1955 Vintage Crown "canned ham" travel trailer

1955 Crown Travel Trailer

2008-08-06T05:25:00.000-07:00

We just added to our vintage trailer collection, we already own a 1965 Scad-A-bout and a 1965 Ken-Craft, and we just bought a 1955 Crown which is a vintage canned ham. We bought it on eBay and will be picking it up in San Pedro on Saturday 8/9/08. We understand that it has been partially refurbished, but we are sure that there will be items that will need restoration and of course we will have to add our personal touches

Here is a few photos, the ones that was on the eBay ad, we will add our own once we pick it up

Sunday 8/17/2008 Screens replaced

2008-08-06T05:24:00.000-07:00

When we got the Crown home we were surprised that all of the screens were all missing, we think it was because they had to be taken out of the trailer and taken apart .

Well this week end I took two windows out, the one at the kitchen at the left side and the one in the front, the first one I had a few problems adding the screen but I guess in the grand scheme of things, it is usable and will work for us a while, may go back in once we have gotten some use out of it, got it put back onto the trailer without any problems what so ever.
The front one was more difficult removing , it has a lot of water damaged wood in the frame work, and the skin had to be removed, that screen went on much easier and I was very happy with the results, I will have to replace some of the framework before reinstalling the window next week end if I have no problem replacing the frame wood that had water rot.

It was hot and I forgot to take some photos but I will be sure to take some before I do any work next week end.

Cabinets and drawers painted

2008-08-04T05:25:00.001-07:00

Well over the last 2 week ends, I have sanded down and repainted all of the cabinets and drawers, Being the trailer was already painted Red and White and my wife collected Coke Cola and Campbell's soup items she decided to begin to decorate the Crown with Campbell's soup memorabilia. As you can see we painted everything to match the stove and ice box, Apple Red and White, I have completed approx 90% of the cabinets, I should complete it by next Sunday.

Another screen replaced also added a 110 power inlet Sunday Aug. 24, 2008

2008-08-04T05:25:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we drove to Oceanside to look for a camping location that we saw a few times taking the train there, the first one we found was not one we could get entry to being it was on the Marine Base, the next one was San Onofre, so we think this may have been the correct location, so we have another camping location we are now considing putting on our list of desirable locations, we seem to enjoy the Oceanside area, being we always end up returning there every year. Today, Sunday I reinstalled the front window after replacing the two side boards that had wood rot. We are now left with the rear window that we still need to do. The window must come completely out and taken apart due to the window arms [levers] that is used to open the window, it went back in OK, not as easy as the side one, but the result ended up being much better overall. I also installed a 110 power inlet being the one that was already there was not very safe, I connected it to the existing connections, We plan on adding a few more power plugs in the trailer being right now we have only two just below the light in the same assembly. Next Week end labor day we will be taking the Teardrop trailer for 3 days to Lake Skinner.

Continued refurbishing of trailer

2008-08-04T05:24:00.000-07:00

Over the last few week ends I have replaced all of the 110 power wire, installed 3 ground fault plugs inside the trailer and one outside, I refurbished the stove,
re-plumbed the gas inlet and then ran all new branded wired covered high pressure gas line. I painted the stove and the ice box and have also painted many of the interior items with the same apple red paint

New floor installed and table shaved

2008-08-04T05:23:00.001-07:00

The floor was truly ugly and brown sheet flooring, and it did not match our new red and white paint job, so I installed read and white VCT tile to give it a vintage look and I also shaved the table top to allow easier entrance into the bench , prior to that the entire table had to be moved to allow for my wife to get into it. I also worked on the storage compartment that was really tweaked, and added a new latch and lock, next week I hope to install new weather stripping to give the door a good seal

Anwing

2008-08-04T05:23:00.000-07:00

Over the last couple of week ends I have been working on the interior I got around to installing the awning rail. We got the awning set up with very little problem. I have also been working on the storage compartment and still soon tackle the door trimming it down and installing a window

New Cushion covers 1/25/09

2008-08-04T05:22:00.000-07:00

Well over this week end, I installed the new cushions, and added a interior door handle to help close the warped door, I also added a cable outlet on the outside and inside to allow us connection if and when a trailer camp offers cable TV.
I am alarmed about how bad the tiles on the floor looked after a few hours of working, so I went ahead and mopped and waxed it again just to buff it out again next week, I think it will end up being very difficult to maintain this floor, so we hope that once the work is complete the floor will hold up much better and need less maintenance. I use the tile that is normally used in schools thinking it would wear and maintain better, last week end I framed the windows with an added section of paneling to cover up the area that had water damage. I also reduced the size of the futon mattress because it was overhanging the area where the bed goes, so it will allow my wife an easier time when we makes it.

