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Our Apache Camper Makeover is Finally Finished!

Modified: Aug 18, 2021 · This post may contain affiliate links · 85 Comments

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How we remodeled our vintage Apache camper, saving all the good, and updating all the bad. All for less than the cost of a single vacation!

Last year at about this time in the spring, I started getting the itch to redo something bigger than just a piece of furniture or a room. I set my sights on a vintage camper.

I wanted to do a Shasta or Airstream, but soon realized that those are in short supply and high demand. If you've ever studied economics, or simply been to a garage sale, you know that low supply + high demand = high prices (and vice versa).

But just when I began to despair of unfulfilled inspiration, we found this little Apache Mesa from 1976. It's a hard-sided pop up, which fit most of our needs, and it just needed a good cosmetic overhaul on the inside. The inspiration was back on!

Apache Camper Restoration

I wanted to keep all the character of this sweet little vintage Apache, but update all the gross parts into goodness. Here's how I did it.

1976 Apache Camper Makeover

This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.

New Curtains & Bedding

Everything in this camper was functional, but a little dilapidated. Here's a reminder of where we started.

Original interior of a 1976 Apache camper with brown upholstery

First I changed out the curtains, which was a super-satisfying makeover project in itself. You can see that post here, and more of the original before pictures here.

The bright curtains brought much-needed sunlight and color to this little space.

Blue curtains line the interior of an Apache camper

Then I had to decide what to do about the beds. Although the upholstery was, well, let's just call it "vintage," the cushions underneath were in perfect, clean, condition.

Rather than spending a lot of money reupholstering the beds, I just covered each of them with a large mover's blanket. They're cheap and durable, and I got mine at Harbor Freight for a whopping $4 each.

Blue bedding in Apache Camper

Floor Covering Upgrade

The yellow and brown linoleum was in great shape (just ugly!) so I didn't want to get into a huge project of tearing it out, which would mean gutting the whole camper.

Brown and yellow patterned linoleum flooring in Apache camper
Before: brown linoleum flooring... meh.

After researching a few options, I decided to use an outdoor carpet to cover the floor. They're super cheap (under $20 at Home Depot) and easy to to cut with just scissors or a utility knife..

For a template, I laid down several newspapers, taped them together, and then cut the edges into the outline of the floor. Then I laid the giant newspaper template on the carpet, traced it with chalk, and cut out the shape I needed.

Gray outdoor carpet as flooring in Apache camper

When I put it in the camper, I had to trim some of the edges just a bit, but now it's the perfect fit. And it's removable and easy to clean!

Seat Cushion Makeover

Next on my list was to re-upholster the dinette cushions and do something about the ugly orange band of plastic that ran around the top of the camper. However, those tasks got swallowed up by a summer full of fun and camping.

My little project turned into our new family pastime, and I couldn't be happier about that. Before closing up the camper for the winter, I found time to re-upholster the cushions.

Camper dining space with blue cushions

To cover the cushions, I used polyester fabric shower curtains. They're stain resistant, washable, and very strong. After watching the way my kids climbed all over them with grubby feet and marshmallow-y hands, I knew washability would be important!

Bonus: I was able to engineer the design so that the holes at the top of the shower curtain (for the curtain rings) became button holes, and I made the covers removable.

Shower curtain as seat cover with buttons in the holes for curtain rings

Seat Cushion Cover Un-tutorial

I wish I had thought to write a more detailed description of how I made these removable seat covers. I was just in such a hurry to get them done!

Basically, I used the foam cushions to create my own pattern. I wrapped the curtain around the cushion, sewed down one side, and sewed a flap on one end, using the button holes on the shower curtain as the edge.

Then I sewed buttons on the bottom piece of fabric to match the button holes. Now I can unbutton the flap and slip the covers off for washing.

A Clever Solution to a Design Dilemma

Finally, it came time to winterize the camper, and it bothered me that I hadn't done anything yet about that orange plastic border around the top of the camper interior! Sometimes even I have to admit that I just can't do it all, so we packed her up for the winter and I had to get over it.

