of the bed clamps Dan .

[Curbfeeler]

Hello all. Just to follow up, the scamp took its maiden voyage last weekend. About 400 miles round trip to a trout fishing spot that I visit twice a year with 9-10 other guys. Pulled well, no issues. Was good to have her back, almost 1 year to the day of the dreadful frame crack.

Still more to do, obviously. Next task is to gusset the frame where the tongue connects, as suggested by another user on this thread. I will also be checking into ways to get it into the garage for winter now that the frame sits too tall to make the door.

After that I have to finish the fridge, install flooring, paint, etc. Just having it campable is a huge triumph for me, though. Wanted to share.

[SubmarineVeteran]

This build is great! I’m wondering what the size of the small wheels you made to get it into that garage? I’m currently looking for a fixer upper. Would love to get it in the garage for working on the inside. I’m looking at doing something similar to what you did. Would love to have one lifted to pull behind my Jeep. I’d also have the frame completely rebuilt by a local welder. Curious on what it weighs now. As I should stay under 1500# for my Jeep. I’m also planning on the Timbren Axleless suspension. I’m probably going to just make the inside as basic as possible with no frills. Basically just a sleeping area. All cooking can be outside. Thanks and great looking build.

[SubmarineVeteran]

Hello there Dan,

I’m really digging your build and have been wanting to do something similar. I’m not sure if I have your skill level but, would love to check out your build if possible. I’m in Johnston, IA and so, many of the things you’ve done are things I like. Such as the Timbren axles. I picked up a 1976 Scamp the other day and it needs quite a bit of work. I’d really like to get some insight on what to do for my Scamp to make it just a little more off road ready. If you’re open to chatting in real life I’d love to check out your Scamp. Thanks Wade

[Michael Furtman]

I note in the photo from the driver's side of your Scamp that you have an electric cord port near the rear, and no battery box up front. Is your battery mounted inside, under the seat on that side? I ask because mine is (1978 Scamp), and I have the same kind of cord opening for 120. Yet the folks at the factory told me that they have never mounted the battery back there.

[Curbfeeler]

I have never gone down the battery rabbit hole. just use this jump starter. I always think I will put down the money next year, but for listening to music and a few hours of led lights this always suffices.