Hi f/ Very Northern California- looking for restoration help

[hintonqh]

Hi all!
I was recently given a 1959 Mercury travel trailer- my grandpa describes it as a "Canned Ham" trailer. My inlaws had it and it has been parked for 20 + yrs, and I believe everything is original. I am interested in restoring it so that my husband and I can use it for family trips with our daughters (3 & 5yrs). I'd like to find someone who can help me with some of the work (carpeting, refinishing the paneling, testing appliances). I'm not interested in showing it or doing anything too fancy, but I am planning on keeping it as close to original as possible while having decent modern conveniences. Budget is a consideration, and I'd like to do some of the final touches within my skill set (re-upholstering cushions, curtains, etc..)
I'd like to find someone as close to Yreka, CA as possible. Any leads woul be greatly appreciated. I will try to get some pictures this next week and post them.
Thanks!

-Shauna

[Miriam C.]

to the playground Shauna! Sounds like a fun project. Don't know anyone in N Cal who does restoration but I will bet some of the South West and Jefferson State folks do. Find them here:
http://tnttt.com/viewforum.php?f=15
http://tnttt.com/viewforum.php?f=45

Keep us in touch as you go! Keep the bubble oil level!

[The Teardrop Nanny]

Dear Shauna,

Welcome to the site. Please consider putting this post under the Southwest or Jefferson categories where it might be closer to "home" then the general index of the forum. I'm sure people on-line can give you lots of advice, but if it is help you want in the form of "elbow grease" , with an actual person coming to your house, you could put that down as well. Sometimes folks can give you the help on-line, but not in person. Best wishes with your restoration.

Joanie
TDN

[Roly Nelson]

Hi Shauna, welcome to the message board and congratulations on obtaining a worthy vintage tiny camping trailer. I just rebuilt the interior of a 10 ft long, 45 year old Standy and I admire your plans to make your rig useable again. I have an idea, haul it down here to So Calif and I'll give you a few pointers on your rebuild. Naw, just kidding. I do suggest you put out the feelers in order to obtain some local advice, as vintage trailer and teardrop people are the most helpful and friendliest folks you will ever find.

Do not dispair, somewhere the perfect knowledgeable craftsman will be happy to share experiences and rebuilding successes with you. All seemingly large efforts are usually only a bunch of little projects, one after another. That's the way I see it, and if attacked any differently, I am sure it would be overwhelming. Good luck on your re-build. Perhaps you could post some pics and we"ll pick them apart and tell you it is a lost cause..............Naw, just kidding. We're all here to help. It really sounds like your little trailer is worthy of your efforts to make it camp-able again.
Roly