We are planing a maiden voyage, in May attending the Pismo Beach Vintage Trailer Rally on May 15--17th so I still need to complete replacing the ceiling vent, re-screening the rear window and adding a new brow over the window, and hopefully it will also allow me the time to do some additional roof repair, it does not now leak but I would not want to risk it. My wife still needs to make curtains and I need to hang them before May also.

Campbell Soup Metal sign 2/22/09

2008-08-04T05:21:00.003-07:00

When we decided to give our vintage travel trailer a theme, we thought being it was red and white a Campbell Soup theme would work out great, but since then we have had a very difficult time locating things to decorate it, we did find this sign at a fair and I installed it in the dining room

Pin Stripes added 2/22/2009

2008-08-04T05:21:00.002-07:00

I stripped off the old grey and black pin strip and added this new read muti size pin strip

Curtains / Bed 2/22/2009

2008-08-04T05:21:00.001-07:00

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My wife made some great curtains for the kitchen and dining room, and we finally got the bed set up after I framed the windows and added new board to support the bed.

Roof vent 3/14/2009 & Sunday 3/15/09

2008-08-04T05:20:00.000-07:00

This is a photo of our custom trailer decal that we will install on the rear of the trailer above the back window, it measures 16" tall by 14" wide

Today I was able to install the new roof vent, but due to the cooler weather I was unable to install the roof sealant, so I ended up adding silicone over each screw, and I had to cover the trailer with a tarp to protect it from possible rain. Next week end pending weather I will finish sealing the roof, I have also tried to fill in the paint over the rear window to install the new custom decal, the rolling of the roof sealant created a rough surface and to be able to install the decal I will need a slick surface.

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Well today I ended up starting the final major thing that I had to do with the Crown, removal of the old non working roof vent and plan to install a new one tomorrow. It was a real problem removing the old one, being the previous owner put layers of sealant over it and added many screws that I was unable to locate until I tried to remove it, it came out in a banged up disfigured lump of metal.

I made sure there would be a clean surface to install it I use my power angle grinder wire wheel, and it was very difficult because I was unable to put much weight on the top of the trailer I had to position my body so my weight over a larger area, so it would not dent in, but at least I have it ready to move forward on Sunday.

Pismo Beach Vintage Travel Trailer Rally May 15/16/17 2009

2008-08-04T05:18:00.000-07:00

My wife Carolyn and I talking to Gage at his camp site. Open house our trailer is being reviewed by others
Last week end we were part of the 2nd annual Pismo Beach Travel Trailer Rally.

There are a few photos of our camp and one of my beautiful wife Carolyn.

Here is a link provided by Margret of the Tiny Teardrop and trailer trailer website, who also attended this rally
http://good-times.webshots.com/album/572171308jriofQ

And for your review here is some video that was taken by a local SkyRiver RV Sale and Service Business. http://www.pchp1.com/vintagervtvshow2.html
With the video there is part one and two so follow the link, hopefully they will add part three some day, we are only in part three.

My Saga with the Calif. DMV and Personal Victory

2008-08-04T05:16:00.000-07:00

More than a year ago when we bought our 1955 Crown "canned ham" travel trailer it had new PTI plates that had never been installed, that was one of the reasons we decided to buy this trailer because we did not want the hassle dealing with the DMV, because we have heard all of the horror stories relating to their lack of knowledge in understanding what is eligible for a PTI plate and what is not.

I went to the Palm Spring DMV to transfer this trailer over to our name, and I saw firsthand what many of those camping trailer owners were talking about.

The DMV Clerk, asked me about the trailer, I not only provided her with all of the details, but had the DMV regulations on what qualified us to receive a PTI plate, she told me our trailer would not qualify.

I challenged her and handed her the documents I brought along with me just in case, and she told me I was in correct. I asked to speak to a supervisor, but instead of allowing me to do so she walked over to her supervisor and questioned my statements and he told her that she was correct and because my trailer did not have soft sides it was not qualified to get a PTI plate but in fact it was not a camping trailer and they went ahead and reclassified my trailer as a Coach and took away my PTI registration, that we were told we would have to renew every year. Knowing I was correct, I again protested, to no avail. They even said that because the trailer had the incorrect designation those penalties were due, but fortunately they waved them.

