Just bought a 1979 Bethany

[hockeyrules]

Hi there, we are new to the IRV2 group as of today. We purchased a 1979 Bethany pop up camper and being novices and partially stupid we only popped up the front side of the camper. Got it home into the garage and tried to set it up and the back supports are gone. Any ideas on how to economically fix this problem? Would love to use it and finish setting it up. The inside is dry, canvas looks great too. Thanks for reading, any ideas or tips would be great.

[Dick & Pat]

Can't really help with the missing parts, but did want to say that a Bethany Pop Up does bring back memories. In 1983 we rented one for two weeks; went to Colorado with the kids and had a blast.

Man, those were great times, and so much simpler than the RV life we have now. Good luck with your new camper; you'll love the lifestyle

[theoddcouple]

If the polls are like any other pup call a rv center that sell pups and ask if they stock the polls. see if the front will fit in the back, if so cut the polls to that size. and you set

[hockeyrules]

Actually the supports aren't missing. They are in good condition. The problem is where they connect to the trailer they are ripped out. It looks like they have been reconnected before so I'm thinking of sawing off some two by fours and building new corners. I think one problem with this will be closing the camper as the supports will be in a little different spot. Any ideas, or if anyone has done this advice would be appreciated.

[hockeyrules]

well we worked for five hours on it and got the support reinforced on the corner where it was broken and everything seems pretty solid. there are a few spots that need re-sewn here and there and the velro to hold the canvas down under the bed slide outs is missing. so a few more odds and ends this week and then we are going to take it next weekend....super excited....

[hockeyrules]

We did some more thing to the camper since the last post. Fixed the door where it had been hit by a car. Took the old wood out and cut new pieces and screwed them back in. Took old hinge off as it was broken and put two small door hinges on. I should give credit for all this to my Mom and her newbo Dick as they did the majority of the work. Then we took the trailer to Grandparents house in South Lyon (near Ann Arbor) from here in northern Minnesota (Hibbing). We stopped and camped in UP on way and it rained. Roof leaked out one hole in center (Roof was concave when we bought it). When we got to Michigan, Grandpa Boo helped and we put rafters up on the inside to hold up the roof and then I bought white Elastometric? paint at Lowes and put four coats on the top. Stopped in UP again on way back and it poured that night and it stayed cozy inside. If anyone is interested I could post some pics I took.

[hockeyrules]

Picture of top after four coats of Roofing paint. The brochure was for sale on Ebay for $15. Not worth that but I stole the pic!

[hockeyrules]

This is a pic from the first time we used the camper. This was before we had the door fixed and I got the propane hooked up now for the stove....

[TXiceman]

Looks like you are all set to enjoy the new rig.

Ken

[hydetherat]

nice another person with tast my wife and i just bought ares and it needs work the roof is saging and there is rips in the canvas do you know where you can get parts for these campers if so please get back to me at hydetherat@gmail.com thanks

[faye]

Quote:

Originally Posted by hockeyrules Picture of top after four coats of Roofing paint. The brochure was for sale on Ebay for $15. Not worth that but I stole the pic!

your 1979 pop-up looks great, it is so refreshing to hear your enjoyment and excitement in something that didn't cost a fortune. keep on enjoying and best of luck in your camping experiences.

[rolexreplica]

I love camping..