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Post by Teachndad on Jul 21, 2016 4:23:29 GMT -8
Hi Friends, I am considering changing directions with my rebuild. Originally, I raised the body to facilitate some frame repairs and then I was going to do the repairs to the walls as a whole unit as seen below.  ![]() However, I am rethinking that and considering taking apart the body – ceiling first and then the walls (Larry and John Palmer will be happy  ).This procedure is chronicled in Greg’s (RinTin) blog beginning at post #58. I would be following the same path. vintagetrailertalk.freeforums.net/thread/4148/1965-aloha-project?page=4 After reading through his highly detailed notes, he removes the walls and places them down on the new floor that he had just built and then uses the floor as a table to facilitate wall repairs. Hence, he would have a large work surface to make repairs.Currently, I have the old floor mounted to the frame, but it can be easily removed, since it’s got new hardware attaching it. Note, my old floor has a gapping rectangular hole in it due to the location of a floor furnace once. Would this be an issue? See picture below.  Here are my questions: 1. Would it be better to use the old floor as a table while mounted to the trailer frame? It seems like using the new floor (once built) as a table would risk gouging and marring it before putting the linoleum on top. 2. Should I use the old floor as a table but laid on saw horses. Seems to me that working at the height of the floor while on the framee, would be more back-weary. 3. Does it matter if the floor is rebuilt first and then the walls or the walls first and then the floor? Thanks, Rod |
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Post by danrhodes on Jul 21, 2016 6:46:46 GMT -8
Hi Rod...A lot of your questions are dependent on the condition and strength of the old floor... If it's strong and flat when on sawhorses, why not use it? On the other hand, a few nicks in the new floor can easily be puttied... You will likely be puttying bolt holes much larger.
To me, your 3 questions read a bit more like "should I really do this?". Having done it this way, I'd only recommend it if it seems totally necessary, I.e. all panels being replaced and all cabinets need attention and you are super methodical about marking locations and making measurements. I'm still a bit worried about getting everything to fit back just right and I'm 3/4 complete. Greg makes it look easy, but I made it as difficult as possible :eek:
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Post by Teachndad on Jul 21, 2016 8:25:57 GMT -8
Hey Dan, You bring up some good points to consider. I was torn as to whether to do the floor first and then move on to rebuilding portions of the walls. Greg never mentioned issues with gouging, and like you said, they are easy to repair. The issue of working down low is problematic for a person who has lower back issues. The old floor wood is in fair condition with the exception of the front 12" which had warped due to water damage and the previously upturned tongue. So, maybe that floor isn't flat enough to work with and will make the decision for me.  Curious to see what others have to say. Cheers, Rod |
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msgoehring
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Post by msgoehring on Jul 21, 2016 21:00:55 GMT -8
Sam has built the new floor, and it matches the old one perfect, and has it on saw horses now and is building the walls on top of that. We haven't been able to get out to uncle's place to do any more work on the frame and haven't decided what to do about the axle yet so the frame isn't ready for the new stuff to go on. Once he rebuilds the walls he plans on bracing the heck out of them so they retain their shape and travel safely. Since you have everything right there I don't see why using the old floor on saw horses would be a problem. It would definitely save your back to have it up higher to build the walls. Just use an extra saw horse to prop up the area the floor won't hold.
I know that's a long winded way of saying I think you have a good idea, but that's me, long winded.
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Post by vikx on Jul 21, 2016 22:00:50 GMT -8
When you take one down to the frame, use new ply for the floor. You've already bit the frame up bullet...
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msgoehring
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Post by msgoehring on Jul 21, 2016 22:10:34 GMT -8
Yep, that was one of the many reasons we went down to the frame, we weren't sure what shape the rest of the floor was in but knew the back was bad. In the end I think we'll be happier. The new plywood is a bit thicker than the old stuff so we'll loose a little head room, but not enough to really tell the difference. We're stuck trying to decide if we should have the axle rebuilt or replace it with something newer. It would be nice to have the trailer sit a little higher so it's easier to get back in some of the more primitive areas we like to camp, but keeping with originality is also what we wanted. Plus there's the cost. While Sam is a great mechanic, he never rebuilt an axle and doesn't trust doing it himself so we are looking for someone who will do the work. Arggg, so much to think about.
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Post by Teachndad on Jul 22, 2016 21:11:56 GMT -8
Hi Friends.
Okay,
I think I got a plan thanks to you all.
I will build a new floor. Measure mark and drill the holes in the wood as well as through the frame. Test fit all the bolts within the holes.
Then, lift it up onto sawhorses and use it as a table.
The old floor has that uneven front edge. That's gnawing at me. Its better to just have as level a platform as possible.
Next remove ceiling and upper front cabinet and upper kitchen cabinet.
Remove walls and remove, and replace as needed. And somewhere in there start running electrical wiring.
Margaret,
What thickness did you use for the floor? If its thicker are you planning on shortening the wardrobe? Also, your last sentence in your last response could be a Sig line. I can totally relate. Lol.
Cheers all and thanks.
Rod
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Post by danrhodes on Jul 23, 2016 5:58:08 GMT -8
Just my experience, but I found it easier to drill the frame holes, build the floor, then drill up through the frame into the floor.
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Post by Teachndad on Aug 13, 2016 4:57:12 GMT -8
Just my experience, but I found it easier to drill the frame holes, build the floor, then drill up through the frame into the floor. Dan, That's a point I keep waivering on. Drill down or drill up. Thanks for your input. Rod |
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mobiltec
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Post by mobiltec on Aug 14, 2016 18:47:48 GMT -8
Drill up... That way you end up using the old holes through the frame.
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).This procedure is chronicled in Greg’s (RinTin) blog beginning at post #58. I would be following the same path. vintagetrailertalk.freeforums.net/thread/4148/1965-aloha-project?page=4 After reading through his highly detailed notes, he removes the walls and places them down on the new floor that he had just built and then uses the floor as a table to facilitate wall repairs. Hence, he would have a large work surface to make repairs.
