Built a Rock Guard

 

 

Not much going on with the camper on the outside lately.  Most of the work has been inside. However, we did construct a rock guard for the front window, with recycled aluminum. It’s not fancy and it’s very light weight. So far, we haven’t had a need until today to open it up.  We propped it up today with a piece of PVC. 

We’re looking for new material for the bottom portion on the front.  Haven’t found any yet that is the right size.  Ours is pretty dinged-up there on the front.

The outside is yet to be painted. Though we did seal the roof over the summer and gave it a good scrubbing.  That was a drastic improvement!

Sorry, I don’t have pictures of the actual build for this rock guard. I might be able to come up with some written instructions, but without photos—it might be kind of pointless. 

Anyway, I just wanted to show it.

We’ve just about gotten all the trim up inside and we have the carpet cut and laid down. I’ll try and get a post for the inside work soon.  So please check back!

Grace and Peace~

Repairing our Mistakes- Possible I.D. on the Lil Camper

 

Early on,we searched for an ID for our camper. The Make and Model tag, model number or any identification marks were no where to be found.  I was a little disappointed. Then we began rebuilding.

The Honey put some framing pieces in thinking we’d just build around them and we’d never see them.  I went along with the idea because I’ve NEVER done this before, so what did I know?  cool, we’ll just build around it. Four years later… this bed area is built and paneling is up and this IS A PROBLEM!

As you can plainly see, we DID NOT build around that 1x3.  I have the original screen frames that will go on all the windows on the inside…except this window. I just didn’t like it and wasn’t happy with it.  Yes, I’m that kind of woman. The kind that goes along with your ideas, but in the end… makes you change it because I really didn’t like it in the first place. I’m not proud of it. It’s just who I am. 

It did help my case when we noticed a little leak. {she grins}

Out comes the window. Only to discover, there was also some ROT that was missed 4 years ago. Apparently, the leak has been there for quite some time. We had to rebuild the whole entire back wall from just below the cabinet that stretches across the back all the way down  to the bumper.

In the process though… {excitement builds!}  We found these original manufacturer markings on the underside of the skin! 

I’ve done a little bit of research and I’m wondering is this the answer we’ve been searching for all along?  It our camper MAKE an OKANAGAN? 

I’m curious.  If you have anything to offer regarding our lil camper , please leave me an comment tell me what you know about my camper…possibly my OKIE!

* click here for other details and Identifying marks from our camper

In the end, I guess it’s a good thing I wasn’t please with that 1 x 3 sticking out there. Hopefully now, I’ll be able to use the original frame when I put the new screens up in there.

Grace and Peace in your travels!

Tweaking the Closet with Panel Box and Trims--

 

We have been in limbo with this side of the camper. 

The biggest part of what you are seeing here will be seen from the door… well, maybe half. The other half, the breaker box will not bee seen. It will be enclosed within the closet.

Currently, Well it was a hot mess!

Previously,we pieced in small pieces mainly to hold the insulation up while we worked inside. Our thoughts were we’d come back and do a trimmed out board and batten look to this section.  It is also where the potty sits.

We still needed to work on the wiring before completion. The more we looked at it, the more we said, “Lets work on it next weekend.” 

‘Next weekend’ was this weekend. We took all that small paneling out of there! It’s gone! Then we replaced it with a much larger, whole piece; and went back with some trim over the seams.  It cleaned up nicely!

We also had to move the closet we were building. It houses the refrigerator and hopefully, the a/c when it’s all completed. Where did we move it you ask?  Just 4 inches to the right.  That outlet plug needs to be INSIDE THE CLOSET and not inside the potty area.

We added a door to the front, bottom section; the wheel well is under there and it will be extra storage. The left side of the closet was also closed in.

Now that is done, we can build the shelf for the A/C with a drain and a pan it needs to be vented outside via the vent you see in the top there (there is a vent behind the fridge,too). Also, this cabinet will be insulated. The compressors for both these units will throw off hot air; there’s no point in trying to cool hot air. Once it’s complete it will be a closed off unit.

I’ll be back to show you the bed/deck and carpeting we purchased to cover the floor and the deck for the mattress. This carpet is made from recycled water bottles. It will look great installed!

Grace and Peace!

Re-Building with some Salvaged Materials

Last week… we worked on the bed-frame…and the kitchen.  This little hutch is built from salvaged materials. 

