Vintage Holiday Rambler Renovation Begins! Cleanup, Demo, & Design and Layout Ideas!
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 30 พ.ย. 2023
- Welcome to our exciting journey of restoring a vintage gem! Join us as we start on the DIY renovation of our 1973 Holiday Rambler Vacationer travel trailer. In this video, we finally get to clean the exterior and sort through the treasures that were left on the interior. During demolition, we find a few surprises and start to formulate design plans for this vintage camper. We even give her a fancy new name!
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Whether you're a seasoned DIY enthusiast or simply love witnessing the revival of vintage vehicles, this video is a must-watch. Stay tuned for future videos as we dive into the restoration of this retro caravan, sharing our triumphs, setbacks, and tips along the way. Don't miss out on this incredible transformation journey that will surely captivate any camping or vintage enthusiast.
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Neat software. Helps visualize things for sure.
The algorithm put your channel in my feed several days ago. I have been binging since i am recovering from minor surgery. I truly love the way you two work together. It is so obvious your relationship is not staged for the camera. You show each other kindness . Your laughter together is contagious. I watch a lot of TH-cam and so glad to find another couple’s channel that is entertaining without clickbait or negativity. May God bless your channel and make it grow quickly. Also looking forward to the pole barn raising. Cindy
Ps there is a cleaner called purple that may help you get the harder stains off when you are intending to paint.
Thank you for all of the kind words 😊
I watching Sleeperdude clean up old cars. He used Dawn with bleach scrubbed it down and then powerwash. Pretty ambitious project to start this time of year.
Yes, with winter coming it's definitely not ideal! We're hoping to have work started to build a pole barn for us soon which would be a game changer but, in the meantime, we'll do what we can! This rambler definitely could have used some bleach! Thanks for the comment!
Ramblin Rose 🌹
It's a solid name suggestion ❤️🌹
Honorable mentions for the new name. Whoever came up with Trailer Swift? You should have won!
Seriously! We might have to use that name for a future project - too funny!
Ah man
I'm sorry I'm not able to finish watching this. I don't have time, I'm getting off the train soon, literally. I'll be back.
Hope you got to finish watching 😁
My husband and I have thoroughly enjoyed watching your videos and the amazing transformation of Harvey so we're really excited to see what you do with Ladybird. (Love the name by the way.) You both are very talented and creative!
Thank you so much! We're happy to have you following along and we're excited to get going on Ladybird soon too!
Jack looks so much like his papa it’s amazing!
He's a chip of the old block. My minnie me 😁.
😂😂😂 …a 5 day makeover? Jacks face! 😊 you crazy kids! This will be fun to watch. ❤
Lol, sometimes we watch the video after we publish and start to realize how insane we are 😂😂
My parents had a 1973 Holiday Rambler Vacationer (24 foot) when we were growing up. Can't wait to see the finished project!
The layout on ours had the living room in the front with a pull-out couch, kitchen on the left, bath on the right in the middle, and two twin beds (with real mattresses) in the back and a pull down bunk over those.
If it's helpful to your restoration, I'll see if I can find any photos of the interior.
Sounds like a sweet camper! If you still have pics,feel free to share. Thanks for the comment 😁
Om I love this camper trailer. I wish I could get one in the UK
We're hoping we can bring it back to life!
Nice name
Thank you!
as you design your interior please remember, the cabinets add structural stability as well as providing storage. don't rely on just the paneling for support. In all honesty the the Holiday Ramblers were designed well from the factory. I'd advise keeping the layout as close to original as possible.
Thanks for the tips! We'll definitely keep the structural stability in mind with our design.
Thanks!
No Way!!! This is our first Super Thanks! We are so appreciative and blown away. Thank you so much! 💚💚🎉
Great videos, lovely family. Came across your channel the other day. Watched quite a few. Reminds me of the 1973 VW Bay window bus we used to have, and converted to a camper. Keep up the great work, kind regards from England.
Nice! We're happy you found our channel. Thanks so much for watching!
Good Job! One more that is going to be like new again!!!😅
We're excited to see how it's going to turn out. Thanks for watching!
