This is what we found in Wisconsin in the fall of 2008
for a WHOPPING $250
This is a 1965 Aristocrat Lo-Liner.
The Lo-Liner model is actually built to fit through a standard sized (7 feet) garage door opening by flattening the tires some, or using an accessory called garage wheels.
Garage wheels were available back in the 60's and were designed with no rubber, just the steel wheel with a flat piece across the rim edges. That way you didn't have to wreck your tires running it in and out of the garage on flats.
This camper, like every vehicle or trailer we own has to have a name. This camper is called Walter. Walter had been sitting on the same piece of ground for over 17 years. It was used occasionally as a camper for summer vacations by the property owners (but never moved!) until they moved a full size mobile home onto their property. The camper was full of wasps, ants and dirt, but in general was in really good shape. Some water damage was discovered later, but nowhere near the extent that "Bob" our 1958 Hiawatha had!
Walter sleeps 6 according to the manufacturer. More like 2 full size adults, 2 small adults and 2 very small children. More comfortably you can get 4 adults in there for the night.
This is where we started the restoration process. Walter's internal systems (propane lines, water tank, water lines, faucets, electrical wiring) were mostly replaced. We saved as much as we could. With the exception of one 110v light and the propane light not making it back in after the process, the interior looks like it did in 1965. Most of the external body badges were replaced with replica badges. We chose not to replace the screwed on badges on the rear of the camper though. Seeing "Aristocrat" FOUR TIMES on the back was too much! So just the molded portions in the bumper and the aluminum colored strip have it now.
Walter was designed, decorated and repainted with a Hippie Theme. The interior decorations include a "lava light" and smiley faced clock. The original appliances were turquoise and because of the color Julia decided they would stay. I just had to figure out how to make it all work.
An apartment sized fridge was installed, hidden in the closet, after running a new electrical outlet. The original ice box interior was retro-fitted for storage and the original door reused. Every piece on the exterior of the camper was removed before any bodywork or painting was done.
