Lurker -> Member

[Errant]

Hi all

I've been lurking off and on for a couple of years. I don't have a teardrop or tt, but do camp alot! I have a couple of different setups, one of which includes a rooftop tent and M100 trailer to carry all of my gear.

I've always loved vintage camp trailers! I've recently come across a couple of them in my area and am doing some research to help with my decision. One is a '47 Kenskill teardrop in really rough shape. The seller doesn't seem to be real sure about wanting to sell, tho. The other one that caught my eye is a '58 Mercury travel trailer, that needs some spiffing up but is supposedly all original. I've not been able to find much info about this make and model, tho.

I'll be here reading and re-reading all the info I can find to help me decide it I really want to purchase one these guys. Any tips, suggestions, anything is appreciated!

[mvperini]

If you like to spend your time by restoring something to see what the end result will be. then by all means i think you should go for it. if it was me i would go for the 1958 mercury trailer. if your luck is like mine as soon as i started restoring my trailer another came along which will be my next restoration. good luck with what ever you decide and have fun doing it

here is a link to my restoration http://tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?t=36706
another link for restoration of 1956 mercury http://www.vintage-vacations.com/1956-mercury.htm

Mike

[Errant]

Thanks for the response, Mike! I'm leaning towards the Merc, too. As much as I love teardrops, having one isn't much of a reach from the current types of camping we already do. I think the Mercury would be more fun since it'll be a whole different setup than what we're used to.

The link that you provided to the '56 restoration is the only one I've been able to find. There's also a teeny bit of info on the Tin Can Tourists site. Is this trailer rare, or just not a preferred restoration project? I'd really like to be able to look at a few more! If it's going to something that's difficult to find parts for, I might want keep looking for a more popular model.

[Errant]

Mike, I'm going through your restoration thread, now. Your Cardinal looks great! I love the radiused corners on the wood! The polished aluminum looks great, too. Was it painted, or just badly oxidized when you got it? The one we're looking at is painted, but I'd love to strip it and shine it all up like yours. Just not sure if that's going to be more trouble than it's worth

[mvperini]

Errant wrote:
The link that you provided to the '56 restoration is the only one I've been able to find. There's also a teeny bit of info on the Tin Can Tourists site. Is this trailer rare, or just not a preferred restoration project? I'd really like to be able to look at a few more! If it's going to something that's difficult to find parts for, I might want keep looking for a more popular model.

There were a lot of small trailer manufactures in the 1950s that only were in business for a few years , this is why some of the trailers are hard to find.
As for polishing the trailer it all depends on what look you want, the polished trailers are all the rage right now but that could change anytime.
our trailer was not painted when i bought it it still is not had the final polish done yet will do that this spring

Teardrop camping is just as much fun as camping with a vintage trailer, we own both as a lot of teardropers do

click on picture to go to album



Mike

[mvperini]

Errant wrote
If it's going to something that's difficult to find parts for, I might want keep looking for a more popular model.

You have to understand back in the 50s when these trailers were made most of the builders used the same vendors for the lights ,stoves ,ovens axles, wheels . the trailer is wood with metal covering. it is not like restoring a car were you need the correct parts, with trailers most of the stuff that you need is made of wood. so do not worry about the trailer being rare it just makes it more fun. an example on my vintage trailer it is a 1957 so i found 1957 ford fairlane taillights and they look great [not original] better
remember, why be like everybody else
Mike

[Errant]

*arrrrghhh*

He sold it to someone else Phooey, it was such a great deal. Now I've got to start looking again. If you guys see anything in SoCal, let me know. Otherwise I might end up spending my tax return on something frivolous, like groceries or utilities

[mvperini]

sorry..... but keep looking you will find a better deal

Mike