I'm doing a full frame off on an almost identical Vacationer. Mine is a 71 19ft. There is a FB group I've been posting progress in, you should join, lots of good people. I started mine Nov 2022 and am about 80% done. I had to pack it up the last 2 winters since I'm doing it under a portable carport in my driveway and it gets cold up here in North WI.
The group is Vintage Holiday Rambler Owners
That's awesome! We are actually in that group and I recognize your name! So excited to have you comment here. We're planning to get back to work on the Rambler this week!
I think you're doing much more of an original restoration than we are planning... ours will be more of just a renovation than restoration.
Perfect description of your time estimation was just said.. E said “Christy math; 5 days work = 5 months of work”. I haven’t heard more true words spoke in a long time!!!
It's funny because it's true 🤣. To be fair, the idea wasn't fully explained. We would have had every little thing planned and purchased then basically just do nothing else for 5 days but work on it for like 16 hours per day. I still think we could have at least come close, lol.
I’d go back with the original paint design, put in updated windows and interior.
Go Retro ! 😁
We'll likely keep the old style windows (although they can be a bit drafty) but update the interior. Thanks for the comment!
Your power washer is powerful. You all did a first-class job IMHO. Really looking forward to seeing more of this one. The layout will be interesting.
Thank you! We're looking forward to getting to work on it soon!
I would make it into a bunk house and let old Harvy pull it around it would be a nice set up.
That would be sweet! We have some other plans for this one... and we need to be a little more confident with Harvey's motor and transmission before we ask too much of him 😆
With the amount of time and dedication and design prowess, I can't wait to see what this Rambler trailer turns out to be! I've already fallen in love with it. Just seeing you hook it up to the back of the truck! I can't wait!
We've got a good plan it. We're excited to see our vision come to life 😁.
Check at junk yards... They may still have some windows that may work... We have to go searching for a couple of windows as well for our holiday rambler as well as a couple of the badges for it!
Our Holiday Rambler map things are all there but have some decent cracks in them. We might try to make a mold to cast some new ones out of resin. Is yours a Holiday Rambler Vacationer? If we make some, we could make some for you too if you have the vacationer. Still TBD if we'll try to make any though 😆
@@retrorevivals that sounds cool, and yes that would be awesome... Not sure what ours is, all we know is it was made by franklin.
I spent Christmas Eve in front of my tree binge watching your vids. Stumbled upon your channel and I just think you both are amazing. Thank you to you both and your beautiful family.
Oh my gosh, what a kind thing to say and, if you ask us, a great way to spend Christmas Eve! We're happy to hear you're enjoying the videos. Thanks for the comment!
As the owner of a pressure washing business, it was very " cringy" as the kids these days would say, watching you pressure wash that rig. Chlorine like you put in a pool does the trick. You mentioned that in the video. Tyler cracked me up when he said "it needs a bubble bath".
Ahhhh, you became a member! We just turned that on. I guess we need to get serious about it now 🥳🥳🥳. Thank you!
So excited to see this one done! We did a 1969 FAN Styleliner (16 foot) 2 years ago and we love it. It looks so similar on the outside. Ours has 4 bunks, bathroom in between. Our bed/table is when you walk in the door. We did a kitchen, retro fridge and fireplace heater. We worked on it almost daily and it took way more than 5 days 😂. We open our front rock guard and hang our retro lights my husbands dad made years ago from planters and beads (lawnwear lights). So excited to see what you do with this one. Also love the dual axel, I wish we had dual.
That's awesome! We love having people like you who have done similar projects following along to offer suggestions along the way too. It took longer than 5 days?!? Weird, lol. I don't know if you'll see this comment but we're considering a fireplace heater and were wondering if it provided enough heat for the whole camper or if you needed another heat source with it. Thanks for the comment.
@@retrorevivals oh yes we only use the fireplace heater and it’s more than enough for fall camping. My only suggestion is get one that you can control the temperature if you can. Ours is on or off heat and on or off flame. So you can just have the flame on and no heat but you can’t control the temperate and we wish we could.
I’m so glad I snowbird it to Az from Michigan! Looking at the snow makes me feel positively delighted to be here in the Sonoran desert….stay warm!
We don't love the cold! We're looking forward to the day when we can go south for winters 🌞
Call it "Tripper" the Trailer!!