Orange border around the top of an Apache camper

But last weekend the weather warmed up enough to open her up again, and I was ready with the answer to the orange plastic. Rather than try to rip it out, of which I had no idea what the repercussions would be, I realized I could cover it with shelf paper.

I found this adorable blue trellis pattern shelf paper at Marshalls, and knew it would be perfect for the job. I also found several similar fun colors and patterns of adhesive shelf paper online.

Much like wallpapering a wall in a house, I decided to apply the paper in small sections. I knew that if I cut off a 4 inch by 8 foot long section of adhesive paper, I was just going to end up in a tangled mess.

I mean, I've never even been able to use a foot of duct tape without it getting stuck to itself, and me, in several places!

Here's the process (similar to applying removable wallpaper):

1. Clean the surface well. I just used a microfiber cloth and water.

2. Measure and cut one section of paper. It doesn't need to be perfect, but it does need to be at least as big as the surface you're sticking it to. (Use the grid on the back to help you get a straight line.)

Cutting adhesive shelf paper using grid as a guide

3. Before removing the backing, hold it up to make sure it looks right.

holding up a strip of blue paper to measure against the border of our camper

4. Remove the protective backing.

Peeling backing off a strip of adhesive shelf paper

5. Carefully line up the patterns, overlapping where needed.

6. Gently press the paper onto the plastic, and make sure the edges remain straight and even.

Applying adhesive shelf paper as wallpaper border in a vintage camper

7. If you get off-course, you can carefully pull up the paper and start again.

8. Smooth the paper out, working from the inside to the outside. Press the paper into the edges for a clean line.

Smoothing shelf paper into the edges of a border

9. Cut the edges off with a sharp utility knife.

Trimming excess from border with utility knife

10. Repeat until your arms want to fall off from holding them over your head.

Apache Camper Makeover Reveal

Finally, she's finished. I must say, the end result is quite satisfying. You don't need to have a pretty space to go camping in, but for me, it just made the whole thing more fun.

Apache camper interior with blue curtains and cushions

Perhaps some day I'll work up to a bigger remodel on an old Shasta or something, but this one has been a great learning experience and a fun challenge.

Unfortunately, we've been bitten by the camping bug now, and have decided to upgrade to a bigger camper that doesn't pop up. So, my sweet little old Apache is for sale. If you like her, feel free to make me an offer sold!

Update: After we sold the Apache, we bought a new (used) camper, which I also completely made over. And I did it for $100! Here's where to get all the info on our new camper transformation.

More Camper

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  • This DIY Gold Hex Backsplash makes a huge statement without a huge hassle.
    DIY Gold Hexagon Backsplash
  • It's camper makeover reveal day here at the $100 Room Challenge!
    Camper Makeover Reveal for the $100 Room Challenge
  • Painted countertops were the perfect solution to this camper's dated laminate! #paintedcountertops #diydecor #100roomchallenge
    $100 Room Challenge Week 3 - Painted Countertops

Comments

  1. Lenie says

    March 24, 2014 at 10:32 am

    I love your posts and the ideas you present. I'm into DIY when I can be and have taken away some great ideas here - the fabric shower curtain cushion covers for one thing. What a great idea. I might use it to recover my lawn chair cushions.
    Lenie

    Reply
    • Meredith says

      March 25, 2014 at 1:15 pm

      Yes, shower curtains would be great for lawn chair covers! I don't know how color-fast they'd be in direct sunlight, though. Have fun DIY-ing!

      Reply
      • sarah says

        July 17, 2014 at 2:48 pm

        Hi! Do you still have the original curtains that came with the Mesa?

        Reply
        • Meredith says

          July 18, 2014 at 8:30 am

          I think I saved them in case anybody wanted them, but I'll have to look and see if I still have them. They were in pretty bad shape and really shrunk, so the bottom of the curtains don't quite reach the bottom of the window. Want me to see if I can find them for you?

          Reply
          • sarah says

            July 18, 2014 at 8:46 am

            yes please!!! I will turn them back into useable curtains 🙂

          • Meredith says

            July 18, 2014 at 8:47 am

            Ok! Let me do some digging this weekend and I'll get back to you...

          • sarah says

            July 18, 2014 at 9:04 am

            thank you!!!

