1972 Amerigo Camper Rebuild

Sweet Tater wrote:
I just realized, we have a 70, 71, 72 and a 76 Amerigo on this thread. pretty good showing for a camper that isnt built anymore

Add '73 to the list :B

I would sure like to see lots more pictures of these!!! I'm going around replacing all the plastic vents and hatches on mine and getting outside sealed up so I can power wash it then to start on re-doing wiring, minor plumbing work, get gas hooked up and furnace installed. I'm so anxious!!!

On the plus side, I hooked 12V juice up today and every single light and fan (roof vent and range vent) work perfectly!!! However I must have a ground issue somewhere for the outside lights, not a one of them works :-(

Wayne, the front window idea has practicality but I just don't have that kind of fiberglass skills for one and for two I tried to envision it like that and I just don't think I can or want to. Somehow I will find a solution to this dilemma.

I remember you saying you had one full of pin holes. I think this one is ok the ceiling panels are mostly all great except where a vent previously leaked.

I got all the appliances and power box out of my donor camper today (88 SunLite Hideaway with a completely shot roof and other areas also water damaged). The Amerigo's fridge burner gets hot on 120 but not cold inside, this after being plugged in all day yesterday. This gives me opportunity to upgrade it to a 3 way using the one from the Hideaway. I got some cleaning done in the Amerigo and removed some previous owners rigging inside. Much more cleaning to go! The plumbing all looks great, I have to retrofit my donor furnace, swap fridge, test plumbing, and test water heater as well as upgrade and rewire a bit of the electrical system.

If you are willing to customize the front window area you could leave the basic window shape and use fiberglass to make a frame to allow you to use standard windows. Personally, I think that would be a fun project.

I have pointed this out before, but will again because of its importance. Inspect the fiberglass on the roof very carefully to insure it does not have pin holes. I had an Amerigo at one time, and the entire top had pin holes.

Wayne

Bob, I've not seen another Amerigo around here that I can recall and I frequently browse Craigslist and don't recall seeing one on there either. I do need to check with salvage yards. I can't envision someone being willing to attempt shipping one, or it being successful but maybe it's an option. As much as I hate making the 4 hour boring drive to the Elkhart area, if one is located there it maybe what I have to do :-(

And thanks Ken! It was love at first sight for me. I was obsessed with it before I even saw it in person. With 4 small kids, the Snap N Nap is a big seller for me, and the styling is beyond classy!

Been following this thread since the beginning, presently I'm using a Class A when I'm home but I really like the looks of these Amerigo models. I gotta find one now. I hope you all keep posting on your repairs/upgrades to them. Interesting reading to be sure. Thanks for sharing and good luck with them.
Stay safe
Ken

These campers are for sale all the time . The key is finding one close to your location. Keep an eye on that one ,if it dosen't sell maybe you coul make a deal and they could send you the window.It is always an option.
Ther are a couple of salvage yards that carry only rv parts.
I think one is in your state.

Good Luck

Ya that ones pretty rough. Driver side wall looks like its ready to become an accordion at any moment! Too far for me to drive for a window though :-/

http://sarasota.craigslist.org/rvs/4090072148.html
Heres one for sale , looks like the only good thing is the front window.
Bob w.

Thanks Bob! I've been on the phone the last two hours and everyone referred me to someone who referred to someone else who told me good luck. I'm not completely out of options but the only place with a glimmer of hope wants roughly double what I paid for the whole camper just to attempt it and there's no guarantee that it will work and not leak. I would probably be ok spending that much money if I knew it was done right the first time but I stressed leaks are not an option.
Most of them offered to sell me the material but I'm not confident that I can handle it on my own. Everyone else wants to look at it first and frankly I'm not interested in loading it up and driving all this part of the state just to get told no.
And even if I found someone parting one out its not like you could ship something like this. Ugh frustrating...
Eric

Welcome Eric.
Congratulations on your purchase. This is definately the place for info on restoring one of these classic campers.I do not think anyone has had to replace the front window ,and don't know maybe you can have one made.Please ask as many questions as you like and post pics of the project.


Bob W.