Ruby’s Revival: Sparkle and Shine for the Old Rig

Welcome back to another thrilling installment of the Ruby’s Revival series! This episode marks a monumental first step in our journey to breathe new life into our beloved vintage trailer. After decades of slumber, Ruby finally received her inaugural wash, and the transformation was nothing short of astonishing. What might appear as a simple cleaning task on the surface quickly unfolded into a cascade of surprises, culminating in a dramatic “before and after” reveal that we can’t wait to share.

Just last month, my partner K and I embarked on a mission to his childhood home, the long-standing resting place of Ruby. Our initial objectives were deceptively straightforward, yet crucial for the ambitious vintage camper restoration ahead: firstly, to give Ruby a thorough exterior wash, regardless of how ingrained the grime seemed; and secondly, to attempt the daunting task of removing her wheels. The urgency of the wheel removal became paramount as K’s childhood home was actively on the market. Our window for working on Ruby on the property was rapidly closing, a fact underscored by K’s parents receiving a serious offer on the house during our very visit. This unexpected turn fueled our motivation, turning a planned weekend project into a race against time.

The story of conquering Ruby’s stubborn wheels, a truly mechanical feat, deserves its own dedicated narrative, which I’ll share in an upcoming post. K, with his innate mechanical prowess, is my invaluable guide for all things gears and grease. But for now, allow me a small spoiler: we celebrated success on both fronts! The vintage trailer wash was a triumph, and those long-stuck wheels? They came right off!

Pinpointing the exact date of Ruby’s last wash remains a charming mystery. My initial estimation leaned towards 1983, based on the original license plate. However, updated stickers nudged that estimate forward to 1987, placing her last bath at least three decades ago, if not more. For most of its existence, Ruby never served as a dwelling. Instead, she was a trusty workshop for K’s grandfather and father, a history that certainly contributed to the layers of industrial grime and outdoor debris that had accumulated over the years.

Armed with a modest array of car wash supplies and a handful of basic tools, we approached Ruby with tempered expectations. The thought of confronting over thirty years of caked-on dirt and unknown residue was daunting. We half-expected that only a heavy-duty pressure washer could make a noticeable impact, an item I regrettably didn’t possess at the time. Yet, a cautious optimism prevailed; even a superficial scrub, we reasoned, would at least dislodge the prominent bird nests and thick clumps of dirt, making her less of an embarrassment when it eventually came time for her first road trip. Little did we know, a series of unforeseen challenges, followed by equally unexpected triumphs, awaited us.

Surprise #1: The Water Conundrum

Our meticulously planned washing operation hit an immediate snag: no accessible hose or running water supply. The water line near Ruby was separate from the main house supply, and none of our hoses were long enough to reach. This forced a rapid pivot in our strategy, demanding a significant dose of ingenuity. K, ever the resourceful one, fashioned a makeshift water basin by lining an old, cracked planter with several garbage bags, creating a surprisingly effective watertight container.

While the setup looked undeniably rustic, it proved to be a practical solution under pressure. We mirrored this creative improvisation with an old wheelbarrow, effectively creating two distinct “buckets” – one for the dirty, soapy water (the planter) and another for clean rinsing water (the wheelbarrow). Had I anticipated the lack of a direct water source, I would have certainly brought one of my trusty manual pump sprayers from home. Instead, we made do with a giant popcorn bowl for rinsing. The irony wasn’t lost on us: even if we had brought a heavy-duty pressure washer, it would have been utterly useless without a water supply to hook it up to!

Surprise #2: Jacking Up Challenges

Our initial attempt to lift Ruby off the ground also encountered a hiccup. The jacks we brought simply weren’t tall enough to elevate the camper sufficiently to access the wheels. This particular challenge, and how we ultimately overcame it, is a tale best saved for the upcoming “wheels” post, where K will detail the mechanical intricacies.

Surprise #3: The Wheel Breakthrough

Given K’s father’s numerous unsuccessful attempts over the years to remove the wheels, we arrived fully prepared for a struggle. Our “car guy bag o’ tricks” included everything from candles and a torch to various lubricating oils, anticipating the need for intense persuasion or even a specialized supply run. We mentally braced for the possibility of having to load Ruby onto a trailer just to get her wheels off. So, the relief and excitement were immense when, against all odds, we succeeded! Not only did the wheels come off, but we also discovered that Ruby still had intact brakes, and, remarkably, the wheel bearings were still well-greased. According to K, this was an “absolute miracle” and the best possible outcome for a vintage trailer that had been dormant for so long. It drastically simplifies the next stages of transportation and chassis assessment.

Surprise #4: The Unbelievable Cleanliness

Perhaps the most jaw-dropping revelation of the day was the sheer effectiveness of a simple wash with car soap. The results were astounding, surpassing all our low expectations. A basic combination of car soap, a sponge, a long-handled scrub brush, and a hefty dose of elbow grease worked wonders. We located an old ladder but decided against using it, concerned about potentially denting Ruby’s aged roof. Instead, we focused our efforts on scrubbing as high as we could comfortably reach from the ground, meticulously working our way around the entire exterior. The satisfaction of seeing decades of grime literally melt away with such basic tools was truly one of the most rewarding moments of the entire restoration project thus far.