          • Meredith says

            July 24, 2014 at 9:54 am

            I found them! Shoot me an email so I can get details from you: [email protected]

      • Gabby says

        June 20, 2019 at 9:01 am

        Do you have a pattern or can you describe the way you made the cushions with the shower curtains?

        Reply
        • Meredith says

          June 25, 2019 at 9:31 am

          Hi Gabby, I didn't really use a pattern, but I describe the process in a couple of previous comments. Scroll down to look for Anita and Kristin's posts, toward the end. I wish I would have taken pictures at the time so I could do a more detailed tutorial, but I was in such a rush to finish I didn't even think about it!

          Reply
  2. Jay says

    March 24, 2014 at 10:41 am

    Very nice.... like i said before you have a lot of patience. Now that you have the finish product it sounds like it's time fire a road trip...

    Reply
    • Meredith says

      March 25, 2014 at 1:16 pm

      Thanks! Yes, we're all getting excited about camping season around here...

      Reply
  3. A.K.Andrew @artyyah says

    March 24, 2014 at 10:46 am

    I love your practical 'how to' posts like this. What a brilliant idea to use shower fabric for upholstery covering in this context. And obviously the contact paper was inspired too. The end result is great. Thanks so much for the post:-)

    Reply
    • Meredith says

      March 25, 2014 at 1:17 pm

      Thanks A.K., I enjoy these the most too!

      Reply
  4. William Butler says

    March 24, 2014 at 12:40 pm

    Hi Meredith,
    After all that work, you must be a happy camper! I must say, you're very creative 🙂
    My idea of camping is staying at the Westin or the Marriott.

    Kind Regards!
    Bill

    Reply
    • Meredith says

      March 25, 2014 at 1:20 pm

      LOL Bill! I actually have a sweatshirt that says "Happy (and then a picture of my camper)". I was a Holiday Inn camper before this, but I've been converted. 🙂

      Reply
  5. Max's Midway Marketplace says

    March 24, 2014 at 3:15 pm

    Hi; thanks for sharing the remodel with us. Its obvious you are creative about being thrifty. this got me to thinking about one of the many suggestions I have received over the last year or so since i first started talking about doing a youtube show. Several friends told me a show where people refurbish old or damage amusement rides would be a big hit. what do you think. glad you got the camper ready. Its finally spring and I imagine you are itching to get it out on the road. thanks again and take care, Max

    Reply
    • Meredith says

      March 25, 2014 at 1:23 pm

      Hi Max, I think that's a great idea. When I was remodeling the camper, I really relied on other people's experience for certain questions I had. I bet there are people out there that could really benefit from your expertise. And youtube would be the perfect place to do that. Go for it! And thank you for your kind words.

      Reply
  6. Jacqueline Gum (Jacquie) says

    March 24, 2014 at 3:47 pm

    You made this so beautiful yet comfy! I'm not a camper, I must admit...but I think I could do it in this! Lovely

    Reply
    • Meredith says

      March 25, 2014 at 1:24 pm

      Thanks! I wasn't a camper either before this project, but it's amazing what some pretty cushions and curtains can do for your attitude! 🙂

      Reply
  7. Krystyna Lagowski says

    March 24, 2014 at 4:30 pm

    What a cool project! I love that it still has a vintage vibe, true to its roots. Also the colours are just gorgeous. Too bad that you have to sell it! Have fun camping ...

    Reply
    • Meredith says

      March 25, 2014 at 1:25 pm

      Thanks Krystyna! I was definitely trying to capture the vintage feel, without drowning in brown and orange! Glad you like it.

      Reply
  8. Donna Janke says

    March 24, 2014 at 7:05 pm

    What an interesting project and a great way to update an old camper. Although I am not much of a camper, I am fascinated by campers. I enjoyed reading about you did with your.

    Reply
    • Meredith says

      March 28, 2014 at 1:12 pm

      Thanks Donna! I agree, you don't have to be a camper to appreciate the ingenious design that goes into these little campers. (I don't mean my own design, I mean the engineering involved in popping them up and using the space so economically.)

