First good look at the 73 starmaster - photos

[ScouterMom]

Ok - here's the first good look at the camper I bought, I know it's repairable, but it's going to take a bit more work than I expected, as once opened, I found one corner was soggy from the recent rain in our area - and I'm sure this wasn't the first leak!

I tried to get decent pics of everything, and have posted them on webshots -



the plan is to fix the roof and lift system first, and then get it out of the garage so I can clean and really air out the canvas.  But it's still going to be raining here this week - and very windy - so it's better inside the garage for now.

Take a look and tell me if you have any ideas or suggestions.....

I do have almost a whole woodshop of tools (my son is into woodworking and I like to rehab abd refinish furniture) so we probably have the skills and tools, it's just a matter of time, patience and materials!

Laura

[ScouterMom]

click on the photo - it should take you to the webshots album and the other photos.

[Hunt4Fun]

Just some thoughts:

Give some thought to replacing the roof either partially or completely.  It's actually nothing but an upside down box and easily duplicated.  I used exterior grade plywood, but put two coats of Kilz primer.  I used a lot of caulk to make sure everything is sealed up.

Be careful about the furnace.  I use the Mr. Heater types because they have a low oxygen sensor and a tip sensor if they get knocked over.

Hunt4Fun

[ScouterMom]

I have been thinking about replacing the roof - I'd like to replace most of it - at least the inside.  

From what I've seen on this board and others, the roofs are mostly foam insulation and pressboard with an outside aluminum skin - replacing it would go a long way to getting rid of the mold and mildew that is probably what is setting off my allergies so bad (the camper is in the garage, and the smell is getting better, but still very musty smelling with our damp cold weather)

I'm thinking it would probably actually be easier to replace ALL 4 side boards of the roof box, than to try and fit just some partial replacements, and I bet it would be pretty easy to fill in the roof with foam and some paneling or maybe that pre-finished wallboard they sell at the home improvement stores (looks like wallpaper or tile, usually vinyl)  one or two sheets ought to do it, and they run about $12 - $15 each.  it would also give me the chance to make the roof a bit stronger, in case I want to put a bike rack, AC or canoe on it someday.

I'm wondering how to replace the long sides of the roof box, though - as I think the box is 10 or 12 ft long - longer than an 8' sheet of plywood.  How do I seam it and keep it strong?  I used treated plywood on the other camper - but it's box was so small that I cut all the roof pieces out of a single 8 X 4 sheet of wood.

did you use plywood, chipboard, or solid wood for the sides of your box top?

Laura