Gerstenslager Conversion: 1954 Chevrolet Camper 4BT Cummins Power
Did somebody say Goldschläger? No, no, we aren’t talking about that terrible cinnamon schnapps/floor cleaner that comes with real gold flakes floating in the bottom…no. We are talking about Gerstenslager, the Wooster, OH based custom coachworks company that started sometime in the mid 19th century, got big with bookmobiles in the ’50s and still stamps vehicle body parts today. Find this 1954 Chevrolet Camper with Gerstenslager conversion and 4BT Cummins power offered for $6,500 in Brighton, CO via craigslist. Tip from Zach Z.
If you are going to drive some huge RV, it makes sense to buy unique like this thing. The diesel power is a big plus, fuel economy will be decent, just don’t try and cheap the EPA test. This thing is large, it sleeps 6 people, has a complete bathroom, but needs some sorting before you hit the open highway. Read more about the Gerstenslager conversion here on coachbuilt.com.
See a cooler way to start your tour of the heartland? tips@dailyturismo.com
I like it. I wonder why the paint-shaker Cummins didn't make it into more vehicles.
You see, a 1954 date of manufacture is how you sidestep the EPA entirely. VW needs to title all those Jettas and Golfs as Korean War era product. That was their mistake. They just needed to provide a 50-year warranty from the date on the title, and they'd be good.
Now, as far as this thing goes…it looks like a much better option than so many of those '70s RVs with 2×2 fir box structures, but man, a 4BT? You'll do 45-50mph everywhere, uphill, downhill, up the face of Mt Whitney, doesn't matter, 45-50mph.
Needs an ISB.
Awwww man, this was the same vehicle my local library used for their "Bookmobile" (do they still have those these days?) back in the early 80's. Good memories.
Imagine my surprise when I saw the Gerstenslager name on this behemoth. Back in the 70's I drove one of their Bookmobiles for the Dallas Public Library, a 40 footer that was a real challenge, especially to parallel park (yes we had two stops that required it). They were extremely durable well put together trucks, and if this one has half the build quality, it should be a real bargain.
Have fun
Rufus
Remind's me of the Truck they used for the TV show Ironside the coach work any way believe that one was a IH .
I was born in Wooster, OH, and remember driving past the Gerstenslager plant as a kid.