      Reply
  9. Paul Graham says

    March 24, 2014 at 9:19 pm

    Very good coverage of your apache camper and certainly brought back some memories. I acquired a trailer 3 years ago that was a rather oppressive and dated mix of too much pink, brass and ugly veneer. Much paint later, much new flooring later it started to take shape and by the time I had built clean lined valances, new table, shelving etc and replaced all lights, blinds and fixtures I love my summer place on the Nova Scotia coast. Final touch was exterior paint, Didn't really want pictures of an antelope on something that is slower than me !

    Reply
    • Meredith says

      March 25, 2014 at 1:27 pm

      Wow Paul, that sounds like a great project! And to be able to enjoy it on the Nova Scotia coast - that's really living. Happy camping!

      Reply
  10. Susan Cooper/findingourwaynow.com says

    March 25, 2014 at 10:43 am

    I love the outcome. I always find so fun to see the transformation with ajust a few simple (or not so simple...LOL) touches.

    On a side note: I am going through an office remodel. Unfortunately, it requires a total redo... UGH! But the end result will be amazing and will provide a much more efficient workspace. 🙂

    Reply
    • Meredith says

      March 25, 2014 at 1:28 pm

      Thanks Susan, and good luck with your office remodel! It will be worth it in the end...

      Reply
  11. Beth Niebuhr says

    March 25, 2014 at 2:37 pm

    What a nice job you did. My dad redid one when I was young. I made the new curtains! I was about 10. I love the idea of the carpet. And using a shower curtain for material is brilliant.

    Reply
    • Meredith says

      March 26, 2014 at 8:15 am

      Thanks Beth! It's always fun to hear from someone who's done this kind of thing before.

      Reply
  12. Arleen says

    March 25, 2014 at 4:03 pm

    You really come up with clever ideas. I can see using the shower curtains for cushions on a boat or cushions for seats outdoors.

    Reply
    • Meredith says

      March 26, 2014 at 8:16 am

      Thanks Arleen, and I love that idea for a boat too!

      Reply
  13. Jeri Walker-Bickett (@JeriWB) says

    March 25, 2014 at 4:49 pm

    This is so awesome! About five years ago, I came into a very old camp trailer on my grandpa's property in Montana. I affectionately refer to it as my hovel, but I spent the better part of five days putting some blood, sweat, and tears into it. I painted the inside light blue to cover up the old, slightly mildewed wood. Then I made curtains out of beach towels and iron on hem material. The floor was in okay condition, but I put a few cheap throw rugs down. Thankfully, the cushions for the seat didn't need recovered. It know looks 20 times better and is 50 times better than sleeping in a tent when my husband and I drive up there 🙂

    Reply
    • Meredith says

      March 26, 2014 at 8:18 am

      How fun! I love the satisfaction of taking something run-down and making it wonderful (or at least not-so-bad) again. I know, I don't think I can ever go back to tent camping. I'm spoiled now. 🙂

      Reply
  14. Laurie S Hurley says

    March 25, 2014 at 5:38 pm

    As beautiful as this looks, I have major claustrophobia and do not think I could be in a camper. More like a suite at the Ritz! It's really cute though and I like what you did. Being a non-crafty person, it always amazes me when people like you transform something like this.

    Reply
    • Meredith says

      March 26, 2014 at 8:21 am

      Thanks Laurie! Yes, a suite at the Ritz does have its advantages!

      Reply
  15. niekkamcdonald says

    March 25, 2014 at 9:03 pm

    Meredith you need your own show! You really make me want to try and re upholster something.

    Reply
    • Meredith says

      March 26, 2014 at 8:22 am

      Thank you Niekka! 🙂

      Reply
  16. the Frozen Canuck says

    March 26, 2014 at 7:09 am

    I would of never thought of shower curtains! Great idea! I like how you are geared more to people who don't have millions to spend on decorating - decorating on a budget.

    Reply
    • Meredith says

      March 26, 2014 at 8:23 am

      Glad you liked it! Yes, I'm all about decorating on a budget. If it can be done cheaper and/or easier, then I want to know about it! (And I figure other people do too...)

