CorvettCrzy
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'58 Corvette, '64 Franklin
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Post by CorvettCrzy on Apr 7, 2017 13:17:12 GMT -8
Woohoo, wait Tully's see em! Soon as I get to a comp ill post a couple,pics. Made a quick stop, meeting owner tomorrow.
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CorvettCrzy
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'58 Corvette, '64 Franklin
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Post by CorvettCrzy on Apr 7, 2017 14:09:26 GMT -8
Well we stopped by for a peek so we'd have a chance to mull it over before we meet the owner tomorrow. Here is what we found: The Franklin was locked up tight, we were only able to see that there is a gaucho across the back and we noticed that the skins were in several sections on the side walls. We thought at first that maybe it'd been repaired, but not so sure. Both trailers had sections on the skins? The vette has two solid pieces one on the top one on the bottom........... were these sections common? Here's some pics 0407171648 by Corvett crzy, on Flickr You can see the seam to the left of the door. 0407171648a by Corvett crzy, on Flickr Tough to see this side but there are two vertical seams. That was all we got to see of the Franklin, but here's the Monitor: Only saw one window broken. Seals are gone of course. 0407171647d by Corvett crzy, on Flickr 0407171645d by Corvett crzy, on Flickr 0407171645a by Corvett crzy, on Flickr Surprised to see there wasn't a hand pump on the sink, but there is already 110v in the trailer. 0407171646b by Corvett crzy, on Flickr Two gas lights, one over table, one in kitchen. The ceiling doesn't look too bad but we all know there is rot up there. All cushions are still there, you can imagine the condition. 0407171647 by Corvett crzy, on Flickr Here is the one panel of the ceiling that is obviously rotten. It's a round type vent. First I thought maybe someone had put in a wood stove. Bottom section was on the bunk? Check out how the owner made some headroom on the gaucho by raising up the bunk. 0407171647c by Corvett crzy, on Flickr Front for your viewing and critiquing pleasure. 0407171645c by Corvett crzy, on Flickr Refrigerator - Lovin that turquoise! 0407171646 by Corvett crzy, on Flickr Well, looking forward to hearing your comments!!! The monitor is in better condition than I expected. Can. Not. Wait. to See. the Franklin. Something tells me I'm going to be disappointed. We'll see tomorrow!!!!
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mrmarty51
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1972 HOMEMADE
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Post by mrmarty51 on Apr 7, 2017 14:14:21 GMT -8
Now that is exciting stuff right there corvettcrzy. But, why did they put the hole for the commode in the ceiling ?
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CorvettCrzy
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Post by CorvettCrzy on Apr 7, 2017 14:26:48 GMT -8
Now that is exciting stuff right there corvettcrzy. But, why did they put the hole for the commode in the ceiling ? I know
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mobiltec
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1954 Jewel In Progress...
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Post by mobiltec on Apr 7, 2017 15:38:49 GMT -8
How much for the Monitor? The Franklyn is a cutter so I would stay away from that one.
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CorvettCrzy
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Post by CorvettCrzy on Apr 7, 2017 17:08:17 GMT -8
Won't know what she wants for them until tomorrow. mobiltec It's the Franklin that we were really interested in. I've heard the "cutter" phrasing and that they leak but I don't really know what that means. We really like the extra large sleeping space for the kids. Can you tell me more about why it's a bad choice, where they usually leak and if there is a reasonably good fix that can be done? Thanks.
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mrmarty51
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Post by mrmarty51 on Apr 7, 2017 18:01:30 GMT -8
Won't know what she wants for them until tomorrow. mobiltec It's the Franklin that we were really interested in. I've heard the "cutter" phrasing and that they leak but I don't really know what that means. We really like the extra large sleeping space for the kids. Can you tell me more about why it's a bad choice, where they usually leak and if there is a reasonably good fix that can be done? Thanks. Good questions. too have been wondering that. I think if I got ont I would have to be a non cutter and leave the overhang there too. Mostly the reason i would is to just see if I can put one together that would not leak. I still do not understand why they would leak any worser than any other camper trailer. Reason for leakage might be just like any of the other old campers, too much time between putty jobs. LOL
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mobiltec
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Post by mobiltec on Apr 7, 2017 18:06:32 GMT -8
Won't know what she wants for them until tomorrow. mobiltec It's the Franklin that we were really interested in. I've heard the "cutter" phrasing and that they leak but I don't really know what that means. We really like the extra large sleeping space for the kids. Can you tell me more about why it's a bad choice, where they usually leak and if there is a reasonably good fix that can be done? Thanks. I should let Vikx answer that one but I have seen the framing in a cutter... No thanks LOL...
