checking in with a 42' Kit

[Newfisher]

Mike,
Thanks for the sluthing and filling in the puzzle. Below is a photo of the title and one of the last owners before the person I purchased it from. Mabey someone recognizes the name? I question the vin# now as it may be an assigned vin throught the DMV , it does match a riveted tag on the front tongue area. Any help is appreciated,thanks.

Also, your work and your passion in this hobby and I assume others, it amazing! I have spent several hours today reading all of your posts here.....incredible. when I grow up, I want a career that would aford me to leave thetrailer with you for a month, or mabey just pick up a few of your skills.
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http://i953.photobucket.com/albums/ae18 ... 203211.jpg

[prohandyman]

All the ID numbers on Kits were 4 digit. Some had an "S" before the numbers indicating a "Sportsmaster" model, which came out in '47. There was also a black and white sticker on the inside wall or door that had the ID number on it. It does appear that someone has applied for a new number thru the DMV. Maybe thats where the date was mistaken. Technically speaking the new ID number on your title must also be stamped on a tag mounted on the frame somewhere. Maybe they changed the tag also.
The Sportsmasters had fiberglass fenders, all aluminum clad galley, propane stove, and the 1 # propane bottle was also mounted on the floor of the galley. The frames were all 1 x 2" channel, with a tubular tongue bolted to the channel, which allowed it to be up-swept for hooking to a higher ball on most cars. I have seen both 5 and 6 lug wheels on these campers. The 5 lug were war surplus Jeep rims, which did not have hubcap capabilities. When I talked to Dan Pocapalia from Kit many years ago he could not confirm the rumor that some wheels came from sunken Jeeps as is so often mentioned around teardrop circles. So many of these were changed thru-out the years, especially lights, wheels and tires, and fenders, it is easy to see everything under the sun out there. Sometimes it is hard to know what has been changed. And most times it doesn't even matter.

Hope this helps.

[Newfisher]

Thanks Dan! having it matter to mean is only important when I share the info on the trailer, I want to learn about it's history and not be incorrect when sharing it. It does have the channel frame and tubular style upswept tongue you spoke of, but the gally is bare bones. just a shelf I am having a local company give me a bid on improving its looks and function as I am lost in the world of wood.

[Gage]

Not too long ago I rebuilt a '46 KIT. I also modified it a bit just for comfort. You can see how I did it HERE.

[Newfisher]

WOW! Gage, you did a fantastic job. I PM'ed you for some details. Thanks for sharing!