rebuilt 73 starmaster 6 - maiden voyage!

[ScouterMom]

we've been working hard on the old starcraft I bought in March, trying to get it ready for a trip to Kohler Andre State Park in Sheboygan, WI this past Mother's day weekend.

We got everything essential done, and a few extras - still have more work to do, but the camper is now safe, usable, clean and in good working order.

Still have some tweaking and mods to do, and I still have to check out the propane system - furnace and stove, but everything else was done and we made our trip.  

It was wonderful!  the campground was beautiful, the weather cool and crisp, the camper towed easily, and slept great.  Pauls kids came out to the campground with us and were very impressed with all we'd accomplished.  (they'd been following our progress on line thru my albums http://community.webshots.com/user/TLauraT7 ) SIL Chris offered to airbrush the camper for us! ( he's quite an artist with an airbrush, too!)  they thought it was really cool, and made plans to camp with us next time we come up.

I was thrilled with how comfortable and sturdy the camper was - and how roomy!  We took out some cabinets for floor repair, and we like the open space and versatility  it gives us, that we don't think we will be rebuilding those cabinets.  We'll probably re-do the linoleum, paint the inside, but leave the open space as it gives us a very versatile space.  it can be used for storage, chairs for seating, or a playpen for sleeping kids, plastic totes, a small grill, large coolers or a 'fridge,  - it's really very useful to have that open area in back. and easier to keep clean.  We even came up with a few simple ideas to turn that back bed into a king or queen bed, with all that open area back there. So we will probably re-locate the electrical hookup (kind of in the middle of where one cabinet was removed), and may not re- install the water tank.  I doubt we'd be dry-camping much anyway.

So our first trip was a great success, and we are looking forward to many more!

Laura

[paulski617]

Congrats, glad your first trip was a success.  Just wish us luck for the same when we get to take our NTU pup out!

[Dadjelma]

Looks great. We bought a '71 Starcraft in Mar and have been working on it since. We took it out for a one nighter a few weeks ago, and have our first long trip next weekend. Luckily, we did not have the issues to deal with that you did. The floor is all in good shape, and the lift system works fine. We had to do some minor canvas repair and cleaning. My wife recovered the cushons and we pitched the ones from the beds and are using air mattresses instead. Looking at your pictures, Starcraft did not change much in a couple of years. The main thing I notice is the pole storage (assuming that is stock and not a previously done mod). The shape and color are even the same, our was painted an all over tan, but I have removed some of the trim and the colors were the same as yours. We are very happy with our camper and it seems to be well built. This fall/winter I wnat to do the roof repair, I did have to replace the front board. We were pulling it home in the rain and found out that the board was rotten and letting water in under the lip. Good luck with the rest of the repairs and good camping.

[Funrover]

Very Nice!

[ScouterMom]

This is my 2nd 70's era Starcraft - the smaller '76 that I had previously had been built and decorated much the same.  They DO seem to have a well built product - not only did so many of them last, but they are very 'user-friendly' for owners to repair, refurbish and maintain.

yeah, the pole storage is original.  I rather like the idea, except that I would have made it go all the way thru - what happens if a pole end falls off back in the back??LOL!  how would you get it out? I think it was just a way to make use of that exaggerated curve that was part of the design of the time.

Alot of more modern campers have borrowed that idea - by putting a large PVC pipe on their back bumper or up front on their trailer tongue.

However, we have been playing around with ideas to use that space - and the similar high curve on the front of the PUP.  On the front, they have the converter and a small storage pocket mounted in that space.  As the dinette is in the front, it would also be a good spot to install a car stereo & speakers - right above the table top!

Since we will probably be opening up both spaces again to get to the light wiring, we'll probably move the fuse box in the back into that rear space, and may make some more changes.

laura

[stoneman27]

we also have a 73 Starcraft. Iknow little about it. It was free and I thought I'd tear it down to make a utility trailer. Surprisingly, when I opened it up, the camper was intact and in decent shape. I have to replace lifter cable, clean it up, maybe some paint on inside for our tastes, and re-cover seat covers and mattresses. That all seems like stuff I can handle. Only real concern is cable. Also, unsure about propane lines, electric and some other areas.

I'm really looking for a manual. Any info that you may have obtained or can tell me where to find stuff would be greatly appreciated if you have time to share some info. We're looking forward to some small trips, too and would love to get my three children involved with the outdoors like we were as kids!

Thanks,
Jeff

[Old Starcraft]

All I can say is WOW :yikes: . I made a number of "patch jobs" to our 76' Swinger. Seeing your photos has given me some incentive to do more to ours after this camping season is over :-() .

Keep up the great work!!!. Maybe someone should start a new show called "This old Camper", they can start with yours.

[stoneman27]

Hey, ScouterMom....do you have the manual on your camper? I'm desperate for one. I really can't find GVRW on my '73....no sticker either. Do you have that info?

Much Appreciated.

[Micksc]

Stoneman, go to : PopUpPortal.com. At the top of the home page look for owners manuals. They have one for a '71 Starcraft you can download. Hope that helps...                 Mick

[stoneman27]

Thanks, Mick! Got my foot in the door...I'll be camping in no time. Good info specific to my needs....very similar set up to my 73 Starcraft.

Stoneman