Good name 😁. I think we've settled on Lady Bird though.
Oh you were freezing me power washing with the mist coming back on you!! You did make the outside look much much better. I have faith in your abilities and I bet you make it look snazzy in the end. I'll admit it looks like a lot of work but I'm sure you will come up with great ideas for it.
It was chillllly for sure 🥶. Thanks for watching! We're excited to see how this one comes out too 🥳🥳
Name for your new project….You said it! ‘Out the wazoo’ it’s perfect lol❤️🇨🇦
Not a bad idea! We're hoping to keep the budget for this one more "in the wazoo." 😂
The dark blue makes it looks like a Republic Services trash truck.....lol I def like Fancy Nancy, and Secondhand Rose, but yeah rose would depend on color.
Interesting! I don't think we have that trash company around here but we definitely don't want it looking like a trash truck, lol. You can still call her Fancy Nancy if you want to... we won't tell her 😂
I have a 1971 BeeLine 20' travel trailer I am redoing. Very. Similar condition. Can't wait to see how yours turns out.
It'll be fun! Good luck!
Keeping with the themes of the 1970's and America, i think a good name would be Lynda, for Lynda Carter, Wonder Woman from the 70's.
That's a good one! Thanks for the comment!
I was watching this today and the metal rod from wall to wall looks like a grab handle for the bed....like a thing to keep folks from falling out. As for a name, I like Ramblin Rose. With white on top portion, a rich barn red for the accents and a charcoal gray on the bottom. Kinda more modern colors.
We found some old pictures of a similar camper and that rod is a support for a top bunk. Pretty cool design. Thank you for taking the time to comment! We hope you check out some of our other videos too 😁😁
We have a 66 Concord, 24 ft.
That's awesome! Enjoy your travels 😁
Ladybird is an awesome name! ❤ Love watching and listening to you evaluate everything. Great info and hilarious comments! Love the HR, and I can't wait to see the progress!
Thank you!!! We're excited to see how this one progresses too 😁😁
Don't be afraid to look in junkyards they had more than you think
Yes! Great idea! Thanks for watching 🥳🥳
It may be a lot of hard work sweat and tears but with a clean slate then it's up to the imagination
We're looking forward to seeing how it will turn out!
5 day makeover?
I thought this would be 2 bedrooms for the kids, to tow behind Harvey. Giving you all the chance to make a really big kitchen & dining in Harvey & twin bedrooms & a shower in Lady bird
That's not a bad idea but we're not super confident in Harvey's ability to pull another vehicle just yet. We're hoping to have this one finished in time for some family members to use it this summer. I mean, after all, we only have 4 more days left of work on it until it's finished 😂
Its a 440 Mopar@@retrorevivals . One of the toughest motors ever made. It'll pull a train up the mountain
4days & counting🤣🤣🤣
I watch Cole the corn star use a foaming soap dispenser on his farm equipment. Might be worth checking out for a presoak.
Oh yes! One of those foam cannon things would be sweet!
Hope to see more on the Rambler soon.
Hopefully it will be very soon. The weather needs to cooperate though 😉
@@retrorevivals hope to see some soon I understand about weather, we've had a couple of cold days but this week coming up like Tuesday on we're going to have like low 60s to low 70s here in southeast Virginia
We're supposed to get freezing rain tonight 🥶
Coffee cans hold lots of screws and nails..lol. My dads and grandpas favorite way to store large quantities of hardware.
My dad did the same thing. Finding what you need when you need it can be a bit tricky though😆
Big project, look forward to watching the progress of ladybird.
Love you videos
Mike 🇦🇺
Thanks for the comment. We appreciate you watching!
Ladybird it is! Christy, LBJ and Ladybird also named their daughters with LBJ initials! Another fun video. Can't wait for the poop vinette!
Poop vignette, lolol. So cool, we didn't know that about LBJs' kids! Thanks for the comment!
Bobbi Gentry originally sang Fancy. Reba covered it. Country music fun fact.. Ladybird is legit, tho.. well done
Thanks! We didn't know the history of Fancy, very interesting. Thanks for watching and commenting!