      Reply
  17. Rena McDaniel says

    March 26, 2014 at 9:32 am

    I absolutely loved this! It brought back great memories of an Apache my husband and I remodeled many years ago and used forever before being passed down to a new young family. I love the step by step makes it easier for the non-creative people like me!

    Reply
    • Meredith says

      March 28, 2014 at 11:58 am

      Yay! Another Apache family! It's nice to be able to pass ours down to a new family as well. It was hard to let it go, but I think it will be well-loved!

      Reply
  18. Karen says

    March 26, 2014 at 12:37 pm

    You made that so cute, I don't know how you were able to part with it. I lived full time in a 34' travel trailer for 13 years. I did some remodeling from time to time to make things look like new. It is fun to redo and make something fit your own personality.

    Reply
    • Meredith says

      March 28, 2014 at 12:00 pm

      Yes, making something fit your own personality is exactly the reason I like to re-make old things. It was hard to part with it, but I felt like I could be proud of what I had made it into for its new family.

      Reply
  19. Christina says

    March 27, 2014 at 12:06 am

    That's a great tip about the removable, washable shower curtains as cushion covers.

    Reply
    • Meredith says

      March 28, 2014 at 12:01 pm

      Thanks! You never know where you'll find a solution to a remodeling problem, the hardware store, the shower aisle at Target... 🙂

      Reply
  20. theJenWeaver says

    March 28, 2014 at 1:33 pm

    Wow! I'm super impressed. Great job, that's quite an undertaking!

    Reply
    • Meredith says

      March 29, 2014 at 5:21 pm

      Thanks Jen! That's why it took me a whole year! 🙂

      Reply
  21. andleebakhlaqkhan says

    March 30, 2014 at 2:29 am

    I am really impressed with this post and \I| will try this my self , as I am always experimenting with things... But this is a wonderful Idea to use shower curtains... But I must say you have a lot of patience ....
    Now when you are done.. it looks great.,..and so cute
    All the best.

    Reply
    • Meredith says

      April 01, 2014 at 11:28 am

      Thank you! Yes, it does take a bit of patience, but it's always worth it in the end!

      Reply
  22. Lillian Chapman says

    April 23, 2014 at 11:35 am

    I like what you did to the camper but my idea of camping is a 4 star hotel with room service and nice staff.. Lily c Canada

    Reply
    • Meredith says

      April 23, 2014 at 9:49 pm

      Thank you! I don't blame you, I think I'd be the same if it weren't for my husband. This is our compromise between hardcore backpacking (him) and 4 star hotel (me).

      Reply
      • Lillian says

        April 24, 2014 at 10:22 am

        I was lucky that way because my late husband didn't like camping either. We spent our time going to Circus Shows. He was a model train and model circus builder so we went to all the shows and traveled around Canada and the U'S A for the 46 years that we had before he got his cancer and 6 months later he was gone.

        Reply
        • Meredith says

          April 24, 2014 at 5:23 pm

          Wow, I'm sorry to hear that. He sounds like a great guy and it sounds like the two of you had a good life together. Here's to happy memories, whether by campers, circus shows, or hotels!

          Reply
  23. Matthew Kaboomis Loomis says

    April 24, 2014 at 8:33 pm

    This is great, Meredith. I love classic campers and you've really made this one look fantastic.

    Brings back memories of my grandparents and using their camper out in nature.

    Reply
    • Meredith says

      April 29, 2014 at 1:43 pm

      Thanks Matthew! Glad to help you remember some happy times...

      Reply
  24. Charles mills says

    May 15, 2015 at 4:55 pm

    I have a 1974 ramada that needs the lift chains replaced still in decent condition if you know someone that would want a good deal on a project

    Reply
    • Meredith says

      May 16, 2015 at 5:25 pm

      Hi Charles, I don't right now, but if you're on facebook, you should check out the Apache Camper Preservation Society group page. Those folks are passionate about saving every possible Apache.

      Reply
  25. Anita says

    May 29, 2015 at 2:15 pm

    I love this. How did you actually make the cushion cover. ( I need a step by step and can not find anything on line to help)?

