jessicasews
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Post by jessicasews on Nov 30, 2014 13:09:54 GMT -8
I have to ask myself, if any of our many discussions help save any trailers? It does seem like there's tons of information on this site on how to restore/rebuild/recondition a canned ham trailer the correct way. But the builder would need to read, and also understand the advice that's freely given. But when I read threads like this I wonder if anyone takes the time to understand why it's so important to do the rebuild in a specific order? This trailer needs a total "frame up" rebuild. It would take one person, working every day of the week, with no slow down to chase parts, "at least three months" to complete it. I have done several trailers like this, and I would estimate my time at four to six months! It would make so much more logic to buy one of the hundreds of Craig's List used small box trailers, or even a small toy box trailer to build a mobile shop. You would be thousands of dollars ahead, and have a more useable end result. Heck, I would even look for one that already has A/C. I'm learning as I go John. I've spent the last few days watching MobileTech's video series, reading this form like crazy, getting overwhelmed here and there... Generally just trying to learn as much as I can. Now I know it's a total rebuild. The more I chip away, the more rot I find. The problem is Im a very stubborn girl John. I want this trailer , I've wanted one for years. I'm a vintage wearing, loving, restoring girl. My husband and I bought a 1927 craftman house we are restoring... For the trailer my end goal is to have her re built right, so I could put new cabinets, bed and dinnet back in. She's a studio for now, but who knows what the future holds? I'm a crafts person, and very particular about quality and things being done right.
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John Palmer
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Hi, From a vintage trailer guy located in Santa Ana, CA. It's good to see lots of activity here.
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Post by John Palmer on Nov 30, 2014 17:35:24 GMT -8
Your preaching to the choir, I have done many crazy things also. I just brought home a 1948 Spartan trailer that I drove 400 miles "one-way" to pick up. And it also needs a full rebuild. But, if your going to succeed with your rebuild, you need to work in a specific direction. The sequence is well outlined on this site, by some very experienced vintage trailer restorers. We have already taken the short cuts, and are just trying to save you some time and money by telling you what "does not work". If it we me, I'd nail some paneling back onto the bare walls that you just stripped. The water damaged, rotten paneling will hold the bad original wall framing together for your interim build. Then remove all of the skins and roof skin. Make sure you completely flatten the skin edges, so you DO NOT tear the skins should you choose to re-use. The front, back, and roof framing will be broken, or rotten, if it's still connected. Just remove it. I'd pick the street side wall first, and lay it on a couple of saw horses. Make sure it's LEVEL and FLAT. I pick this wall to rebuild first because it's likely the most ridged/complete wall. It's many times easier to just build a new wall frame on top of the old frame pattern. You will likely find that all of the edge wood needs replacement, and the sill boards will be rotten, so it's just cheaper, and faster to use it as a pattern and rebuild a new wall. After you have the framing for the wall completed, flip it over and glue and staple the new paneling to the wall. Build the curbside wall directly on top of the street side wall. Just add the door and windows in the correct place. Make sure the walls are exactly the same size and shape. Do not cut out the doors and windows until it's mounted back on the trailer floor. You need grasp that the closet wall, the kitchen counter, the kitchen cabinet, and the front cabinet, are about 80% of the strength and rigidity in your completed trailer. If you choose to leave them out you need to address how you will replace the lost strength? If you remember they were attached with humungous nails and screws, much larger that you would think are correct in size for the wood.We only wish you success with your build.
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dmevans
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Post by dmevans on Apr 4, 2015 23:03:28 GMT -8
I bought my 1985 Sport King 5th wheel from King Mfg in Nampa, ID. I found out that they went out of business in 1987.
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Post by vikx on Apr 4, 2015 23:33:11 GMT -8
Welcome Dmevans. Please post in Talk about your trailer so we can get to know you!
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Post by Teachndad on Jan 6, 2018 8:06:43 GMT -8
I know this is an old thread. Came across it while researching something else. Curious as to what ever happened. Jessica, I hope you will be able to share out.
Rod
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