Vintage Camper info needed

[Gina]

I'd like to purchase this vintage camper but have no info on it, it's part of an estate. I'm new to RV's so I have no idea where else to look (other than all over and inside the thing) for a model or whatever. It has Keystone printed on it and Olympic printed under it, that's about it. Nothing like a tag, or a VIN number. I'm in the mood for a project and need some identification help. Thank you!https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/18157531_10158562748875317_6138240995563310115_n.j pg?oh=44670c248a0ab49012401c5a73418824&oe=59BD8821

[chuckster57]

Welcome to the forum! I can't say I've ever seen one of those, but I'm not that old. Is there a license plate?

[66joej]

That is an old timer. Looks like you have a PROJECT. Good luck and enjoy restoring. I used to restore old Mustangs and did some that looked a lot worse. Might I suggest make a list and take photos as you go through the unit. Makes ordering parts a lot easier.

[ctbruce]

Welcome to the forum from Kansas City, MO. :wlcm:
No clue on the trailer, but that looks like a whole lot of project there! Should be fun.

[PARAPTOR]

:wlcm: to The Forum From Western PA

Congrats on your new project! ENJOY ! :dance:

We have another member from Western PA who is into refurbishing/reverse engineering STUFF. He is currently looking to buy a vintage trailer sounds like he is bored and like you looking for a project. He is not on right now I am sure he will see your post and may have information on your rig

Be Safe and Happy Camping :camping:

[Gina]

Thanks everyone, I'm excited about the possibilities. It does have a license plate.. waiting to see if the family can find a registration and info. It really isn't that awful on the inside considering it's age. (sorry, think the phone flipped this picture sideways)

[Tbos]

Welcome to the forum from Southern MD. Looks like a great project that will keep you busy for a while.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[Frank G]

Just a few thoughts, maybe there might be a serial number on the frame in the tong area. If you can find the registration or title and then find the owner or someone who has power of attorney for the owner, you are in luck. Depending on the state you are in the process for obtaining a title in your name (without a transfer from the current owner) might be difficult. Check it out before spending any money unless you only want it as a trophy in your yard.

All legal crap aside, that looks like a fun project. I think it is a 60's vintage.

[JRTJH]

My best guess is (based on the refrigerator vents and the jalousie window in the door) that it's a "early 1960's vintage". The current Keystone RV Company was founded in 1996, so the pictured trailer was probably built 30+ years before "Keystone" (as we know it) was founded. http://www.keystonerv.com/community/blog/posts/2014/jan_14/keystone-heritage/

There should be two VIN locations, one on the tongue and one on the "backside" of the front crossmember that the tongue attaches to. You "MIGHT" also find the VIN on one of the rear bumper supports that attach it to the trailer frame. With a trailer of that age, you can almost bet that the serial number on the tongue has been painted over and the "stamped VIN" is probably filled with paint. My guess is a electric drill and a rotary wire brush will be needed to find any VIN on the tongue.

There is a vintage RV restoration company in East Jordan, MI. They have a Facebook page, but the forum prohibits linking to a site that requires membership, so you'll have to look them up if you're interested. The company name is "CLASSIC TRAILER SPECIALISTS". Since they only restore "PRE 1970 trailers" if anyone would know or be able to locate any information on your project, it would be them.

Here is a National Serro Scotty Organization article about Classic Trailer Specialists: http://www.nationalserroscotty.org/newsletter/ttvcr/index.html

It looks like a great project and one that will be filled with enjoyment.

[chuckster57]

It does have a license plate..

the registration is probably lapsed, but with a license plate and issuing state you might be able to do a motor vehicle department search.

[STRONGLAND1]

What state do you reside? Will this be your 1st restore? I agree, probably from the 60's. Be sure it's a legal transfer, check for water damage - frame rot. Stick with it & restore it just like it came out of the factory and you will have a family gem. The old ones are on a comeback right now. Some rv makers have dusted off the shelves & building retro vintage trailers. This is a great group of folks and we are here to help.