    Reply
    • Meredith says

      May 31, 2015 at 5:39 pm

      Hi Anita, I wish I had done a more thorough explanation of that process. I'm not a great sewer so I wasn't very confident in my ability to describe the steps. Basically, I laid a cushion on top of the shower curtain and cut out around it, leaving an inch seam allowance extra on each side. Then I measured the edge, which I think was around 3 inches, and again added a one inch allowance all the way around. On the back side, I did basically the same thing, except the back panel is made up of two pieces that overlap enough to button together (shown in the picture). Then I pinned and sewed everything together inside out. Finally I turned it right side out, shoved the cushion inside and buttoned it up. It took a little trial and error, so I apologize that I don't have better details for you. Let me know if you have more questions!

      Reply
  26. journeytokimberly says

    June 03, 2015 at 1:35 pm

    Did you use 2 shower curtains total? 1 for each of the bench cushions? Marvelous idea BTW!!!

    Reply
    • Meredith says

      June 04, 2015 at 9:31 am

      Thank you! Yes, I used a total of 2 curtains, and actually got 4 cushions out of them, the bottoms and backs of each bench.

      Reply
  27. Marlene spadoni says

    June 13, 2015 at 2:56 pm

    Hi Meredith, we have a 1977 apache tent trailer, the curtains, seats and flooring are exactly like yours. I'm starting to redecorate and I wanted to ask how you hung your curtains. Did you reuse the plastic tabs to hang them or did use do something else,
    Yours looks great.
    Thank you,
    Marlene

    Reply
    • Meredith says

      June 16, 2015 at 9:49 pm

      Thanks Marlene, always great to meet another Apache owner! The answer to your question is sort of both. The part of the tab that was attached to the curtain was falling apart, but I wanted to be able to use their existing system, so I took the tabs off and glued velcro to each tab, then I sewed the other side of the velcro to the curtain. That way the tabs could run back and forth on the rails, but the curtains could be removed to clean. You can see more of that process in this post: https://thepalettemuse.com/apache-remodel-part-1/

      I think you can buy more of the tab strips online if that seems easier. Try googling "Apache Replacement Parts." Also, there is a great facebook page dedicated to preserving and rehabbing old Apaches. They are a great source of information and replacement parts.

      If you have any more questions, don't hesitate to ask!

      Reply
  28. Tmurdoch says

    July 01, 2015 at 6:44 pm

    When I was a little girl in the 90's my family had an amazing orange Apache trailer. Fast forward 20 years and I can wait to buy one with my fiancé, fix it up, and tour North America together. Thanks for all the remodelling tips.

    Reply
    • Meredith says

      July 06, 2015 at 8:54 pm

      How cool! I didn't grow up with camping, but this little Apache totally got me into it! Such good memories with the family. Wishing you your own great memories!

      Reply
  29. thepopupprincess says

    August 09, 2015 at 10:52 am

    Meredith, your cushion covers are ingenious! Would you mind if I linked back to this post on my blog? 🙂

    Reply
    • Meredith says

      August 09, 2015 at 12:38 pm

      Thank you! And yes, feel free to link back! 🙂

      Reply
  30. Connie Slingsby says

    March 09, 2016 at 5:57 am

    I hope your still posting. I just found your site and I am redoing an old Apache camper, But can't figure out how to get them to fit the small rail , new curtains,I mean. Please tell me what you did. Thanks.Connie

    Reply
    • Meredith says

      March 09, 2016 at 1:31 pm

      Hi Connie! Yes, I'm still posting, but I don't own the camper anymore. I used the original clips so they would fit back in the rails. You can see how I did it here: https://thepalettemuse.com/apache-remodel-part-1/

      Also, there's a great facebook group dedicated to the rescue and rehab of these old gems. Check it out: https://www.facebook.com/groups/201182856613333/

      Reply
      • Connie Slingsby says

        March 10, 2016 at 3:36 am

        Thanks so much for your quick reply on how to hang Apache curtains. I've been up nights trying to figure this out. This is going to take some time, but I can see how this is do-able. I enjoy your blog and thanks again.

        Reply
        • Meredith says

          March 11, 2016 at 11:40 am

          You're welcome! I hope you can get some rest now! 😉

          Reply
  31. boxtrailers (@centurycampers) says

    April 13, 2016 at 4:57 am

    You really have a a patience out there in building this camper. You do have some talent there. I like the design and the wallpapers you used.

