TheSamba.com :: View topic - early camper company named Van Camper (Bowman and Sons) ???

Sun Apr 08, 2007 8:20 pm

I have a relatively complete 1963 walk-through, that was outfitted with all the cabinets, fridge, spice racks, table, closets, etc for camping. The California camping tag located on the body just to the rear of the front passenger door identifies the camping kit as a "Van Camper" by Bowman and Sons, from San Diego, Ca. Ser#S-1308 and DA# 141422 (Whatever those numbers mean???)

Does ANYONE have information on this company, early brochure photos, ads, busses with the same equipment, etc etc. ???? I need to gather as much info as I can so I can piece everything back to original condition. I will even phone Mr. and Mrs. Bowman or their son(s) if you have their phone number! :roll: WHATEVER IT TAKES, PLEASE HELP ME WITH THIS MYSTERY COMPANY. ANY INFO IS APPRECIATED! Thanks...........

Sun Apr 08, 2007 8:36 pm

How about some pics ?? :lol:

Sun Apr 08, 2007 9:21 pm

Had a 62 Bowman at one time. I looked up the name in the phone book and talked to the owner of the company. He told me that 62 was the first year they made them. They were out of El Cajon, CA. The company was still around but long out of the camper business. This was about 8 years ago. I have seen about 4 others besides mine. I have photos somewhere.I will try to find and post them.

Tue Apr 10, 2007 8:25 pm

vtomike, Thanks for the info. Did Bowman ever say whether or not they offered camper-conversion sales brochures back in the day? Did they mention what year they actually stopped installing the camper kits? PLMK

Wed Jun 18, 2008 3:12 am

I have a 65 Bowman, S/N 1136, and am also interested in any info there is out there.

Tue Jan 10, 2012 7:22 pm

Here's a few pictures of the "Vegas Bus" after it was painted

Tue Jan 10, 2012 7:36 pm

Did you look in here?

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=99345

Wed Feb 29, 2012 11:47 am

Fish,
Thanks for all the great info. There still doesn't seem to be much info on the Bowman and Sons
Ken