How We Cleaned Ruby’s Exterior: Essential Materials Used

Achieving this remarkable initial clean for our vintage camper didn’t require an arsenal of specialized equipment. Our success stemmed from a few key items:

• Quality Car Wash Soap: Any good automotive cleaning solution will suffice to break down the surface grime.
• Durable Sponges: Essential for applying soap and wiping away loosened dirt.
• Long-Handled Scrub Brush: Crucial for reaching higher areas and providing extra scrubbing power for stubborn spots.
• Protective Gloves: A must-have for protecting your hands from dirt, chemicals, and prolonged water exposure. (For those with smaller hands like mine, I highly recommend checking out this post for my specific recommendations!)

While I understand and appreciate those who prefer detailed written tutorials, in this instance, I wholeheartedly encourage you to watch the accompanying video. There’s a uniquely satisfying visual aspect to witnessing thirty years of accumulated dirt being effortlessly rinsed away. The pictures you see below certainly tell a part of the story, but the video truly captures the magic and the sheer effort involved in this vintage camper deep clean.

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• Initially, I tackled much of the cleanup solo while K focused his efforts on the challenging task of removing Ruby’s tires. Once he successfully completed his mission, we joined forces, making quicker work of the remaining sections – K wielding the scrub brush and me with the sponge. It felt great to work as a team on this significant milestone.
• You’ll notice K making his official on-camera debut in the video! It only seemed right that if he’s dedicating his expertise to Ruby’s mechanical revival, he should be part of the visual story. A proper introduction to K and his role in this vintage trailer restoration is planned for the next episode.
• Our most effective cleaning technique involved thoroughly wetting down a section of the camper with soapy water and allowing it to dwell for a moment, letting the soap break down the hardened grime. Following this, we’d go in for a second pass with the scrub brush, ensuring deep penetration. A final swipe with the sponge would pick up the loosened dirt before a thorough rinse.
• Working without a continuous water supply meant we had to proceed section by section. This methodical approach prevented the soapy water from drying too quickly before we could rinse it off, a common challenge in DIY outdoor projects. Thankfully, the weather was surprisingly mild, which certainly aided our efforts.
• Keep an eye out for a rather amusing clip in the video where I, in a moment of clumsy enthusiasm, accidentally tip the entire rinsing bowl of water down the front of my shirt instead of onto the camper. A chilly, but memorable, moment!

I’ve already received a few comments regarding Ruby’s exterior color. While these photographs might give the impression of a pristine white, she is, in reality, still a dull gray. This is simply the natural appearance of unpolished aluminum, which is exactly what she’s made of. Rest assured, polishing this beautiful metal is definitely on our agenda for a future phase of Ruby’s extensive vintage camper restoration project!

Just as we discovered intriguing historical notes and family handwriting meticulously preserved on the interior walls, this deep exterior wash unveiled a similar treasure trove. Hidden beneath layers of grime, we found faint handwritten notes, measurements, and other unique markings that K’s family had once inscribed on the outside of the camper. These personal touches offer a wonderful glimpse into Ruby’s past and the lives she touched, further deepening our connection to this incredible project.

Beyond the cleaning, this detailed wash also provided a valuable opportunity to conduct a preliminary assessment of Ruby’s structural integrity. I meticulously took mental notes of various dents, areas requiring future repairs, and other imperfections that will need attention as we progress through the restoration. This initial survey is vital for planning the next stages and budgeting for the necessary work, ensuring we cover every aspect of bringing this vintage trailer back to its former glory.

And there you have it – the dramatic reveal of Ruby’s first wash! While the pictures powerfully convey the transformation, please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions you might have about this significant milestone in our vintage camper revival. Since this eventful cleaning day, our efforts have been dedicated to sourcing suitable new tires, orchestrating the complex logistics of transportation, and, crucially, securing a new, long-term home for Ruby. We’ve found a potential spot, but it’s far from ideal, presenting a fresh set of challenges that I’ll elaborate on in the very next update, which will delve deeper into Ruby’s first road trip and the wheels saga.

The intricate series of events surrounding Ruby’s relocation and storage might mean a slight pause before the subsequent update as we meticulously plan a viable system for both working on her and keeping her safely stored. However, we genuinely believe these incredible initial results are a positive harbinger of wonderful things to come, and not merely “the calm before the storm” of more daunting challenges. We humbly ask for your good wishes on this ambitious project. If you have a moment, please consider pinning this post – the share buttons are conveniently located for you. Your support in helping more enthusiasts discover Ruby’s Revival would mean the world to us, especially as we envision the monumental transformation this vintage camper is destined for!

P.S. Eager to follow Ruby’s entire journey from the very beginning? All previous posts in the Ruby’s Revival series are right here.