As the title suggests, this will be a slow (re)build thread for a 1963 Santa Fe Cub. This camper has been on my wife's side of the family for some time (20 years)—and gifted to us last year. They mostly used it for local trips to the lake, a trip or two to MT, and at some point, it received the Monument Valley-themed paint job you see now.
The day we picked it up
![20230415_184747[1].jpg](https://mail.wranglertjforum.com/attachments/20230415_184747-1-jpg.550133/ "20230415_184747[1].jpg")
It tows nicely and doesn’t sway much for a 1200 lb, single-axle camper. The jalousie windows still function, the floor is solid, and all the lights work (including the interior ones when hooked up to a power source). However, it’s not without its issues. While the exterior isn't in terrible shape, it does have hail damage from several years ago. The rear jalousie window was shot out and replaced with a piece of plywood. The skirts are rotted, and at least one ceiling beam has succumbed to rot. The water tank was removed at some point, though I have no idea when. The interior has water stains throughout, so there’s going to be some fun discoveries once I start peeling back the skins.
Some interior photos
Undercarriage
We enjoyed using the camper as-is last year. It’s cozy and has been a lot of fun to stay in. But this year, I’ve noticed more interior water stains, the countertop is shifting, and the front of the camper can be pushed in quite a bit from the outside, meaning the structure is definitely compromised.
To get it in the garage, the axle will need to be removed, and the body of the camper placed on wheel dollies. Even then, it will be a tight fit under my 7-foot garage door.
Broad Plans:
The day we picked it up
It tows nicely and doesn’t sway much for a 1200 lb, single-axle camper. The jalousie windows still function, the floor is solid, and all the lights work (including the interior ones when hooked up to a power source). However, it’s not without its issues. While the exterior isn't in terrible shape, it does have hail damage from several years ago. The rear jalousie window was shot out and replaced with a piece of plywood. The skirts are rotted, and at least one ceiling beam has succumbed to rot. The water tank was removed at some point, though I have no idea when. The interior has water stains throughout, so there’s going to be some fun discoveries once I start peeling back the skins.
Some interior photos
Undercarriage
We enjoyed using the camper as-is last year. It’s cozy and has been a lot of fun to stay in. But this year, I’ve noticed more interior water stains, the countertop is shifting, and the front of the camper can be pushed in quite a bit from the outside, meaning the structure is definitely compromised.
To get it in the garage, the axle will need to be removed, and the body of the camper placed on wheel dollies. Even then, it will be a tight fit under my 7-foot garage door.
Broad Plans:
- Rebuild the skirts and ceiling beams.
- The front wall will likely need to be rebuilt, and we'll see what the side walls look like once the skins are removed.
- The drip rails will all be removed, straightened to the best of my ability, and re-used.
- The interior paneling will be replaced, and we'll likely go with the original golden oak/shellac combo.
- New skins on the outside, likely painted a dark green with a moose somewhere (we're moose fans
). - Updated electrical with a couple of outlets/lights.
- Better insulation.
- Would like to retain the propane oven and stove top.
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