Retro travelers, Vicky and Richard Nash describe how they restored a 1962 Shasta travel trailer and a 1961 Ford Galaxie Sunliner convertible then take the duo on a western Colorado journey. Now the couple has a thriving vintage travel trailer restoration business called Retro Trailer Design based in Glenwood Springs, Colorado.
A classic 1960s red convertible with a matching vintage travel trailer adorn the cover of the July/August issue of AAA Colorado EnCompass. This ensemble was created by Vicky and Richard Nash, owners of Retro Trailer Design in Glenwood Springs, Colorado. The accompanying 4-page story provides details on how they went about restoring a 1962 Shasta travel trailer and a 1961 Ford Galaxie Sunliner. The tale then describes the voyage they took along the West Elk Loop Scenic Byway, rich in Colorado agritourism.
AAA Colorado EnCompass magazine features a vintage travel trailer owned by Vicky and Richard Nash
“People absolutely adore our car/trailer combo and are curious about the transformation from junk to jewel.”
EnCompass Editor, Tom Hess explains why they chose this particular topic, “We asked Vicky to write about her and Richard’s experiences because it looked like a lot of fun. And we thought our members would agree.” See the story and photos at http://encompassmag.com/2013/06/cover-feature-mini-tour-retro-travelers/
Vicky Nash has worked in the tourism marketing and promotion industry for more than 30 years but this was her first published article as a travel writer. “What a great assignment! People absolutely adore our car/trailer combo and are curious about the transformation from junk to jewel. What better place to show them off than in western Colorado?”
If not purchased for a mere $100, the 1962 Shasta’s fate was sure to be the local dump. A flat tire, broken jack, dilapidated interior, split seams, leaking roof, damaged siding were just a few of the problems.
A custom home-builder by trade, Richard Nash knows construction. Demolition began and every inch was stripped down to the frame. The original parts were used as a template to painstakingly rebuild nearly every piece from the ground up. Much of the trim, hardware, and glass was salvaged and reused. A beautiful ash wood, coated with about 5 gallons of amber shellac was used for the interior walls, ceiling and cabinetry. Shiny new aluminum cut to the exact dimensions adorn the roof and side panels. The coveted original silver wings proudly fly on the back.
Serving as Creative Director, Vicky Nash selected the red, silver, and white color scheme. A trip to the paint shop highlighted the famous Z pattern on the exterior. A soda fountain theme carries through the interior space. Cool retro-looking fabric was selected for the cushions and coordinating curtains which were stitched together using a 1960s model sewing machine. Formica countertops and tables feature a boomerang pattern which complements the black-and-white checkerboard floor. After nine months, $10,000+ in materials, and over 100 hours of non-compensated labor, the completed 1962 made its debut.
What Richard Nash envisioned next was a matching tow vehicle. So he found a rusty 1961 Ford Galaxie Sunliner convertible behind a barn along with a twin “parts car”. This full restoration included an engine and transmission overhaul, brakes, shocks, black-and-white upholstery, fresh chrome, a new soft top, a matching paint job in Ford Candy Apple Red, and a new hitch with electronic brake control. Now the ensemble was complete and ready for the road.
The week-long itinerary revolved around western slope history and locally produced food and drink. The article is a journal of reactions from fellow traveler and the perils of vintage camping.
Admirers continuously ask the Nashes if they have other mid-century trailers for sale. Recognizing this as a business opportunity, Richard and Vicky Nash launched a custom 1950s -60s era travel trailer restoration company called Retro Trailer Design. This new venture was recently featured in Costco Connection magazine, see
http://www.costcoconnection.com/connection/201304#pg40
About Retro Trailer Design:
Retro Trailer Design recreates vintage travel trailers reminiscent of the canned hams of the 1950s and 1960s. Richard and Vicky Nash in Glenwood Springs, Colorado specialize in customized travel trailer restoration.
http://www.retrotrailerdesign.com or 970-945-1329.