Sputnik is a vintage 1957 Sportcraft "canned ham" style 15 ft travel trailer. Most people that see this sitting in my driveway just don't get it. They cock their head, smile ever so slightly and state "that's nice" when their eyes are clearly stating this woman is out of her gourd! I am totally unaffected by these judgements as quite frankly, I am not so sure I would like to get in to my gourd. I am sure it would be cramped and not nearly as much fun in there. Being oomg, I am in love.
My plan is to totally redo Sputnik and then cruise around as the urge strikes me once I retire. I would love to start visiting our National Parks and experience some of the beauty that is right here in the United States. I am currently dabbling in trying to find a group of vintage camper owners in my region of the country (NC)who travel together in preparation for my virgin run. What is so bizarre about all of this is I have never even camped in a new camper, never mind one from the 50's. The thought of carrying around my own little room is very appealing to me, though. My sheets, my towels, a space that is totally designed for me when I travel. I wouldn't say I am a match for Howard Hughes, but as I get older, motel rooms kind of give me the creeps if I allow myself to think too deeply when staying in one. I always bring my own pillow, but who was in this bed 24 hours ago and what were they doing? I've seen those 60 minutes shows with the ultraviolet lights... Quite frankly, I don't know a thing about camping trailers. This one is pretty much stripped and that is one of the reasons I was attracted to it. If I am going to quasi live in a rolling metal room with canned ham as a descriptive term of endearment, there is no question I will have to put my stamp on it. My vision includes midcentury design with all the bells and whistles of the modern world. To date, this is just a vision...
I have been collecting "pieces" for Sputnik as I can afford them or when I find something that brings my vision closer to a reality. A top of the line stainless steel European gas stove top combination sink for the kitchen area and ever so cool vintage atomic fabric for curtains are examples of items I have purchased that will ultimately help to flesh out my vision. Being a thrift store addict, I have many pieces of Sputnik stored in boxes under my bed. If you were to venture there, you would find pink and aqua melmac dishes from the 1950's, midcentury kitchen items and quite an array of authentic vintage decor to ready Sputnik for travel. Sputnik approved items never make it to my Etsy shop. One of the laminate companies has a fabulous vintage line of 50's style formica sheets that will be perfect for the drop down table and kitchen counter area. I have even found and purchased authentic 1950's light pink/peach square vinyl tiles for the floor. You know the ones. They are about a 12" square and you have to wax them to make them shiny. It goes without saying that I will be wearing my pearls and a smile as I perform this chore. Someone told me these tiles may pose a health risk as they are made of asbestos, formaldehyde or some other mysterious material sure to be carcinogenic. I am letting this bit of information float around in my head and I may do a little research on that statement. I have awhile before I will get to the floor, but I am quite sure it will be difficult giving up this perfect floor for an "it may be". My gut feeling right now is I will probably keep it. Not surprising from someone who is ootg............................
I love taking something and reconditioning it. Seeing it transform is so gratifying! I could picture your proposed changes as you clearly described it.
ReplyDeleteThis looks like a great project! We got an old 1970's (sorry, can't remember the exact year) Bethany tent trailer. We love it. We had to replace the canvas and some of the supports. We've taken it to Crater Lake, Yellowstone and the Oregon Coast. Next trip will be Mt. St. Helens.
ReplyDeletei love sputnik too - how very kool!!!
ReplyDeletelove your blog and look forward to more fun stuff from you!!!!
thanks for being one of my new followers
Sputnik is way cool!!! I am jealous! Your plan sounds fabulous.
ReplyDeleteI love Sputnik! It's my dream to have an old vintage RV to ride around while exploring America! So fun! I hope you post pictures of your progress. I found you from your Upcyclers team post. My blog is: www.thewoodenbee.com :) Thanks.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Wooden Bee-I can't wait to begin working on it and yes, there will be pictures!! I am going over to your blog right now. Welcome!!
ReplyDeleteOur T@B teardrop is also called Sputnik. We travel all over with it. our blog is http://travelswithsputnik.blogspot.com/. Good luck on your project and maybe we'll see you on the road someday.
ReplyDeleteHello From NC !!
ReplyDeleteHow are you coming along with your vintage camper ?
We have purchased a vintage back in Oct. and working on it when weather permits...........winter this year in NC has been cooooold !!
I plan on "camping/glamping" when I retire too, and I guess hubby can come along too :) There aren't to many people in NC, at least in my area who have vintage campers, but it is a growing "hobby". I really wanted to get the camper ready for the Maggie Valley Rally, but I don't think I will make it this year...I forget what month it is held, sometime this spring. Anyway, just wanted to drop you a little note to say Hi.
Hello! I have become a vintage camper addict and now have 3-Sputnik, a1952 Yellowstone and a fiberglass Burro. We work on them as we can and hope to have at least one done by the end of this coming summer. I am a member of Tin Can Tourists-are you? There is a Southern group and there are more of us vintage glampers than you may think! They have a facebook page for the main group and regional groups. You should check it out! Thanks for visiting my blog!
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