The Lil’ Camper that Could has been donated lots of salvage perfect for this project!
Doors:  from my daughter house they re-did their kitchen 3 years ago before moving into their house.
Spindles: I  curb-shopped a demi-lune table a couple of years back.  The table has met it’s purposed and is now part of the camper!
Wall Panels:  paneling from the daughter’s home, flipped to the wrong side. (to be painted)
More panels:  Some of them weren’t salvageable as a whole… so we have been ripping them down to 2 inch strips for trim! (seen above/below along the seams)

We built an open shelf along the front. Also, installed new plugs and a breaker box… pictured below. 
The white vinyl panels are what we did NOT tear out. My plan is to cover the ceiling in a new vinyl contact paper that is decorative. But first, I washed these down last week… they were pretty grimy!  **See below for the before… very grimy!!! I will cover this after the painting is done.


We are still searching for DATE/ MAKE / MODEL of our Lil’Camper… I was told to check the breaker box.  We did…only found the serial number for the breaker box. Anyway… we were shopping for new breakers and a very knowledgeable older gentlemanly sales clerk told us that our breakers are an after market part now.  …AND VERY PRICEY.  $45!!! hold the phone! 
** an interesting note though, he shared that the breaker and the box that we have was from a company that closed in the early 70's (like 1970 or 1971) That means, my camper is probably a '60s model!   So...we're getting closer! 

Back to the breaker box-- 

We replaced it with a new box, breakers and a couple of new plugs for less than $45 Now… getting hubby’s brother to come wire it… or double check our wiring.

This patchwork wall… is going to be replaced with a solid piece from this pile…

crate wood!  My brother dropped off this load yesterday; and it will be perfect for some of the rebuild that is still left to do!
I’m using lots of salvaged and repurposed materials that are FREE-DOLLARS; however, I have been shopping.
Mostly inside pretties… chocolate, turquoise, some tangerine… It’s going to be pretty!
I can’t wait to start installation on that part!
Don’t forget to follow along with the progress… I post on Instagram from time to time or you can get Lil Camper That Could in your email
Thanks for coming along…
Grace and Peace.

Wash Day Assessment of the Skin and a Door knob!

Monday evening after the Littles all went home… Honey and I went outside to wash the camper down.
 
We’re not yet close enough to get it painted. But since getting the top sealed…we haven’t washed it.  We’ve had a few smaller showers right after sealing it; and checked for leaks then.
We’ve got no leaks! BIG EMPHATIC YEAH!!!!
The front panel under the windows will hopefully be replaced this next weekend. He is going this week with his brother to get the sheet metal to replace it. It’s the worse panel on the entire camper.
Dented, torn, past the point of repairs and no amount of LIPSTICK will make it look any better.
 
After washing—and getting the dirt and moss, yes! moss had started growing on it before we started the installation of work… anway, with all the debris washed away, we’re able to see the paint a little better.

It looks as if we may be able to remove the worst of it with a POWER WASHER.  The paint is very dry and scaly. A lot of it came off with our brass nozzle. I think if we use a pressure sprayer—paint removal should go pretty easily.
 
This past weekend, we hit a few yard sales in our area, and found a small, door knob, still new and in the box. It doesn’t protrude like the average household door knobs. The keys were included.  Sorry, it’s a little blurry, but you get the idea! Brushed Nickle…

** edited to say: I grabbed this from the garbage and snapped a picture. Apparently, NOT brushed nickle; instead it's Stainless Steel Finish. I bought it at a yard sale... but it came from Dollar General. It is the perfect size. 

I like it!  It will look so much better after the whole thing is painted.
Little baby steps. 
It’s coming along!
** Don’t forget if you’d like updates on the Lil’Camper that Could emailed to you… Subscribe to Lil' Camper that Could by Email

Grace and Peace!

A Name Change-

In case you came here and are questioning the title of the blog…and wonder if you’ve landed in the right place. This was FORMERLY : Corn in my Coffee-Can.

I was never settled on a name for this blog about all things CAMPER…namely my own little camper and having another blog already, I kept the names closely related. 

I’ve had experience changing blog URL and Blog name changes in the past… I don’t think, a change to this blog will hurt too badly as it’s not that well established yet. 

Besides… this cute little BLOG NAME WAS AVAILABLE

So I jumped on it!  

We have been long on getting to work on the camper… 4 years! It’s finally starting to come together.   I am still hopeful to get to camp in her THIS YEAR…2015. Since it’s taken us SO LONG

…to get THIS FAR…

I think the NEW BLOG NAME IS SUITABLE!