I'm excited to see what you guys come up with. I know this is going to be well thought out and restored to something amazing
Thanks for the vote of confidence! We have a vision, now just need to put in the work! Thanks for watching 🥳
Another great video! I’m really excited to see what you have in store for the Holiday Rambler and the Super Van!
Thanks! We're excited too!
Love watching you guys! Learned a lot too about tanks and wiring. A lot of work!
Thanks for watching!
Really enjoying your videos can't wait to see this one loved watching Harvey's make over looking forward to it.
Thanks for the comment! Glad to have you along for the ride.
Cool to see the start of another rebuild. I hope to be able to do something similar someday.
Thanks for watching! Hope you get the chance to do it someday!
What a big job! I'll be here following you guys.. Great stuff 😉👍 2 of my son's have birthdays this month, 50yrs old and 40 yrs old. I'll be able to remember when you started this project.. best wishes .. Molly 🌷❄⛄
Happy birthday to your boys! Thanks for watching! ❤
Rambo the Rambler?😊😮😂
We're going a little more polished with this one so Rambo just felt too rugged 🪖
Yellow Rose
Thanks for the comment 😁. We're going to call her Lady Bird
Good luck to you in the new project
Thank you!
Just when I thought the back wall wouldn’t need to be rebuilt on this rig. Hope they were wheat pennys, heads up for good luck.
It just goes to show that a little water damage showing is just the tip of the iceberg in an RV. No wheat pennies 😔. I'll pretend they were heads up 😉. Thanks for the comment!
Yankee Rose
Thanks for the idea!
I used Exit Mold (don't know what it's called in US) on my caravan, sprayed in on, sit for 15 then spray off with water,
came up like new :)
We haven't heard of that, we'll need to look into it. Thanks for the tip!
I have a 71 vacationer and I live in Chesaning MI the only difference is mine is a rear door entrance...you are more than welcome to come look at it if you need any ideas...also there is a pretty rough looking one around the corner from me but I don't know if the guy would sell it or not but he might sell you a window from it
Thanks for the offer😉. We've got a layout planned. We do look at old trailers that may have usable parts. Some of the old stuff is hard to come by.
If we find ourselves in your neck of the woods one day soon, we might message again to see if we can stop by to see your Vacationer!
@@retrorevivals more than welcome
Henrietta is a classic one for you 😁
Definitely a classic! Thanks for the comment!
Another great video I can't wait to see how this rv turns out in about 6 months
We're excited too! 6 months, you mean 5 days?!? 😂😂😂
@retrorevivals I wish only 5 days but with winter here it's gonna take you a while
Agreed! We are talking to a builder to hopefully start a pole barn for us soon but, in the meantime, we'll do what we can! Thanks for watching!
Please contemplate fiberglass boat paint! There is very little prep involved minor body work if you have to fix it and it goes on so easy so smooth and it will be shiny as all get out! Once you put it on, you can wax it and it looks beautiful!
Thanks for the tip!
I'm so excited. Our Winnie is still sitting under the pole barn. We just can't seem to get going. Haven't even named it yet.
At least you have a pole barn, lol! Thanks for watching!
following you from belgium, looking at previous video's (they where all great nice to look at) and hearing you saying 5 days on this caravan... so next week episode it will be ready to pull it behind the van en you wil be on the road again...
and about the color... make they fit the van ....
whatever you two do, it wil be a beauty behind the beast ;-)
thumbs up from belgium you can do it !!! 👍👌😀
So awesome that you're watching from Belgium, we really appreciate you taking the time to comment! We did toy with the idea of planning out everything to a T and just doing nothing but work on the camper for 5 days straight to see if we could do it. Well, our lives won't allow for that type of project at this point but it could have been fun to try!
Another great video! Ladybird is a diamond in the rough for sure. Can’t wait to see what you do with her! I do miss your fun intros with the random things you all say. Would love it if you brought them back!
You might want to check out the rv surplus stores down around the IN/MI border to keep in budget. Good luck!
Yes, we definitely want to check out the surplus stores. We stopped into one and the items seemed fairly expensive but it's still fun to look! Junkyards may be more in our price range. Did you see today's new video? We added the clips back in for you 😉
Yes, I love it! Keep it up!@@retrorevivals
Another one? Let God help you!!!
