So I was able to get a little more information over the phone. It was an Apache they bought new back in 1961. They were just looking to clear out their garage and wanted it to go to a good home. It hadn't been used in about 15 years, but they kept the registration current, and its been garage kept since they bought it. So this really got me interested. Well, this past weekend, we drove an hour and half to go check it out, with tools in hand.
Both tires were shot (no surprise there) but the hubs were still greased and rolled smoothly. Fortunately there was a Harbor Freight nearby and I was able to procure two new 8" wheels and tires for $25 each. After putting on the new wheels/tires, and replacing the old flat-4 connector, she was ready to see the light of day! We hitched her up and dragged her outside so we could open up the canvas.
I had visions of crumbling, moth-eaten canvas that would turn to powder as soon as we tried to open it. But I was amazed and pleasantly surprised at the pristine condition of the canvas! There is one small 2" tear in the bottom of one of the corners, but otherwise the canvas and screen windows are PERFECT!!
I'll probably be replacing the foam mattresses, and I need to clean and repack the bearings (although it did tow home without the hubs getting warm). I'll also need to figure out how to treat the canvas to waterproof it again. I'm even thinking of adding a simple electrical system so that I can have a radio and some LED lighting. I'm still trying to decide what to do with the outside - I can either just wash and wax it, or I spend a ton of time removing all the old stickers, and then buff and polish the aluminum to a shine. Can't wait to take this little thing camping! Its definitely so much sweeter than a typical pop-up camper!!
Found this advert online with some specs. I knew the thing was light... but ONLY 425lbs!! I really couldn't feel it at all behind the car!
As an added bonus, they had 2 lanterns sitting in the garage and they offered them to me. The one is a 1961 228E, which they said was purchased new with the trailer. The other is a 220F from 1971, which will need a full tear-down and rebuild. No pictures of those yet. There was also a Coleman 426 camp stove, but they wanted to check with their son first to see if he wanted it. If not, they're going to call me to come take it off their hands.
Awsome little pop up! It's RARE to find them in that kind of condition. I know what you mean about most pop ups having no style. In our house we call them "Dump Trailers" because that is usually what they turn into after a few years. Good score on the lanterns.
