September - 2016

1965 SHASTA SUPER 18

An experimental restoration for a timeless classic.

*The logo above is not affiliated nor endorsed by Shasta RV, Inc.

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WEEK SIXTEEN: Ceiling Panel Prep & Install

Work Clean-Up and Ceiling Prep Lessons learned: don't use rough sawn lumber for wall framing. The 1x8 boards I used at the exterior sidewall corners have warped and split, thus needing to be replaced before anything else, so I swapped out all necessary boards and finished routing the top of the wall. Lastly I had to level off all of the interior walls since I built them a bit tall to be safe. Ceiling Panel Install After about 10 coats of shellac the Okoume glows. I sanded the

WEEK FIFTEEN: Wall/Roof Construction, Interior Framing & Shower Pan

Interior Cabinets The left side of the bedroom partition is installed; this gives a lot of rigidity to the exterior wall and provides a surface for the first ceiling panel to attach to. Lower cabinet install can now begin. Wall Rabbeting I've been waiting for my schedule to align with a clear day to start re-framing the ceiling. I finally pulled back the roof metal and got to starting the rabbeted edge for the panels to drop onto. I posted a tutorial on this which walked thro

WEEK FOURTEEN: Bedroom Wall Framing, Camper Storage & New Router

I've been anxiously waiting to get to this point and now that I'm here it's a bit unnerving to take the dive. The partition that will divide the bedroom from the main cabin is structured around storage cabinets accessed from both sides. While planning the new framing for the interior, storage is critical with such limited space to take advantage of. From the cabin you will have storage for small kitchen items on the left and under-bed storage below. On the bedroom side there

WEEK THIRTEEN: Work Space Reno, New Hardware & Shower Progress

This week was largely split up between traveling for work and heading out for the last long weekend of the summer, but before I left I was able to squeeze in an exciting side project. The inevitable question: how does one store a camper this size when the harsh New England winter rolls in? And does that mean it's locked up and put on hold until the spring? I'm gettin' antsy and without working through the long winter months I could be looking at another summer in the very lea

About Me

Designer and aspiring architect. Lover of the delapidated and new interpretations. Based in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.

For more read my first blog post here.

Christina McMahon, M.Arch

Other places you can find me:

Extras

Vintage Trailer Talk

A frequently updated forum where members range from beginners to people who've been restoring trailers for decades. Anyone flipping a camper should be heading here for tips & info.

Mobiltec

Based in CA and having worked on vintage trailers since the 70's, Mobiltec posts video tutorials that guide reconstruction from start to finish. Straight forward, concise and a good place to begin before starting your first trailer.

Ocean Breeze RV Center

Peter Flanders of Ocean Breeze RV installed my entirely new electrical and propane systems. There aren't enough good words - Peter is someone who takes the time and really goes beyond to help you out, and was always willing to share his knowledge of trailers (new and old). When I first came in they even walked me through an older trailer they were working on with the same layout as mine. Genuinely good people with invaluable knowledge - highly recommended!

'Jennies Garage'

Jacob Dale has graced the internet with his super helpful video tutorials following the entire renovation of a 1973 Shasta 1400 travel trailer. It guides his process step by step (with necessary humor) and has saved my sanity.

Vintage Trailer Supply

Located right in lovely Montpelier, Vermont, VTS specializes in products that compliment the vintage camper aesthetic while providing modern convenience. They were my go-to for things such as exterior trim, access panels, vents and some electrical/light fixtures.

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