It was quite “the project” when they first bought it, but now Shelly and Greg — along with Looly the Shih-Tzu — love spending time at their 1958 Terra Cruiser Trailer vacation home in Arizona. Their real estate agent recommended they tear it down — but once Shelly and Greg spotted all the pink perfection beneath coats of 1980s paint, they were hooked. 16 bottles of Citristrip later — and this rare trailer is back in original form. And it’s a real beauty!
Shelly writes:
Here are photos from my 1958 Universal Terra-Cruiser trailer in Arizona (aka the Love Shack).
About seven years ago we were looking for a cabin in the pines in Arizona. Everything was crazy expensive, but then our realtor said she had a great lot for us. “Never mind the icky old trailer on the property… tear it out and build your dream home!” she gleefully recommended. It was an amazing lot (creek, pines, oaks, fruit trees, etc.) so we sealed the deal, and the newly-dubbed Love Shack was ours.
Once we cleaned heaven-only-knows-how-many-years of grime off every surface imaginable, took out all the kokopellis and navy blue *everything*, we started noticing the trailer’s charms… birchwood paneling, groovy original hardware throughout, jalousie windows, etc.
Most importantly, however — the smidge of pink peeking out from under the white paint that covered the toilet, sinks (bath + kitchen), tub, shower surround, kitchen backsplash, and gas stove. After about 16 bottles of citristrip (and many scraped knuckles), we uncovered gleaming, mostly pristine pink 1958 beauty!
[Editor’s note: Precautionary Pam reminds: Readers, there can be vintage nastiness such as lead paint and asbestos in the layers of our vintage homes. Be sure to consult with your own properly licensed professional to be sure what you have so that you can make informed decisions before remodeling. Be Safe / Renovate Safe. ]
I posted some pictures of the place on the internet, and the very knowledgeable and helpful trailer expert Juergen Eichermuller pointed out that it was a Universal Terra-Cruiser model, and quite a gem at that. Even had a “how much do you want for it?” purchase offer from someone!
We decided then to fully embrace the original vibe of the place. Hubs pulled up the living room carpet to reveal the original vinyl flooring (light brown with neopolitan ice cream-colored streaks). It had sustained some water damage in places, so he rooted around inside cabinets, under the bed, etc. to find replacement tiles, and it now looks wonderful.
Last year when I turned 50, we had a big “party in the pines” and our guests brought every piece of flamingo swag imaginable, so the exterior is now as fun and retro-licious as the interior.
Next on the agenda is to re-paint the exterior with the original streamlined design based on a 1958 magazine ad. But….while hubby appreciates the historical aspect of the pink stuff inside, he is leery (okay, understandably) about reverting the trailer to its original pink-trimmed exterior. Boo-hoo! 🙂
Above: Pink & gold swirled wallboard surrounding bathroom sink and tub.
The bath has its original pink tub, toilet and sink as well as the pink-gold marbled tub surround and sink backsplash…all lovingly scraped inch by square inch to remove the awesome Navajo White paint that someone thought was somehow (gasp) preferable.
Above: The original bath light fixture.
In the kitchen, we also have the original pink gas stove & (double) sink!
You might also be able to see the pink checked & gold starburst wallboard in the kitchen.
Above: ’50s-era glider on deck, matching rocker.
This trivet was made with broken pink tiles salvaged from the demolished ladies’ restroom at a local Senator Drive-In Movie Theater (gives you an idea of the extent of my mania, perhaps?).
Above: Built-in desk in kitchen with a close-up of “cracked ice” formica on desk top. [Pam interjects: I would not call this cracked ice; I woudl call it an abstract mosaic with glitter. I would also call it: Fantastique!]
Wow, Shelly and Greg: Underneath all that paint — a real time capsule trailer beauty. It sure sounds like restoring your trailer was “some therapy” — you are definitely a contender for this year’s The Hard Way Award, Pam says!
I’m not sure I could pick a favorite pink piece from your home — but if I had to try, it would be a tie between the laminate countertop on your built-in desk and that adorable pink vintage stove in your adorable pink and white kitchen.
“… the extent of my mania”… you say? Heck yeah, we get it!
Thanks so much for sharing your little slice of retro heaven with all of us!
judy schultz says
oh i love the pink!
