Fixer Upper question

[birol]

There is 84 PU available in Ohio, which I could import easily and work on it. It is only 350 bucks, but lacks the sink, and the canvas is torn in multiple places (Small ones) , the plactis windows are torn etc.

Roughly, How much I would be looking at if I got something like this and make it look almost like new ? Is this a feasible thing to do in my case ?

If anybody is interested with this I will post the url.

Thanks

[brainpause]

Seems like I have read that complete canvas replacements would be $500-$1000. Anyone else on this?
 
If you choose to repair the canvas for the time being, I suppose it can be done. I've seen multiple doses of tape and other things to close a canvas and make it useable.
 
As for the sink, you can probably fix that the way you want, even if you find a replacement that doesn't fit exactly. Maybe even rebuild the kitchen area to your liking.
 
For $350, it might be worth a shot. What kind is it? Is it in towable condition?
 
Larry

[Ab Diver]

Birol, if it doesn't need anything more than the canvas/windows fixed, you can at least get into it and start camping for a small price. *IF* it needs tires, breaks, bearings, a new battery, a new propane tank (unless you can exchange it at Wallyworld), or has major "hidden" problems like floor rot, a leaking roof, lifter system problems, or some collection of the above and/or other problems... the total cost could well be more trouble than it's worth.
 
What's the condition of the rest of the camper? Is it a floorplan you like? If it's not something you'd choose if it was in perfect condition and selling for 2 grand, give it a pass. A trailer costing twice as much, but be in four times better shape, could be just around the corner.
 
Then again, if you like the trailer, and all that's holding it up from going camping is a few canvas stitches and some new plastic on a window... GO FOR IT!!

[tlhdoc]

You should check out the rest of the PU before you decide.  You can contact a canvas replacement company to check on what it would cost to replace the canvas.  It could be a great PU, but if there are other problems with it (rotted wood, bent axel, bad lift system, etc.) you may be better off passing on it.  Good luck.

[angelsmom10]

When we had our '85 Starcraft, replacement canvas was $700 and I'm sure that would include the windows.  It did not have brakes on it.  

Where in Ohio is it?  There is possibility that we can or can get someone to check it out for you.
 
Let me know.

[birol]

Woow, thanks for the replies, it is a 1975 COleman Lexington ...here is the URL :

http://www.jezebel-music.com/Coleman.html

I found it on PUX. WHat do you guys think ?

I assume I can take out all the cabinets and put lineloum or whatever it is called on the floor ? Is it worth a trip to Columbus  ? Is anyone living in Colombus who want o check this one out for me ? I will reward you with a mini keg of REAL CANADIAN BEER !

Thanks

[Gone-Camping]

I think Anglesmom has a good idea, get someone in the area that is willing to help out by taking a look at it for you. Canvas replacement runs roughly $700 (USD) and seems pretty across the board for all canvas replacement companies, but perhaps you can find a real deal out there. Just before I left iRV2 there was someone on there that totaled their old Starcraft, and were trying to sell off some brand new canvas they bought for it, only $500 (USD).
 
My first PU has several sections of canvas that were torn, and subsequentially fixed by previous owner. They had found some canvas of the same color and type, and just had it patched, anyone with a sewing machine capable of Heavy Duty stitching can handle it, that stuff isn't any thicker than a good pair of Blue Jeans!!! Plastic windows can be temporarilly repaired with a roll of 2 inch clear tape. If you do buy new canvas, it would include the plastic windows!!
 
Be aware, if it has that much problem with the canvas, I'd be VERY suspect of the structual integrity of the trailer. If I were you, I'd begin the process of finding someone to check it out for you!

[birol]

I sent an e-mail to the owner, and asked about the condition of the axel, battery, propane tank etc ...... If it is available, I am hoping that someone living nearby will volunteer, otherwise I will have to drive down to see it, after we move of course ..... Looks like it is an 8' model , two double beds, and a small dinette ......Looks cute, but the roof dirt si scaring me away, would it eb possible to clean it ?

