Is it worth it?

[Chris99212]

I just recently bought a 1992 Starcraft stardust. The canvas was eaten through by ants and mice. The roof has water damage and the floor in the back needs to be replaced. I camp once or twice a year and picked this up for $500.00 before I saw the water damage. Is it worth fixing or should I just sell it as is and try to get my money back. I have no idea what it's worth. Thanks for any guidance!

 

[jmkay1]

This question is entirely depends on you, your skill level, your time and your budget. Canvas alone is going to cost $1000. Material for a new roof especially with the current prices on wood may cost just as much if not more.

I feel for that price you may find another camper a little more camp ready then what you got.

 

[popup-flyer]

Agree with above. How clean do you want it? how waterproof, how problem free?

You can fix it if you have time, knowledge and money but if you just want to get out there and not have a major project on your hands then try to r-recoup your funds, spend a little more and get what you want.

 

[UpNorth-John]

Sorry to say, but that doesn't sound like it was worth the $500. Now, do you want to pass that on to someone else (who may be less aware of the condition)? Honestly, it sounds like about all that is salvageable is the frame and any plumbing/heating devices, unless you want to start a huge restoration project (I've done those...they take time, money and a ton of patience).

On the "upside", you've got a frame and maybe some other devices. Have you considered building a "teardrop" retro-style camper? Plenty of plans out there on the 'net. Just a thought.

 

[Chris99212]

Sorry to say, but that doesn't sound like it was worth the $500. Now, do you want to pass that on to someone else (who may be less aware of the condition)? Honestly, it sounds like about all that is salvageable is the frame and any plumbing/heating devices, unless you want to start a huge restoration project (I've done those...they take time, money and a ton of patience).

On the "upside", you've got a frame and maybe some other devices. Have you considered building a "teardrop" retro-style camper? Plenty of plans out there on the 'net. Just a thought.

Thank you. I didn't realize the water damage until after. I definately wouldn't pass that onto anyone else without being upfront. I appreciate the ideas, I'll look into the teardrop plans.

 

[Snow]

Thank you. I didn't realize the water damage until after. I definately wouldn't pass that onto anyone else without being upfront. I appreciate the ideas, I'll look into the teardrop plans.

When you add up the cost of new canvas, plus what the wood fir the roof and any floor rot would cost, you'd be pretty close to the costs to build a teardrop..

 

[BillyMc]

The canvas was eaten through by ants and mice.

If you could patch to keep bugs out and use Gizmos to keep the water out maybe worth some cheap patching up for a season or two. I wouldn't invest a lot into it. Do a search for "foamie camper plans". You have a frame and some stuff you are going to need already. If you do a good job you will have a camper for years or maybe sell. Option B would be strip it down and sell all usable part and turn the frame into a utility trailer to use or sell. Option C sell it as is (disclose all known problems) and shop for something more camping ready.