Looking at 1974 starcraft

[DIYer]

I'm looking at buying a 1974 Starcraft for $500.  I'm new to the PU world.  They said that the only thing they think that is wrong is that some of the cables may need to be replaced and some canvas patching.  I have been scouring this web site for the last two days and have not seen a lot about older starcraft's.  I'm not sure if this is good or bad.  What I have seen is that their owners seem to like them and as some one else put it he "jumped at the opportunity to buy a 74 for $750".  The other thing I found is that the corners where the lift mechanism is needs to be reinforced underneith.  Any other info, good or bad would be greatly welcomed.  I'm very adpt af fixing or fabricating, and wood working, so I think I can handle most problems.  I just want to know what I'm getting to.

[CAPEd CODger]

Well, before you put your money down, try to get the roof up so you can inspect the canvas and the rest.
If the lift mechinism isn't working, recruit some friends and some 2X4's and lift the roof up that way.
After an inspection of the camper's canvas and interior, you should have a fair idea of what it's going to take to make it ready for use.

I never had a Starcraft myself, so I can't offer anything more than the general going over everything ideas.

Best of luck to you.

Bob

[hoppy]

Most of the earlier PU's lift systems were mounted inside the camper, and bolted to the floor. Check real close in these regions for floor rot that may have allowed the rails to pull up from the floor.

 Replacing the entire floor is a major undertaking. It requires removing all the cabinets, and removing the walls from the camper. Some have been able to repair these areas adding support plates.  If the cables for the lift system are under the floor of the PU,  then it's not to hard to replace them.

 Also check the canvas real close for dry rot. Replacement canvas for most PU's are in the range of $ 650.00 to $ 800.00.

  Starcraft PU's of this vintage seemed to hold up very well. Case in point, you are looking at a 30 year old one.

   I owned a 78' Palomino that I handed down to my DD and SIL, and it's still in use today.

[DIYer]

I went to look at the 74 starcraft today.  As expected it needs work.   It is not in as bad shape as I could imagine but it not as good as it could be.  I don't think its going to sell any time soon so I'll keep it in mind but I want to keep searching for now.

[The Tree Top Inn II]

I went to look at the 74 starcraft today. As expected it needs work. It is not in as bad shape as I could imagine but it not as good as it could be. I don't think its going to sell any time soon so I'll keep it in mind but I want to keep searching for now.

Before you make a big financial decision, consider making the investment of your time of taking a day for both husband and wife to drive over to the Atlanta area (Tucker) and visit PECO Campers (pecocamping.com).  If you imagine spreading out the cost of a good camper trailer over about 10 years, it's not so daunting a prospect.  The Adams family members are in the second or third generation of ownership at PECO.  They have a huge indoors (air-conditioned) showroom for new Fleetwood Folding Trailer models (formerly sold with a Coleman label) from the least expensive to the priciest--and a pretty good supply of "gently used" trade ins from existing customers.  You can take your time browsing with no sales pressure--no one is on a per unit commission.  You can see some "pre-owned" rigs on their web site.  They service what they sell and are happy to ship you parts and accessories.  Happy Camping, Scott