I think Anglesmom has a good idea, get someone in the area that is willing to help out by taking a look at it for you. Canvas replacement runs roughly $700 (USD) and seems pretty across the board for all canvas replacement companies, but perhaps you can find a real deal out there. Just before I left iRV2 there was someone on there that totaled their old Starcraft, and were trying to sell off some brand new canvas they bought for it, only $500 (USD).
 
My first PU has several sections of canvas that were torn, and subsequentially fixed by previous owner. They had found some canvas of the same color and type, and just had it patched, anyone with a sewing machine capable of Heavy Duty stitching can handle it, that stuff isn't any thicker than a good pair of Blue Jeans!!! Plastic windows can be temporarilly repaired with a roll of 2 inch clear tape. If you do buy new canvas, it would include the plastic windows!!
 
Be aware, if it has that much problem with the canvas, I'd be VERY suspect of the structual integrity of the trailer. If I were you, I'd begin the process of finding someone to check it out for you!

[angelsmom10]

From the pics, some of the repairs can be made by yourself with a heavy duty needle and heavy duty thread (seams).  The screen can also be sewn.  We did this with our '85 (OK -- DH did it).
I would assume the roof could be easily cleaned with a mixture of Clorox and water.  
 
Ours came with a sink, but we took it out so that we would have more space.  So I don't think you would mind the sink missing - you should be used to doing dishes in a tub anyway.
 
A good person to contact to have him check it out would be "Wojo" (Dave) -- you can ask him and see if he is available.  If not, I can see what I can do.  Find out what part of Columbus -- you could also go over to www.glpuc.org and get a hold of BNLazy - he also lives in the Columbus area.
 
Also, if it is in the condition that he says and nothing else, offer less; the guys I mentioned above won't do you wrong.

[birol]

I will try to contact them once I hear from the seller, at 350 bucks, It is worth a try, and I don't have to go thru the certification process ALl I will have to do is just get it registered, yehaaaaa !

From the pics, some of the repairs can be made by yourself with a heavy duty needle and heavy duty thread (seams).  The screen can also be sewn.  We did this with our '85 (OK -- DH did it).
I would assume the roof could be easily cleaned with a mixture of Clorox and water.  
 
Ours came with a sink, but we took it out so that we would have more space.  So I don't think you would mind the sink missing - you should be used to doing dishes in a tub anyway.
 
A good person to contact to have him check it out would be "Wojo" (Dave) -- you can ask him and see if he is available.  If not, I can see what I can do.  Find out what part of Columbus -- you could also go over to www.glpuc.org and get a hold of BNLazy - he also lives in the Columbus area.
 
Also, if it is in the condition that he says and nothing else, offer less; the guys I mentioned above won't do you wrong.

[angelsmom10]

Here's one that was listed over on GLPUC

 
Apache Eagle popup in great shape! New tires, bearings this year. Canvas in real good shape. Have had it for several years, no leaks, smells, stains etc. Will send jpg pic upon request. Located 20 W of Madison, Wisconsin. Bought it for $800, will let it go for $500 b/4 spring. Otherwise I'll keep it. email martinson@charter.net ("martinson@charter.net")
 
Also, the same guy posted this on GLPUC -- here's what it said
 
Posted - 10/11/2003 :  10:27:16 AM       Good starter unit, indoor/outdoor carpet, new curtains, cushions recovered. (not mattresses though) Water system was removed by previous owner, I have tank, sink, faucet but never installed them. Surprisingly good canvas for the age of the thing, but I did find a 2.5" separation along a seam at one bunk end. Top was painted with some kind of rubbery paint and is pretty badly stained, vent was covered over too, previous owner used to carry bikes on the roof. Tires aren't too bad but I wouldn't use them for long. Hubs have Bearing Buddies. No spare. Floor feels solid. All lights work, some new lenses. 1 7/8 coupler. Has awning and poles..