[Gina]

Thanks everyone. I do think that any VIN on there is probably covered in rust and paint. I'm in PA - and right now waiting on them to track down some registration info. I'd like to have some kind of info before just tossing out a random priced offer. Given the age, there's not too much water damage but there is some. Also, it will take some work just to get it moving, tires are shot. I think it could be really fun fixed up.

[Ken / Claudia]

With the plate on it, getting the VIN is easy. As far as it's year to fix a price. Good luck. I doubt you will find any printed data listing any price for any RV that old. DMV files may not be available if it has not been registered in the last 10 years. That means not available at a office. It goes to a hand search and will be done. Takes more time and likely a stop at State police or DMV office to inspect the vehicle before getting a new title and regs. So, they will find the VIN at some point. I would offer them 50 bucks if they have the regs. Besides the tires the brakes may be frozen, the wiring for proper lights may not work so, towing as a trailer anywhere before major work may be a problem. A buddy got a boat and trailer kind of like that. Marine Board for boat took 3 months and inspection. Trailer thru DMV also 3 months and inspection. That was Oregon of course.

[fourfourto]

1960 keystone rocket ?
Link https://www.flickr.com/photos/dwstucke/6178278072/in/album-72157627612388167/

[Gina]

https://scontent.fagc1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/18157481_10158568695290317_7805383066827400011_n.j pg?oh=d1ebfd821d57d671c4db948c1b837b7d&oe=59867E7A

Forgot I had a picture of the back. I don't see anywhere online that Olympic is a model reference?

[chuckster57]

You might want to post these pictures on the tin can tourists website. They have been around for a long long time and dedicated to vintage RV's.

[STRONGLAND1]

Found it's brother. Almost identical! Same color & it's restored and it just looks great. Tried but this site forbids giving my email address or i would send pic.

[Ken / Claudia]

That could be a fun project. Like any remodel or rebuild there might be more work needed than it looks. Where I live the wet and heavy winter rain ruins everything left outside. I purchased land at the coast to build a vacation home on in 2007. Last owner left a 1964 28ft Airstream, last licensed in 1974. Last time the front door was opened was 5 years before I bought it. I thought it could be a great trailer to restore to some degree and place on eastern Oregon property. Even though it did not show any signs of leaking, it was real rotten inside due to high moisture climate. Among other problems, the walls had delambed and where about 8 inchs thick in spots, the floor was mostly rot. The tongue was frozen in place. I gave it away for free. This trailer appears to be much better than mine was.

[BuxCamper]

From the license plate looks like the last registration expiration was July 2011. That's not too long ago. It the gross weight is 3000 pounds or less PA safety inspection is not required.

Sent from my LG-H810 using Tapatalk

[Gina]

So, apparently the owner found the original brochure for this camper. I'm excited to see it. I believe it's a '68 or '69. I still can't believe there aren't any others out there online anywhere. Odd.

[Ken / Claudia]

Like many other items that old. The stuff changes way to much. Parts not available. Heck companies that made them not in business. Some newer items in newer RVs are better and safer stuff than back in the 60s. Except for the few DYI guys most cannot see paying the cost of repairs over buying newer. Just putting in the new refer and furnace will be more than the unit will ever be able to sold for in the future. IE money pit. But, for the DYI guy to fix and use without worry of investment. It could be a fun project.

[Gina]

Well...it's officially mine now. Title does not have a correct year, not sure why...but we believe it is a 1968 camper. Even has the original brochure from the Keystone Coach Manufacturing Co. Let the adventure begin!

[chuckster57]

Congrats!!! Please keep us informed with pics as you restore your new treasure.

[STRONGLAND1]

That's great news. Now the work begins but know you got it a head start just thinking on it. Now you have time to find me a Real-Lite single axle travel trailer to restore. Sure you will find a lot of great tips here if needed from these fine folks.