The SunshineInn

[prohandyman]

Reworked a 1940's Oldsmobile license light and bracket for use on this. It was missing both the red lens and the clear license lens, so I crafted them from the lenses from a cheap plastic one on a throw away taillight. Also had to attach a new bulb socket.
. Of course it will mount on top the aluminum skin once installed.

[be_a_jayhawk]

I don't know where you find your parts but they look sweet!

[prohandyman]

I am a scrounger...I will walk thru an antique store or swap meet, pick up an item, and say to myself..."how can I use this thing in a camper or hotrod"! It's kinda like this light...
You have probably walked past many...they have round hooks on the back, and a long, 2wire cord, usually rotten. Usually metal, sometimes plastic or glass. they are "Head board lights".. People used to hang them on the headboard of their bed to read by. That's what the hooks were for. I just cut them off, install a new cord, screw in a 12 volt bulb and use them for camper lights. Not necessarily original equipment, but vintage looking. This ones got a pul chain off/on switch.

[prohandyman]

When I wanted an old luggage rack for the'46, I first looked for an old Volkswagen roof rack. Those are gold these days, so. I searched the inter web for pics. Soldered some plumbing fittings together, epoxied some oak dowel rods in, took an old skid and cut it up for the slats, and antiqued the whole thing for the "weathered" look. Of course the question always asked is " where did you get that old roof rack?"

And have you ever been able to walk thru an old junk yard...it's getting a lot harder to do these days with everyone being "sue happy" but, when I can, and I happen to see the rare sight of an old camper sitting in the weeds, I make a beeline to it for scrounging parts. Most people walk right by them. I have only encountered 1 snake in all my walks...I try to go in the winter while most creatures of this nature are a little less inclined to see me as a threat!

[prohandyman]

Started puttin the roof on today
The front and back will be polished and a yellow "Chevron" type of pattern will be painted on the lower portion.

[bdosborn]

What kind of stain did you use to get that wonderful vintage finish on the birch?



Bruce

[prohandyman]

Ah ha...ancient Chinese secret...my mothers uncles cousin showed me this little trick once when he was repairing some water damage in an old camper...
2 parts boiled linseed oil, 1part oak wood stain, 1part paint thinner, dash of beeswax, heat in a pan on the stove while stirring and apply with a roller and back brush! Sand...repeat! And a partridge in a pear tree! Whew!

Then , I found an Amber tinted Shellac at a hardware store, tried a can, and bingo... A perfect match! I have had several compliments on the antique birch look it gives. Replaced a whole ceiling panel in a Vagabond once it and you could not tell which one I replaced.
I will check the can when I get in the shop today and get the brand. It dries quick, and is sand able.

[bdosborn]

Thanks, BTW I like the Humphrey light too. Did you convert it to electric light?

Bruce

[prohandyman]

Yes it was a challenge drilling out the tiny gas passage ways to allow a small wire but it worked. Epoxied a 12 volt bulb socket into the stem.

[prohandyman]

Taillights installed temporarily until polishing is done.

[prohandyman]

Front is polished. Used Nuvite polish... The best! From the window down will be painted yellow to match the sides.

[KCStudly]

Front is polished.

... he said with a gleam in his eye.

Looks fantastic!

[prohandyman]

Potty closet finished

[prohandyman]

Sides going on.

[Verna]

I just visited Dan's workshop and the Sunshine Inn is beautiful!!! He has a lot of well-thought out innovations that are really neat. Great job, Dan!!