Reenie says
WOW!!! Love it. xo
rsqdogsmom says
I am so jealous! Here in Ohio, I cannot find anyone who shares my love of mid-century items. You got a great trailor, that is about the size I’d love to live in full-time, AND a husband who shares your passion!
Looks like you won the lottery for both! Congrats on your beautiful restoration. You guys ROCK!
Chicago Char says
Okay, I have been in this rental apartment with a pink and gray bathroom for years now and have everyone on the lookout for pink and gray towels. Where did you find those striped pink and gray ones?
ShellyinPhx says
Char, they are actually pink and green striped….got them at walmart about seven years ago. Haven’t seen any pink striped towels anywhere since then!
Molly Evans says
Wow! Best story of the year! What an incredible place you’ve made for yourselves there! Very impressed! Well done.
My dream home is an oldie says
Fantastic! The restoration is beautifully done and bravo to you two for that! A summer home is a PERFECT place to let yourself go over-the-top with cliche retro accessories to the hilt! My very favorite object has to be the stove! Its a thing of perfectly preserved historical and working beauty! But the pink and aqua streaked floor tiles are tugging at my heart strings too.
My husband and I, newly empty nesters after a houseful of 4 rowdy, lively children, have downsized and just marked our 6 the month in our first ever ranch home. It is nearly untouched from its original 1960 build finish date, save for the rather unattractive late 90’s main bath remodel. We LOVE one floor living! Even the laundry is on the main floor and not in the basement, though it could have been. The kitchen cabinets are the original custom site built stained wood and in great shape, the original aqua countertops are in place and pretty darned nice also! However, I find myself wanting to put every fun 50’s and 60’s and mid-mod, atomic decorative thing that I come across in here. And its hard to use restraint!! I don’t want our lives to look like an old S&H Green Stamp catalog because well… Sometimes a little less is more.
But if we had a cottage! A summer home? Now there is a place to have fun! I LOVE your little nest and I think you’ve worked meticulously and it shows in the details. Now that my husband and I have gotten comfortable in and to know our new place, we are ready to dig in with some paint colors for the walls, and to replace the 80’s sheet goods on the kitchen floor. I only hope our end results are close to as nice as yours!
Angela Whitehead says
I agree with Molly, that is fantastic! Who in their right mind would demolish this! Brilliant renovation, and it looks so cosy too. I wish I could have been at the party 😀
Jewelcd says
Please share before and after pics once you’re done with that project. Would love to see your empty nester ranch! From what you’re describing it is already near and dear to your heart 🙂
My dream home is an oldie says
I’d be happy to post a few before photos now! I just don’t know to do it. I do have some good ones in my gallery. However, pink being my very favorite color from the time I was 5 and my momma said “Blue is boys, Pink is for girls!” (I was an easy sell!) I have to say, I have nothing even close to as spectacular as this little hide-a-way!! That, being my favorite era, (I was born in ’54) done in my favorite color, is truly a heart stopper for me!
To the person who asked about the Green Stamps book, I do not have S&H, but I have a not as old 1968 Top Value Stamps Catalog but no scanner. Wish I could help!
pam kueber says
Readers cannot post to the site… if you want me to take a look at your photos, connect via the Contact Form at the bottom of the blog….
Mary Elizabeth says
So, does anyone have am S&H Green Stamp catalog they can share on line? I have partially filled book of Green Stamps that I am keeping for a souvenir. My mom got a lovely pair of china lamps with them in the 1960s; we bought sheets and a bedspread to outfit my college room, etc.We used to get stamps with gas fill-ups and with groceries at certain stores. Remember the A&P anyone?
Ginene Nagel says
I’ve never wanted to move to Florida or Arizona, but I swear, I do it in a heart beat if I owned your fabulous trailer. It is just beautiful.
Ginene
Cindy K. says
So cute — I especially love the kitchen!
It’s hard to imagine that they painted all the fixtures! I’m glad that what was underneath lived up to your expectations!
KL says
Oh MAN those starburst kitchen walls are amazing, and I’m not a big pink fan, but the appliances and bathroom are perfect. This whole place looks great!
Marilyn says
Love it! What a great job you all did with that trailer…and what a great find! Glad you decided to save it!