    Reply
    • Meredith says

      April 18, 2016 at 9:20 am

      Thank you! It does take a little patience, but is so worth it in the end!

      Reply
  32. Kristin Intile says

    May 02, 2016 at 7:47 pm

    Hello! I am also rehabbing an Apache camper and came across your post. Mine came with no cushions at all and I was going to make my own. Your cushion cover idea is awesome and I was wondering if you had some more specific instructions for making it somewhere. I am not a very experienced sewer so it's not easy for me to just "wing it". Anyway, thanks so much for the tips and inspiration!

    Kiki

    Reply
    • Meredith says

      May 05, 2016 at 4:39 pm

      Hi Kristin! I'm sorry I don't have more detailed instructions for you. Basically, you will need to measure the length and width of each seat and seat-back. (They're slightly different on each side.) Then you'll get foam (at hobby or fabric stores) and cut it to those measurements. Then you have to figure out the measurements, including the depth of the foam and basically build a box out of fabric. I know that probably doesn't help. Maybe try searching for "make your own seat cushions"? I'm sure someone more experienced than me can explain it better. Good luck!

      Reply
  33. Gail C. says

    August 25, 2016 at 2:51 pm

    You really did a great job on the camper! You are Sooooo Smart! I like the idea of using shower curtains to redo the sitting area. Speaking of that Kohls.com is having a sale currently. I goggled "Kohl's promo codes" and ended up at retailmenot.com .... got 30% off and free shipping - no minimum with my Kohl's card and the promo codes. I picked up some shower curtains that regularly were $24.99 but are now $10.00 (less 30% with promo code). You may want to check it out? I, myself, have been known to use fabric shower curtains as regular curtains (and people never know unless I tell them ... lol). Again .... I love the redecorating you did in the camper (all great ideas) .... beautiful!

    Reply
  34. Christina says

    August 28, 2016 at 1:08 pm

    Thanks for the great post! My husband and I are working on a 75 Ramada right now. Do you happen to remember how you recovered the mattresses? I'm struggling to find an option that is affordable and would appreciate any advice that you have! Thanks

    Reply
    • Meredith says

      August 30, 2016 at 9:31 am

      Hi Christina! I have to admit, I totally cheaped out on the mattresses. I simply covered them with mover's blankets from Harbor Freight. They are the right size to just barely fit around the mattress and tuck in under the edges. So I didn't really make a cover for them, I just kept the blankets tucked around them. Hope that helps!

      Reply
  35. Hope says

    January 04, 2019 at 4:21 pm

    I'm trying to talk my hubby into a vintage Apache Roamer. He's worried that they leak. I was wondering if you had any problems with that?

    Reply
    • Meredith says

      January 07, 2019 at 2:25 pm

      Yes, sadly ours was a bit of a leaker. It only leaked when it rained really hard and when it was popped up. It was nice and tight when folded down and stored. I know there are lots of ways to fix the leaks, but I never got around to it because it rains so rarely here in the desert (and dries out so quickly) that it never really caused any problems. If you want a totally maintenance free popup, this may not be the one. But come to think of it, I'm not sure there's any such thing as a maintenance free popup?

      Reply
  36. Forrest says

    September 15, 2021 at 9:23 pm

    Wow! I just picked up a well-loved 73 Apache Mesa for my next project. I'm totally going for the indoor/outdoor carpet instead of my planned-on stick-on tile. I'll be using this for inspiration!

    Reply
    • Meredith says

      September 16, 2021 at 1:27 pm

      That's awesome! I hope you enjoy yours as much as we did ours!

      Reply

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  2. Dreaming of Vintage Campers - The Palette Muse says:
    February 14, 2015 at 2:53 pm

    […] may know from previous posts on our vintage Apache Mesa camper, that one of my obsessions is glamping and vintage campers. What is glamping, you ask? It’s […]

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I'm Meredith, the designer, crafter, and DIY-er behind The Palette Muse. I love all things colorful and creative, and I love sharing them with you. Thanks for visiting today!

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