Forum Discussion

sdelee's avatar
sdelee
Explorer
May 09, 2016

1963 Century Travel Trailer

I had been looking for a vintage travel trailer that had an actual bathroom and wasn’t too long because I want to pull it with my 1951 Chevy convertible. I found a 1963 Century Travel trailer on Ebay and bought it sight unseen (I know, I broke the first rule). I asked a lot of questions including – does it have any water damage from previous leaks? They said NO. They lied. Anyway, we dove 12 hours to pick it up and weren’t coming home empty handed. After getting it home and pulling stuff off that was put on to cover up damage we started tearing into the floor which is rotted under where the banquet seats are. The original fresh water tank was under one of the seats and it had been leaking for probably years. There’s also quite a bit of damage behind the cabinets. We really aren’t up for a ground-up rebuild, so hopefully we can make repairs that make it safe and functional. I also want it to look as original as possible which will mean replacing some of the birch paneling. Even with all of the problems we are finding I do love it. The floor plan and cool retro look are exactly what I’ve been looking for. A Google search of Century Travel Trailers shows that it was probably originally bare aluminum and at some point (if we still have any energy after fixing the inside) we might try to strip off the paint that the previous owners put on it. From 20 feet away it looks super cute. Close up the paint job isn’t very good. I think they just used a roller. Anyway, I will attempt to post pics and welcome any advice (other than “Sell it, you’re in way over your head!” ?) that those of you who have Been There, Done That have for us. Thank you in advance!!!!!

  • Since I finally got this to post through Trailer Life portal I'll add more pics.











  • Pretty cool. Here is a post from another member that restored an 1959 Century. Maybe he can give you some pointers.

    Clicky
  • Nice TT. I hope you get it back to 'normal' and in use ASAP.

    Enjoy your travels.

    And, we'll need a picture of the TT hooked up the the 51 ragtop. So, get moving. :)
  • B-n-B's avatar
    B-n-B
    Explorer III
    Sounds/looks like you are in for a near total restore. Not necessarily a bad thing if that's your dream trailer and you like it that much. Either way, best of luck to you!
  • Cool trailer....and it makes me feel WAY better about mine> :)

    Good luck with it.
  • :C Cool I like it. Please try to fix it up close to original a possible. They even have "Classic Camper" outings you can go to.
  • That really is a cute trailer. Shame it has all that damage and that the previous owner lied to you. That is always disheartening. It does have great potential though. Just take it one step at a time. I think you are right about it originally being all aluminum. I think all the Century's were like that. If you do strip it you will need to polish the aluminum. That was probably one of the hardest jobs on the whole thing.
    Please keep us posted on your progress.
  • Thanks Windwalker! I have viewed your adventure with your Century and found encouragement :) Have you found any sources for Century parts/accessories? I'm missing several original things: bathroom sink, toilet, medicine cabinet, fridge. Would like to collect these things before rebuild.
    Thanks!!
  • Head to the Tin Can Tourists website for any questions you may have. They are a friendly and well informed bunch. The rallies are fun, I hope you join in when you have the trailer done!
  • sdelee wrote:
    Thanks Windwalker! I have viewed your adventure with your Century and found encouragement :) Have you found any sources for Century parts/accessories? I'm missing several original things: bathroom sink, toilet, medicine cabinet, fridge. Would like to collect these things before rebuild.
    Thanks!!


    No, I didn't find any places that sell replacement parts. I have kept my original sink. I replaced the refrigerator with a small electric fridge and cut out the old door to fit the new fridge. Mine didn't have a bathroom so I wasn't in the same situation as you. You could always use generic bath parts from that era.

    Here is a site you might try.

    Vintage camper parts

    Here is a site that lists RV salvage yards

    RV salvage yards