Thank you! 🙏🙏🎉
That's a rough one!
We've seen worse! 😂😂
My only thought was a sink in the bathroom isn’t necessary in a small camper. The kitchen sink is right across from it and might open up some extra space. Love what you did with Harvey. I’ve plans for some more renovations in my Minnie Winnie RV this spring. Maybe we will be in the same state parks in MI this coming season!
Keep an eye out for us! We're hoping to get out camping more this summer. You're probably right about the sink. The drain is already in the bathroom so, if it works, we'll probably keep a sink in there. If not, the kitchen sink might do. Thanks for watching!
@@retrorevivals Having removed the bathroom sink, it was actually right outside the bathroom in my fifth wheel, to put in a combo washer/drier, I can honestly say that if you can swing it, you should try to keep the bathroom sink. I hate having to go to the kitchen for normal bathroom sink duties.
Thanks for the comment! I keep thinking about brushing teeth and whatnot. If we can fit a sink, I think we'll go with one in the bathroom.
You shouldn’t have a problem finding the window .I may have one if you’ll let me know the size.You May be able to go to a local mobile home supply they might still carry them.Those windows were common in older mobile homes that some people are still living in.
Thanks! We don't have much in the way of junkyards around here anymore. There is an RV surplus store but it's a couple hours away. We're hoping to make the drive over there one of these days or luck out finding someone nearby parting out an old camper. We will grab the measurements soon. Are you near Michigan?
@@retrorevivals No I’m in SC.If I have the right size you’re welcome to it.Its just sitting in my barn.Took a bunch of them out when I tore down my mamas old mobile home.
What a generous offer! We probably won't make it to SC before we need the window and I'm assuming it would be very expensive to try to ship. Hopefully we can find one around here but thank you so much!!! If our search turns up nothing, we'll reach out!
We lived in Simpsonville, SC, for 4 years when the kids were babies 💚
@retrorevivals You can have every stinkin jalousie window out of my trailer 😂 I can't stand them. I have a 1983 Holiday Rambler Aluma Lite. Bet they are about the same size. To bad I'm way out in Washington state. I've found all kinds of cool vintage rv parts places online. I need to buckle down and redo all the seals and such around my glass. Not looking forward to it... at all 😝
Lady Bird Johnson’s real name was Claudia !
We didn't know that! Thanks for the comment 💚
You could go to a junkyard, and maybe find a window.
Great idea!
You need to paint that like Harvey and toe that behind Harvey so you have room for you and the kids. You can call her Harriet. Harvey and Harriet
Oh man, we're not sure ol' Harvey would be up for towing another rig just yet... we still have some work to do there. We appreciate you watching and commenting!
Lady Bird needed to come with a trigger warning that overwhelming piles of mouse poop were about to be exposed and mice were going to become unhoused. Where are all those mice going to go poop now????
Lady Bird looks to be a bit larger project then the project manager suspected her to be. The good part is, this Lady is going to have a real throne upon which dukey will be made. The raised black tank is an interesting feature, for sure. Though probably better raised then scraping on the ground and draining everywhere it traveled.
The real question is...how have Jack or Ella not figured out that 3D software and everything it can do by now?? That's what these GenZ kids are supposed to be all about!! A little shocking to say the least.
Looking forward to seeing what Lady Bird is about to become. Right now being a mouse outhouse really isn't very becoming of her. She can do much better!!
Those poor mice left with nowhere to poop, and during the Christmas season of all times! Poor poor things 😆 You have to admit, that was a monstrous pile of mouse poop, wasn't it??
Pretty sure these types of things always turn into bigger projects than suspected... no idea why we thought any differently for this one initially.
We're going to have to track down a shorty toilet for this one so you won't need a ladder to do your business 🪜💩 😂
Thanks for the comment, we're excited to see how this one will turn out 👍👍
Maybe the rear wheel fenders could be 3 D printed? Just a wild thought 😊
Not a bad idea. There are places that have some old RV stuff,but trying to locate the right part can be difficult. So if it comes down to it,we may have to have something made. Thanks for the comment 😁
Try a Mr Klean Magic scrubber thing! It is amazing.