450.00 firm. Must pick up in Columbus, Ohio 98 Astro AWD; trans cooler/temp guage
84 Skamper 159CEdited by - pwhited on 10/11/2003 10:28:10

[birol]

Doesn't sound too good then does it ? Roof being painted like that can't be good I guess ? Whenever I think I found something, it dissolves in my hands  

Here's one that was listed over on GLPUC

 
Apache Eagle popup in great shape! New tires, bearings this year. Canvas in real good shape. Have had it for several years, no leaks, smells, stains etc. Will send jpg pic upon request. Located 20 W of Madison, Wisconsin. Bought it for $800, will let it go for $500 b/4 spring. Otherwise I'll keep it. email martinson@charter.net ("martinson@charter.net")
 
Also, the same guy posted this on GLPUC -- here's what it said
 
Posted - 10/11/2003 :  10:27:16 AM       Good starter unit, indoor/outdoor carpet, new curtains, cushions recovered. (not mattresses though) Water system was removed by previous owner, I have tank, sink, faucet but never installed them. Surprisingly good canvas for the age of the thing, but I did find a 2.5" separation along a seam at one bunk end. Top was painted with some kind of rubbery paint and is pretty badly stained, vent was covered over too, previous owner used to carry bikes on the roof. Tires aren't too bad but I wouldn't use them for long. Hubs have Bearing Buddies. No spare. Floor feels solid. All lights work, some new lenses. 1 7/8 coupler. Has awning and poles..

450.00 firm. Must pick up in Columbus, Ohio 98 Astro AWD; trans cooler/temp guage
84 Skamper 159CEdited by - pwhited on 10/11/2003 10:28:10

[angelsmom10]

Personally, I'd still have someone check it out.  Knowing about the roof, you could bargain for a lot better price.  It still could be a diamond in the ruff.  Get a few years out of it and sell it for either the same or higher -- you still got your use out of it.  We bought our original for $400 and sold it for $750 -- we would have been happy to get our $400 out of it as we had almost 2 years of great camping in it -- as DH said it was better than sleeping on the ground - the body just can't handle that anymore:J

[birol]

Personally, I'd still have someone check it out.  Knowing about the roof, you could bargain for a lot better price.  It still could be a diamond in the ruff.  Get a few years out of it and sell it for either the same or higher -- you still got your use out of it.  We bought our original for $400 and sold it for $750 -- we would have been happy to get our $400 out of it as we had almost 2 years of great camping in it -- as DH said it was better than sleeping on the ground - the body just can't handle that anymore:J

Very true, I am getting sleepy and excited, not a good combination. I had better sign off now, too many newspapers to distribute in snow and ice tomorrow morning  

[birol]

here is his reply to me,

what do you guys think ?

Yes, it's still available.  There was no battery with it when I bought it several years ago.   There is a propane tank, but it doesn't have the OPD thing that's in use here now, don't know if that's needed in Canada or not.  The only real problem that I know of is the roof is a mess, it's had some rubbery paint put on it (quite a while ago from the looks of it) and it's really stained bad.  It also feels like it stopped sticking in one corner, might be some wood going bad under there?  I know that the guy who owned it before me used to carry bikes on the roof (without a rack) and they damaged the top, hence the rubberized paint.  (the vent was sealed over too)  I've got decent wheel/tires for it, (Carlisle load range C) the ones that are on it now are probably no good.  It was wired for brakes, but they have been removed, probably because the guy put Bearing Buddies on it, I read that they can push grease back into the brake drum.  The hub/drums are still there, and I think the brake backing plate too (not sure about that though). I don't know of any axle problems, but I've never towed it either.  What should I look for under there?   It does need some work, but it's not so much of a project that it's unusable.  We've never used it at all, we bought it and did some stuff inside, then ran across the Skamper which we loved right away.   I'm at XXX-XXX-XXXX if you want to talk, usually home by 4:30 or 5pm.  The trailer also has a class 3 hitch on the rear, with an extended bumper.    If you do get it, make sure to bring something to load in the front, it's very light on the tongue.