83 Starcraft Restore Project

[bobcap]

Hi all;

I recently bought an 83 Starcraft Aerostar PUC for $400.
First of all, I don't know if thats a good deal or not, but it seemed pretty reasonable to me.
I have never owned a PUC before, but I thought it would be fun to restore this unit and use it a few times a year on my local fishing trips. It's large enough to store all my gear and accommodate my daughter and I.

The PUC is in excellent shape for such an old unit. No leaks, no wood rot and the canvas is in excellent shape except for a small hole made by a mouse which I can repair easily enough.

My question is: How do I begin the restore process? I want to either reface or do something with the old cabinets (Very dated) as well as the vinyl. I am also thinking about taking the galley out and making it into a storage cabinet.(Not sure if thats a good idea)

This unit has a 3 burner stove, sink, refrigerator, furnace, power converter, water tank etc.. I don't know if anything works

I plugged the PUC into a power source in my barn to see if the ceiling light would come on. Nothing happened.

- any way, I am open to all kinds of suggestions on what to do with this unit.

I also took a few pics:

http://community.webshots.com/user/flyfishing_guy

Edited by - bobcap on March 04 2008 15:39:38

 

[kmh1596]

Well firstly check on your converter, because it may have a switch switching its power source from Shore Power to 12v battery power. Also, check out my pics (camera icon below my username) to see the cabinet replacement and roof replacement/repair I did on my 04. It IS do-able, and many here have modified their pups, in fact I will look later for the thread on here of someone removing their galley just 2 days ago. (check mods section) to allow space that could be utilized better for his needs. It is do-able, just ends up being if its worth it or not, if it needs a new canvas ~$800, and any other things to get it structurally sound, then you can mod the rest. Let us know how it goes!
Once you figure out the power issue, you can determine if the other appliances work, which would help you decide to ditch them or keep them also!
Welcome to PUP!

*Kevin*
<img src=../Images/icons/icon_smile_pu.gif border=0 align=middle alt="PopUp"> 2004 Rockwood 1940 LTD
<img src=../Images/icons/icon_smile_suv.gif border=0 align=middle alt="Tow Vehicle"> 96 Cherokee 2dr 4x4 5spd
<img src=../Images/icons/icon_smile_canoe.gif border=0 align=middle alt="Canoe"> ~16' Old Town Canoe

 

[Digger]

Hi Bobcap,

Your Starcraft looks to be in great shape! I'm not sure I'd do anything major to it since it is getting close to be considered a vintage camper...The wood work may look dated, but it has a nice charm to it.

Regardless...have a blast with it!

~Cheers~

Ðigger
2004 Fleetwood Westlake - StonyBlue
2002 Econoline E-150

 

[prncssgeek]

Hi Bobcap,

That looks great! IMHO you got a great deal. I like the setup.

Lori '63, DH Brian '68, DD Charley '84, DS Zach '05, DGD Anna '03
80something Coleman Sequoia
97 Jeep Wrangler "Jesse" TV

TinekerPup restoration site

 

[Micksc]

Hey, Bobcap and welcome. My converter wouldn't charge the tongue battery, nor would the lights work fron the tongue Batt.
Blown 15 Amp. fuse on the converter. If you don't already own one, I suggest you purchase an inexpensive DVOM (digital volt-ohm meter). They come with pretty detailed instructions and can be a life-saver for Elec. troubleshooting. Also if you intend to use the furnace it shoud be cleaned and inspected by you or a Pro before just lighting it off. Dirt dobbers just love to nest in those things<img src=../Images/icons/icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle alt="Big Smile">. Good luck with the repairs-nice looking rig!
Mick

Me'42
DW'42
00 Coleman Cheyenne
04 Iszusu Ascender

 

[Tekboy46]

I'm still working on our '79 Starcraft and you're starting out with a lot better unit than I did. Driveway camp or take it out for a night or two before you start taking things out or making big changes. Consider restoring the galley, sink and stove which would keep things kind of original. But then... PUPpers think outside the box, so if you change some things to your liking, go for it... but take pics and let us know what you do! There's no rulebook when it comes to what to do/not do to your PUP. Whatever you do, be adivised... you're going to have a blast in that camper!