So I began my saga, first writing the Senior Office Manager of the local DMV, explaining to her my situation , I again provided the 3 pages DMV regulations and asked her to correct the mistake, I went on to explain that if they did not correct this mis-justice I would take it up the chain of command.

I hoped because I knew I was right, first because the trailer already had the plate when I bought it, but also knowing that when the previous owners transferred it over to their name they had to take it to the DMV for inspection, because they could not locate the VIN numbers, so they had to get a DMV blue tag VIN plate. so we knew it was inspected and was at that time qualified as a camping trailer and they registered it as such with the original PTI plate.

Needless to say I never heard back from them, so I began a letter writing campaign as well as emailing everyone I could From the Governor, Senators, Assemblymen, and every DMV office that I located an email address for and etc.

Again I got nothing back from any of them; I took it all the way up to the Director of the DMV, Director George Valverde. [A side bar on that was really surprised how hard it was to gain email address of those in California Government, it took me more than a year to locate the Director's email address, they keep these email address well guarded.]

Anyway I had already written a dozen or more letters, but once I gained the Director's email address, everything changed, he referred me to The Manager of Registration and Titling Mr. Mark Keskeny, whom has gone out of his way to resolve my problem, he went so far as getting me an written letter of apology for the Office Manager who blew me off, and he helped me get my original black and gold vintage plate restored to my trailer.

So after more than a year I have been made whole and my entire problem with the DMV has been resolved, he even got me a refund due to the extra money I had to spend with penalty, extra transfer costs, and renewal that I made to keep my standard tags currant.

Right now we are working together to develop an informational sheet, with instructions, which can be provided to those who believe they may have the incorrect designation for their trailers.

Once it is completed I will have copies of this sheet, and any of you whom believes that you have an incorrect designation for your trailer and I can work with you to get it resolved.

So if you are in the State of California and your camping trailer does not exceed 16 feet in overall length, and does not exceed 96 inches in width, please send me an email and there is a good chance I can help you.

I have attached a link below to my build blog displaying a photo of my restored vintage California Black & Gold license plate and new PTI designation tag.

Replaced all of the cabinets and drawer knobs

2008-08-04T05:14:00.000-07:00

Today we replaced all of the knobs to feature our Campbell Soup theme, we had hoped they would arrive before our Pismo Beach Rally , but no luck they came the same day but we had already left.

Anyway they were almost custom, two different ones, to highlight out cabinets and drawers.

We did not want to overdue the theme, so this was just the kind of things we were looking for, we aren't done yet but none the less we are moving forward.

A couple of up close photos and what we put them on.

Building a new entry door June 7th 2009

2008-08-04T05:13:00.001-07:00

At 24" from the top I added a additional block to give support to the door lock assembly

Being our entry door is very warp, either from age or reason undiscovered as yet, I began to construct a new door, last week end I got it framed and glued up, this week end I added the screws and also corner blocks to hopefully stiffen up the door to prevent any future problems.

Next week pending weather, I guess I will remove the original door and try to remove all of the exterior and interior skin to reuse it.

Installed the Marshall 2 stage regulator propane system June 14 2009

2008-08-04T05:10:00.000-07:00

Today I got around to replacing my propane system, with a Marshall 250 2 stage regulator with safety pigtail flexible hose with connectors. I went ahead and wanted to make it rigid so I began with a 12" 3/8" black pipe between my newly installed 3/7" rubber hose metal braided hose I installed a flared swiwvel 2/way connector. This regulator allow the stand by tank to kick in if and when the #1 tank empty. It seems as if one of the pigtail leak when moved, so I may have to end up replacing it, but I guess time will tell. I replace the propane system so I would not run a risk of fires, so I wont take any chances.

Father's Day June 21, 2009 removed door from the Crown

2008-08-04T05:08:00.000-07:00

Today Father's Day June 21, 09, I removed the old Crown door and began to disassemble it, here are a few photos, one with the front skin removed, another one with the removed skin and also a photo of the original door stripped down to bare wood.

I plan on reusing the outside skin again, but need to locate door T-molding and other types of trim, I also need a new hinge and a cam lock. I have looked around for replacement paneling for the interior of the door to no avail, It seems as if it may no longer be available. I will look for it at a few more stores before I decide what new path I may be force to take, I might just do the inside of the door with the aluminum skin I removed from the roof of my teardrop trailer.