Good to know. Thanks for the comment 😁
Betti Davis
Thanks for the name idea 😁
👍🇲🇦🇺🇸✌️ MOROCIN
Thanks for watching!
Rosie rambler
Thanks for the suggestion 😉.
Gee I sure hope you started a big pot of super hot chili in the crock pot so you can warm up later!
Somehow 40 degrees and rainy feels way colder than 30 degrees and snowy! Thanks for watching!
U should have got it wet and used totally awesome
We used super clean. It's pretty good stuff. Totally awesome works well too😉
Great video. Watching Christy pressure wash, though, I just want to call time out to go get ear protection and safety glasses. Please be careful with those ears and eyes when you’re working. ❤
Good point. Thanks for caring 😉
@@retrorevivals Love your content, BTW. Awesome teamwork, great results, funny moments and obvious that you love and care for each other. Love to watch your videos!!
I am betting it will take you 4 to 8 months. You will be rebuilding it.Should look great when done.
You're probably right. The weather will affect our progress quite a bit until we can get a barn built. Thanks for watching, Mark.
Second hand Rosevis a thrift store on Main st. I'm Mt. Clemens.
They might try to take you to court.😂
Good to know 😉. But no worries, we're naming her Lady Bird 😁
make a new wheel flair yourselves out of fiberglass I bet you to could do it use the old one and make a mold.
We might have to do something like that. We were also considering wood... is that a crazy idea?
@@retrorevivals it would have to be a really good water résistent wood and still would not hold up very long
There is no grey tank on that trailer...I use a 42 gallon blue boy to collect my grey water....i have my original owners manual and it tells you grey water goes on the ground...it also tells you to buty your garbage if no trash cans are available! Times have certainly changed
Good to know! We kind of figured that was how it worked. I wonder when they did away with that practice? Thanks for the comment!
Have you a diagram for la0nce trailer battery hookups 😊😊
Sorry, no, we don't. Thanks for watching though and commenting :-)
I think her name should be Holly. Kinda goes with both her origins and her boyfriend Harvey.
Awww, Harvey and Holly would've been sweet names together 😍. Thanks for the comment!
Pressure washer with Bleach.....or pool chlorine!
Thanks for the tip 😁
I love the projects you guys take on, but when husband says that you said this would done in 5 days I hope he was kidding.
Just by where you found it I knew it would have demoed to the bare studs. Why? Several reasons:
1) You found mouse poop inside. For sanitary reasons alone nothing that is not structural can be saved.
2) The insulation was more than likely (assuming it’s original) is lined with asbestos. For that reason alone you should tear down to the studs and start over.
3) Not surprising that a gray tank wasn’t found. The EPA wasn’t created until 1970 - 3 years before the trailer was created. So gray waste being dumped on the ground and not in a receptacle makes logical sense since RVing in those days was a “rich man’s” activity. Keep in mind 1973 was the beginning of the OPEC embargo.
I’m still rooting for you and your family to not only finish this project but Harvey as well. Maybe you can install a trailer hitch on Harvey and it can tow the trailer so that friends and extended family can go RVing with you.
That makes sense! So, we did, at one point, toy around with the idea of planning out everything to the T and just doing nothing but work on the camper for 5 days straight to see if we could do it. Well, our lives won't allow for that type of project at this point but it could have been fun to try! Thanks for rooting for us!
5 days lol 5 weeks
Or maybe 5 months 😬😬
Micky mouse
Thanks for the suggestion 😉
You should have sprayed it with bleach water. First. And what the hell t would help a lot
Thanks for the tip 😁
Big mistake you guys make is you start on the inside by gutting it so you see everything under the trailer. Frame for rust, broken frames, etc.
Thanks for the comment. So you're saying we should start on the inside or it's a mistake to start on the inside?
5 day makeover???????? LOL
Don't want to scare you, but please wash your gloves, always wear masks, and wear disposable gloves in the future. The Black Plague still exists in this country and it comes from rodent droppings.
Holy smokes! We're trying to get better about safety. Thank you 💚💚
Dear God it's painful watching unproductive people. Work 5 minutes, stand around and talk 3 hours. Work 2 minutes, stand around and talk 4 hours.... Painful 😂😂😂
Unproductive people 😂😆😂 Guess we officially found our biggest fan!