1979 Starcraft Venture
1996 Ford F150 TV

 

[bobcap]

So, here's an update to my restore work.

This afternoon I decided to pop up my popup. The weather is really nice right now and I am getting antsy to get started, after all the fishing bug is biting me.

Lo and behold, as I am cranking this baby up, SNAP, SNAP and there goes the two rear lift cables and down comes the rear of the roof. Jeez!

As far as I can tell, no damage to the roof or lifters, but as I crawl under the unit to see what happened, I notice the two turn buckle looking connections had each snapped apart.

This looks like an easy enough fix, but I was wondering if I can just use straight 3 or 4" turn-buckles (off the shelf from Home Depot) or do I need to order the exact matching part? I checked on a price from a Dealer and they're $21 each for the rear winch cables with connections. Seems pretty high for such a straight forward connection and my cables are all intact, no reason to change them out.

Thoughts?

 

[neice42]

bobcap,
I've replaced the cables on our Starcraft four times, that means they're all new now. When you have to do that, buy the cables from Starcraft. If you mean the long screws that are in the yoke are the ones that broke you can buy them at Home Depot or where ever. When you really need help the people at Starcraft Co are fantastic. They will answer any question you have. Brian has saved my sanity a time or two. Good luck and happy camping.
PS> the man we bought our camper from had cut 4 supports for the roof and used them to take the strain off the cables when he put his camper up. I thank him for including them in the sale every time we camp.

Denise

kids plus marshmallows plus water = happy camping

1970-something Starcraft Swinger 6
and a pre 1970 Appleby -
Get some kids and lets go camping!

 

[buggvin]

Hey Denise,

What type of supports does your popup have? I've got a 1980 Starcraft, and the cables are still the original... Anything I can do to help take the strain off of them would be great! Can you post some pics?

Thanks,
Vince

 

[neice42]

Vince,
The supports are jsut 1X's cut to length to support the roof at the proper height. I'd send pic's but my camper is in pieces on the floor in the garage right now getting new wood. Plus I have to figure out how to send them. I'll take pics tomorrow and try to post them, although I hate for you to see the mess I have going.

Denise

kids plus marshmallows plus water = happy camping

1970-something Starcraft Swinger 6
and a pre 1970 Appleby -
Get some kids and lets go camping!

 

[buggvin]

LOL

Thanks Denise... I understand now... growing up my parents had a 1970ish Starcraft with broken cables one a couple of posts...m so when it was being cranked up, two of us had to prop the 1xs and raise the roof with them.

Good memories!

 

[bobcap]

UPDATE: The third cable snapped this morning and I decided to disengage the fourth lift cable and replace them all. I also need to get the roof down and that was the only thing I could think of doing.

Ain't this fun?

In any case I found a good reference link that helps. I also enlisted my brother-in-law to help this weekend.

http://www.rv-coach.com/current_category.198/Forum.83724/offset.240/forum_thread_full.html

More details and live events as they happen

bob

 

[neice42]

Bob,
I can't stress enough how good the Starcraft techs at the company are to work with. They have an 800 number and all the answers. If you need cables and there is no dealer within 50 miles of your home, you can order straight from the company. That's what I do. The cables are pre-cut and have the loop on them already. I just wish they'd come out with a new model with the swingout kitchen.

Good luck and be happy you're still in the driveway when all this happens.

Denise

kids plus marshmallows plus water = happy camping

1970-something Starcraft Swinger 6
and a pre 1970 Appleby -
Get some kids and lets go camping!

 

[bobcap]

I haven't posted in awhile since I have been traveling on business quite a bit, but I am taking Denise's suggestion and ordering my cables from the manufacturer (Starcraft) - Actually, I have been working with directly with Kim at Cathey's to get the right stuff. She is incredibly awesome to work with and I cant say enough good things about working with her and her company. I have the winch cables now and am waiting for the lift cables and I will be ready to install. I cant wait!