So… what do you think?  Like the new name? 

IF you’re new here… then of course, it’s nothing new to you. But of Course… WELCOME!
WELCOME to the LIL’ CAMPER THAT COULD! We’re not rolling yet, but like the photo says…

I think I can!  (and it won’t be long now)

OH! Be Sure and Subscribe to get Lil' Camper That Could in YOUR email... so you don't miss a post... Okay?

Subscribe to Lil' Camper that Could by Email

^^^YOU'LL NEED TO CLICK THAT LINK  ^^^    If you were subscribed before under the old name, YOU KNOW, so you'll get every post in your email! 

   

Grace and Peace~

The Dinette Rebuild Part 2–Do Over

 

The July 4th weekend we built dinette seats.  This weekend we REBUILT THEM!

I think I’ve already mentioned…WE’VE NEVER DONE THIS BEFORE!!!!

Sometimes, you just have to step back and say… DO OVER. That’s what we did with the dinette.   For the front end of the camper—there is supposed to be a dinette otherwise known as a BOOTH with a table in between the seats.  The table will drop down; and the  booth  and table becomes the whole bed. 

Sounds simple, right? 

Building it is a different story. Especially, with my very little skill (learning curve) and my Hubby with his stroke effected brain!

The seats are wider now and will accommodate seat and back cushions… and the expanse of space between them isn’t the gaping chasm is was before!

LESSON LEARNED.  

Be sure and check back in a few days, I’ll show you the kitchen counter, upper cabinets and the funky sink in it’s place… so you can get the real vision!

Grace and Peace

Framing Dinette-Potty Closet and Fridge

 

Last weekend we began framing areas for seating- to be converted to a bed if we have guests in our camper.  This will be the dinette.  In the front portion of the trailer.

This is the curb side seat for the dinette; and it’s to the right as you enter the door.

After we got both of these boxes built, from nothing… we’ve decided they are NOT large enough across the seat.  <---> Larger seats are needed to accommodate cushions and close the gap, for the bed conversion.  We’ll be modifying them THIS WEEKEND. Live and learn.

The view from the door from left to right… (this would be on the ROADSIDE wall).

The tall studs are part of the frame for the Refrigerator compartment and possibly A/C.   You can barely tell here;

 

but more so in the next picture…there is a VENT near the floor, we were originally going to put the A/C there… but have decided a 12 volt fan for exhaust in the potty closet will be better. It’s a port-o-potty, that will have to be removed and cleaned after a few uses. A Fan…is pretty much a necessity!

This is the potty closet being framed and the other dinette set.

The potty looks like it is SITTING ON plywood. Actually, there is a hole sawn into the ply-wood and it nests into that hole…keeping the seat stationary without any movement.

We’ve yet to paint or replace window screens, which have the frames and will account for window trim. No extra wood or cost there.

Before moving on to the curb-side kitchen build we still need to

• build boxes over the wheel wells
• Finish the framing for A/C compartment
• Finish the framing for the potty closet
• Add trim inside the closeted area along the joins.

I’ll share more later.  Please leave a comment and any tips you might have on camper rebuilding. Also.. I’ve added a page at the top  “HELP I.D. our Camper” with some details… if you’d take a look and let us know what kind of camper do you THINK WE HAVE? Thanks!

Grace and Peace!

Progress on Interior- Walls

 

Since owning the trailer…We’ve torn out most of the paneling; and any insulation that was missing or otherwise not useful… we replaced. We are using double thickness of styro-foam sheets… cut to fit in various places along the walls and ceiling.

The paneling is salvaged materials… turned inside out?!

It will be painted. (ignore the debris on the floor below, I had to tear out more old panels at the last minute)

The roof surprisingly, only needed one panel- this piece has been installed and trimmed, with paneling trim pieces ripped to 2 inches, from spare drop off panels.  We’re using all the salvaged materials, as much as possible. Again, once its painted it will have a more cohesive look to it. (fingers-crossed)

The roofing has a vinyl coating on it—but rather than rip it out, we I am researching a covering. Because, naturally, I’d like for the ceiling to all match. I’m hoping against all hope… that I don’t have to use decorative contact paper… heaven help us!  That does NOT sound fun does it?

