Here it is, our big fat camper project!
This is a 1984 13-foot Scotty, a classic “canned ham”-style camper. (Because, like, it looks like the shape of a canned ham.) Rodney had told me about this camper for years, but I’d never seen it. Sleeps at least two, maybe three with the upper bunk, and even has a complete bathroom with shower and everything.
Camping = Not Suzanne.
He had the camper on his dad’s property, and eventually his dad was kinda in the mood for him to move it, so recently we took a little trip over there to see about the camper. Since no one had even been inside this camper for years, it was with some trepidation that I opened the door. It didn’t smell very good in there. Shut up for years, it was a breath of not very fresh air. However, I stepped inside, curiously looked around, and tried to open a drawer. The knob fell off in my hand. Not a good sign! However, the camper made its little trip over to our house so we could figure out what to do with it next. We wanted to sell it, so I started researching online to try to make some estimation of its value and came across this bizarre thing—-these little vintage canned ham campers are a THING. They’re just the right size to pull with even a small car, they’re economical, easy on fuel when hauling, big enough to do everything you need but still small enough to be an environmental statement. In today’s world where so many are eschewing McMansions in favor of tiny houses…. The canned ham camper is back! And they’re all retro and vintage and adorable! Well, if you remodel them…. And then they’re worth something, too.
Rodney promised he’d vacuum it out and get rid of it as soon as possible.
I said, “We should replace the upholstery. It’s horrible.”
Rodney said okay.
Me: “Obviously we need new cabinet knobs.”
Me: “Or get rid of the cabinets completely! And it needs a new refrigerator.”
Okay….
Me: “And all new flooring, ceilings, and walls. And new tires. And a new faucet at the sink. And countertop!”
It was kind of like that “If you give a mouse a cookie” book, and lately I think I’ve talked him into painting the outside, too. I’ve discovered automobile paint!
Demolition inside is happening today! I’ll be back with demo pictures, then the after pictures!
Update: See the demo pictures, and the makeover reveal here!
essgee52 says:
There are many RV groups on FB that might be helpful, including RV Interiors. People do all kinds of creative stuff in these. I’ll bet there is at least one vintage group and probably a group for that brand. Have fun!
On July 30, 2018 at 1:06 pm
Pat says:
You have a Scotty! :snoopy: Pure awesomeness!!! :snoopy: :snoopy: :snoopy:
On July 30, 2018 at 1:38 pm
Wendy says:
GOOGLE Sister on the Fly campers and look at images (good thing Rodney doesn’t know where I am, so he can’t throttle me–lolol) I have seen some of these gals at a campground..just awesome 🙂
On July 30, 2018 at 3:21 pm
Wendy says:
Make that ‘Sisters’ plural….
On July 30, 2018 at 3:23 pm
beforethedawn says:
Don’t think I’ve ever seen one of those before. It’s tiny!
This non camper wants to see what you do with your canned ham. 😆
On July 30, 2018 at 8:40 pm
Joell says:
:happyflower: it’s really cute I hope you can keep it as close to original as possible but yet make it comfortable so you can use it.
On August 1, 2018 at 9:23 am
dl30f0dls says:
OH. MY. GOSH! I am in love with your canned ham. Please, please show us the transformation!
That is so darned cute, I’m thinking you might want to find a way to use it – even if just for a day trip to go fishing or something! 8)
On August 1, 2018 at 10:34 am
California Paintbrush says:
Have a great time with your toy!
I have followed George for years. He helped me overcome lots of things like fear with my RV “Lucy”. His archives are full of helpful things. He’s had lots of adventures and mishaps.
https://blog.vagabonders-supreme.net/
On August 3, 2018 at 8:39 pm
Katharina says:
This is a challenging project and should also be lots of fun. Starting from a gutted camper is the best way to make it your own. Make it the way you would like it. You know, just in case you all decide to keep it for the odd road trip. :wave:
On August 6, 2018 at 4:00 pm
Flatlander says:
That is so cool, I have a boler myself.
Little 13 ft vintage fiberglass trailer.
You will have lots of fun restoring and maybe even camp
On August 7, 2018 at 12:36 am
easygoinglady says:
I bought a 76 Scotty 18 foot trunkback. Havent gotten into the restore yet, because i had a kitchen/basement flood last year…and well…house is priority. BUT i am at the point of…do it or sell it. and I really do wanna do it. I have looked up lots of resources that i can share with you if needed. like…how to strip the paint off the outside…. :sun:
On August 19, 2018 at 6:04 pm
easygoinglady says:
there is a Scotty organization. Good info on resources etc https://nationalserroscotty.org/resources/index.html
On August 19, 2018 at 6:39 pm