Crown door continue June 28 2009

2008-08-04T05:07:00.001-07:00

Well today I continued working on my door replacement, I was very disappointed yesterday when I went to the local trailer supply store and they did not have anything I needed to complete the construction of this new door, so I was forced to use most of the parts that came off of it, none the less I was able to reattach the front skin, then I added bubble insulation into the voids of inside of the door, which I then taped up, from there I installed the side molding and finished it off to day having again to use the paneling that came off of it being I was unable to locate matching panel. Next week I hope to finish the door, first by adding the window and then repaint the entire door, as needed and hopefully I will be able to reinstall the door next week end, but then again only time will tell. I still have to locate and and panel molding to cover up the edges.

Completed & Installed the new door July 5 2009

2008-08-04T05:06:00.000-07:00

Having the extra day helped me complete and install the new door I made, I was really surprised that even after I tested the door frame to insure that it was squared and insured the new door was straight, after the installation it did not fit correctly, so I can only assumed after more than 50 years of use the entry door area is off and has caused the problems with this new door I constructed. Either that or my craftsmanship is the worst ever. I always lean toward my lack of craftsmanship, but I guest being the new door is much better than the old, I can be at least happy with that.

I also did something different,being I was unhappy how the window stuck out to far inside, I decided to try my hand at tuck and roll upholstery. So I went to my local upholstery supply house and bought red imitation leather and 1/2" foam rubber. Overall it turned out OK, it did the job I needed it too, and blended into the vintage interior.

I installed new cab lock and exterior "L" handle as well.

I painted the entire exterior and even after lining out the white arc in the door I also discovered that it was not in the correct place , so I masked and repainted, next week I will have to repaint it a bit to line up the pin striping not that big of a deal will complete that task next week end.

I will also have to install new weather striping to create a better seal.

Door completley finsihed July 12, 2009

2008-08-04T05:04:00.000-07:00

I am happy to say that today I have completed the door, the finishing touches, I stripped the old paint in the white arc that had rippled, due to too much paint, I sprayed a couple coats of zinc chromate, then a few coats of white, allowed to dry overnight then I masked the white and then repainted the red.

After that I added the weather stripping, and then added the pull handle back to the inside of the door. By the time I installed the weather stripping the paint was dry enough to allow me to add the pin striping. Overall as I said before the new door is not perfect but remains a big improvement over the old warped door.

Added the name CROWN onto the trailer 12/20/2009

2008-08-04T05:03:00.001-07:00

Today I went ahead and added the CROWN name that we bought to the right side of our trailer it is just to the left of the door on the side.

Replaced water inlet

2008-08-04T05:02:00.000-07:00

Last time we took the Crown out I discovered that the water inlet had a real tight bend in the copper pipe so I decided that before we went to the Vintage Travel Trailer Rally at Pismo Beach I should replace that section of pipe.

So I went ahead and sweated a new section of pipe but this time instead of just bending the soft copper like they did originally, I assume it was the stock pipe, I wanted to insure we would not have any problems in the future so I added a elbow to the section. Anyways I have added a few photos demonstrating what I did, also because I did not want to risk taking the torch inside the cabin I went ahead and tried a Watts quick connect, which is a non sweat fitting, and it seems as if it worked great, so it could be a great solution for those of you who can't sweat copper, they come in all types of fitting and are good up to 125 PSI, at least it is what the packaging said.

2,200 miles in 8 days in our vintage 1955 Crown Travel Trailer

2008-08-04T05:01:00.003-07:00

So photos of our trip to Centle texas with or 55 Crwon in tow:

New jack and hitch installed

2008-08-04T05:01:00.002-07:00

After returning from our trip to Texas, we decided before another problem developed we would have a new hitch and jack installed, so I took it to BigTex where I get all of my welding done and had them installed, photo below

Front section deteriorated

2008-08-04T05:00:00.002-07:00

During our trip to Texas once there I discovered that most of the screws holding the bottom of the skin down lost all of it screws, and when trying to replace I discover that that board was rotted away, so today I decided to replace it with a board made of cedar, only to discover that almost the entire front section suffered water damage and dry rot was was merely covered up and even that at least the front side skin cover another skin, so I patch it to allow us to continue using her and will have to tear the entire front side down and rebuild her once I have the time and money. It goes to show you really really know what you got entire you are forced to remove the skin. This is one of our personal trailer and will want to do it correctly.

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2008-08-04T05:00:00.001-07:00

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