If you came here from Corn in My Coffee-Pot… then you may have already seen our second hand Black and Decker fridge and FUNKY FIBER GLASS SINK!

Now that I have those two items… I can begin a layout for the interior, and make sure the holes are the right sizes for those pieces!

Grace and Peace!

The New-ISH Door–

This weekend we worked on the trailer.
A couple of weeks ago—we bought a door off a man, that had various trailer parts in his back yard.

This week we modified the door jam and fit the door onto the trailer. The new door was about 1 inch too small lengthwise and width-wise.
This is what it looked like 4 years ago when we dragged brought it home! It was a frame with cabinet doors screwed to it.

Now we have a bona-fide camper door, with window. We’re not finished with it, of course, but I’m so happy to have a it on especially now that it’s supposed to rain this week.
I put new screen in the screen door and modified the little sliders for the door knob opening. Can you tell what I used?
AN OLD LICENSE PLATE!

In case you don’t remember, we have no idea what type of camper this is… make, model, year, etc. Just that it’s a camper.  I call it a deer lease camper…because that what it had been used for, for many years.  It’ has been VERY USED! 
I said all that to remind you that we’re not going back inside this camper like an original rebuild. It will be modified and styled after our own tastes.  Rustic and junky… of course it will be getting purty-fied inside and out… the rustic junky will be the style.
License plates inserts… fit the bill for that! The door and whole exterior will be getting paint… hopefully soon!
Lastly, this weekend we had to break down and buy another tongue jack. The one that was on there…just wouldn’t work. It was a hindrance and dangerous! 
I really can’t wait to get to the PURTY-FYING PART! Because while I do want Rustic… I’m not sure I’m comfortable with all the RUST… on something I’m dragging around behind me.  Something might fall off!
I do have some pictures of cutting the door opening and adding new supports for the door.  I used the Kreg Jig Jr… for some of this work.  I think I’m getting a little bit better with that tool.
I’ll post an actual in progress post for the beefing up the door jam soon so check back!
Thanks for visiting…
Grace and Peace!

: A New Vintage Door and a Story

Some time back in 2014, I had begun taking my dad every month for his errands; to the bank, and paying his bills, etc.

On one of our trips – we had passed by a house with a camper in the back yard… it had been heavily damaged. I filed it away in the back of my mind and thought I’d go back with my husband to inquire about it.

The next month. Gone. It was disappointing.

On the way back … the day that I first noticed it was gone.  I did see the door and some windows stacked neatly against a fence on the property.

That was a year ago!

Fast-Forward to this weekend, Memorial Day weekend, 2015—we finally had some cash on hand and a truck. We drove out in the rain—having not been by there in a while, not even sure it was still there.

But it was!

I was thrilled.  We pulled up and honked (they had a gate) no one came to the door. It was raining… but not too bad, just a sprinkle. For a while we discussed opening the gate and going to the door.

Hmmm… this is Texas, in the country… and opening another man’s gate to walk up to his house… well, that’s pretty much TRESPASSING here.  The Honey said he would go to the door.

I stayed in the truck …er, get away car!  With cell-phone in hand.

He spoke to the man, who said, “SURE! come on around and have a look at it!” So we did,  we waded through the soggy wet grass, in the rain around back to have a look and offered him cash. He said he’d give it to us… but we thought we should pay him something!

I gave a price and he came back lower … ?!?!  I thought I was the only person to do that! We met in the middle … and paid him $60!

Not too bad for a vintage trailer door, complete with screen door and frosted window glass!

It needs a little bit of work; some trim, door handle, screen door handle… new screen… overall TLC. Paint.

It has going for it: 

• Glass- intact and whole
• Screen Door – frame complete
• Metal Sheeting- No Rips or Tears in the metal
• Hinge- Complete
• Wood frame- solid

Right now, the grass is growing, the ground is saturated, we can’t move the trailer to work on it and getting to it is difficult. But, I can’t wait to get in there get this door on it.

We bought this camper 4 years ago…and we work on it off and on… it is definitely a project. I can’t wait to one day go camping and have some fun with it. One thing for sure. We have had some fun with already… and we have some fun stories about putting it all back together! 

We got a door, which is hard to come by, if you’re not familiar with VINTAGE TRAILER PARTS AND CRAIG’S LIST, all because we stopped and inquired.

We laughed about it going home, the rain, the uncertainty, the trespassing… the memories are already being made!

That’s how we got our door!

‘Til next time,
Grace and Peace