How to restore a 1986 Coleman pop-up camper?

In this blog post, we will answer the question: “How to restore a 1986 Coleman pop-up camper?” We will discuss the steps in detail to restore a 1986 Coleman pop-up camper from scratch. We will also talk about the essentials and the required items to be restored or replaced.

How to restore a 1986 Coleman pop-up camper?

To restore a 1986 Coleman pop-up camper, follow the steps described below.

• Inspect the present condition

• Clean the camper

• Repair the interiors and structure

• Replace the electrical and plumbing systems

• Restore the interiors

• Repair and restore the furniture

• Add new appliances and fixtures

• Restore the exterior

• Personalize the camper

Inspect the present condition

• The 1986 Coleman pop-up camper is a vintage motorhome, and restoring this model can be an exciting project. The first step will be to inspect the present condition of the camper. Start by looking at every part of the camper and determine the damaged areas.

• Make a list of all the items that need to be replaced and a separate list of all the items that can be restored. Check the interiors and exteriors for damage, including cracks, broken windows, etc. Make sure that the windows and doors and functioning correctly.

• Double-check the entire camper for any damage. It is essential to know the current condition of the camper. Keep a keen eye on water damage, structural issues, rust, debris, etc.

Clean the camper

• The next step is to clean the camper. When cleaning the camper, make sure to get rid of all the items that need to be replaced. This includes the furniture, cabinets, electrical appliances, kitchen appliances, etc.

• Remove all the damaged parts in the camper, including the electrical components and plumbing systems. Once you remove all the damaged items, start cleaning the camper thoroughly. Remove all the dirt, rust, debris, and grime. Make sure to do the same for the exterior.

Repair the interiors and structure

• Next, it’s time to start the restoration process. The most important part of restoring a 1986 Coleman pop-up camper starts with the interiors and the structure. Be sure to address all the structural issues and damages. Get rid of all the dents, holes, and cracks, if any.

• The frame is crucial in the 1986 Coleman pop-up camper. Ensure to replace the damaged sections of the frame. Make sure to add “L” brackets to the frame and make them sturdy if necessary. Replace the destroyed wood and damaged materials of the frame.

• Next, it is essential to double-check the roof, walls, and floor. The roof is the most crucial part of the pop-up camper. Restore the entire material if it is not in good condition. 

• Repeat the same with the walls and the floor. If the overall condition is good, replace only the necessary parts. The structural integrity of the camper needs to be in excellent condition.

Replace the electrical and plumbing systems

• Next, it’s time to replace the electrical and plumbing systems. Since this is a vintage motorhome, retaining the old electrical components is unwise. Get rid of all the wires, plug points, and switches. Replace the entire electrical system with new components.

• The electrical and plumbing system is sure to have faults or damage. Try not to repair the wiring. Instead, replace them all. The same goes for the plumbing systems. Add new plumbing pipes and fixtures as required. Add new faucets as needed and ensure the systems are properly functioning.

• Get rid of the old sink if it is not functioning correctly. Seek help for a professional electrician or plumber if you are uncomfortable working with these components. Test the electrical and plumbing system and look for any faults.

Restore the interiors

• It’s time to restore the interiors of the 1986 Coleman pop-up camper. This step involves planning and proper execution. It is essential to consider the installation of the camper. Restore the insulation and add soundproofing materials if necessary.

• Restore the windows and doors and ensure they are in working condition. Check the ventilation of the camper. Remove the old mattress and add a new one for the sleeping area. Add new pillows and cushions. Try to make the sleeping area comfortable and personalize it according to your preference.  

Repair and restore the furniture

• Restore the furniture by building new ones. Retain the furniture that is in good condition. Add new storage units and build new drawers, shelves, and cabinetry. It is crucial to repair the existing furniture or build new pieces. Try not to alter the layout of the popup camper.

• Space is the most important factor in the 1986 Coleman pop-up camper. Make enough storage shelves or try to use portable ones that can be easy to carry around. Consider maximizing the storage options.

Add new appliances and fixtures

• Now that you are done with the crucial part of this project, it’s time to add new appliances and fixtures. Restore the kitchen appliances by referring to the list you created earlier. If the appliances are not worth restoring, consider replacing them. Add a new stove, refrigerator, etc.

• Use modern appliances for the kitchen. Add a microwave if there is enough space. Make sure that all the appliances are appropriately installed. Add new fixtures, including the lights and worn-out electrical constituents.

• New appliances will make the pop-up camper more comfortable. Make sure that the electrical appliances are correctly connected. The same goes for the plumbing. Ensure that there are new fixtures for the plumbing systems.

Restore the exterior

• It’s time to move to the exterior of the camper. Restore the exterior by getting rid of the damaged areas. Get rid of all the dents and remove all the rust and debris. Wash the exteriors if required and restore the damaged wooden area.

Personalize the camper

• Finally, it’s time to personalize the camper. Give the camper a coat of primer and add a color of your choice. Try to use bright and vibrant colors for the camper. Try to use various patterns to make the camper look attractive on the exterior. Do the same for the interiors and make sure that it has a good appearance.

• Add a personal touch to the camper and give us a couple of decorative elements. Add curtains for the interiors, and consider using upholstery. Add accessories that will determine your style, and try to make the camper as comfortable as possible.

• Restoring a 1986 Coleman pop-up camper is an exciting and challenging project. However, if you have the right ideas and tools, this can turn out to be easy. Make sure to prioritize the safety and the quality of the materials. 

• Hire an expert if you are unable to do this process on your own. Reach out to fellow vintage motorhome owners to seek advice and ideas.

Conclusion

In this blog post, we have answered the question: “How to restore a 1986 Coleman pop-up camper?” We have discussed the steps to restore a 1986 Coleman pop-up camper from scratch. We have also talked about the essentials and the required items that need to be restored or replaced.

 Citations 

https://www.jdpower.com/rvs/1986/coleman

https://colemanpopupparts.com/pages/model_specs

https://www.popupportal.com/manuals/Coleman/Coleman_1986.pdf

https://colemanpopupparts.com/pages/repair-guides

https://www.thriftyfun.com/Repairing-a-1986-Coleman-Sunvalley-Popup-Camper.html