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CorvettCrzy
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Post by CorvettCrzy on Apr 7, 2017 19:06:04 GMT -8
Won't know what she wants for them until tomorrow. mobiltec It's the Franklin that we were really interested in. I've heard the "cutter" phrasing and that they leak but I don't really know what that means. We really like the extra large sleeping space for the kids. Can you tell me more about why it's a bad choice, where they usually leak and if there is a reasonably good fix that can be done? Thanks. I should let Vikx answer that one but I have seen the framing in a cutter... No thanks LOL... @vikx Obviously there's a story here!
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msgoehring
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1957 Westerner Deluxe
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Post by msgoehring on Apr 7, 2017 19:09:20 GMT -8
They refer to the bunk area as being cutter because it's very very difficult to frame and tends to leak first. I want to put in the 2¢ for a non-cutter - yes repairs on that extension are going to be difficult and will require you to really pay attention to all the measurements and ways it was built, and it will need repair because they always leak, BUT if you're a family with children this type of trailer is great for room AND I dig how this one looks with the overhang and don't think it would be so cute without it. If you want to have plenty of room for kids then don't let them talk you into cutting it off unless you're absolutely sure you can't do the work it will need.
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CorvettCrzy
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Post by CorvettCrzy on Apr 7, 2017 21:11:30 GMT -8
They refer to the bunk area as being cutter because it's very very difficult to frame and tends to leak first. I want to put in the 2¢ for a non-cutter - yes repairs on that extension are going to be difficult and will require you to really pay attention to all the measurements and ways it was built, and it will need repair because they always leak, BUT if you're a family with children this type of trailer is great for room AND I dig how this one looks with the overhang and don't think it would be so cute without it. If you want to have plenty of room for kids then don't let them talk you into cutting it off unless you're absolutely sure you can't do the work it will need. msgoehring Thanks for further explanation. I had no idea they were more difficult to repair. I guess that makes sense since it overhangs. I appreciate your comments. The extra bunk space and bathroom makes this one very appealing. Of course we haven't seen the damage inside yet either. I will spend some time trying to find a build on a dome to see what the framing looks like. Thanks again. Who knows if the owner wants and arm and a leg, it won't matter anyway!!
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Post by vikx on Apr 7, 2017 21:17:14 GMT -8
Domes are leakers. Even modern Fivers (5th wheels) often leak at the overhang.They must come completely apart to even begin repairs. This dome is short, so may be easier than some. The problem is the framing. It is holding up something "in the air" that wasn't meant to be bouncing down the road.
"Cutter" is a term for those of us who prefer to remove the dome and restyle the trailer to a more hammy look. Personally, I feel the domes cause too many problems. They can be very difficult to repair, are hard to tow with today's SUVs and take a lot of fuel to drag around. (think heavy)
The Monitor is a very cool trailer; worth towing home. Not sure on the Franklin. It is a very BIG trailer. The skin seams are common in older trailers, but not sure how old it is. Looks newer than my 50s Hansons...
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CorvettCrzy
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Post by CorvettCrzy on Apr 7, 2017 21:58:48 GMT -8
@vikx Thanks for the further explanation. We definitely need to think about the weight. I have no intention of buying a new tow vehicle. It would be helpful if I could find ANYTHING on either brand. A couple pics of each is about all I can find. A little info. on the company. No paperwork at all. I did find it interesting that the Monitor Coach Co. was owned by the Wickes Corporation, ladywendolyn , who also had a factory in Canada and built Campers there. I don't know what they were named but I do remember seeing a thread of a guy in Canada who was trying to figure out the brand of his trailer. Interesting bit of info anyway. Well, better get some sleep (if I can), I'll be back tomorrow!! I think she said the Monitor was a 64 and that she'd found the paperwork on it, she thought the Franklin was a '62 (no paperwork).
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CorvettCrzy
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Post by CorvettCrzy on Apr 8, 2017 15:58:09 GMT -8
Here's the scoop: The Franklin - she thinks it's a 1962, does not have a title, which would require a little extra work, but doable in MI. 0408171238 by Corvett crzy, on Flickr 80% of the birch inside is flawless, but it definitely has it's problems. Wood screen door in excellent condition, birch on dome is great, no leaks evident (inside) although I'm sure they exhist. 0408171238a by Corvett crzy, on Flickr 0408171238c by Corvett crzy, on Flickr The rear window is a leaker and the panel below is toast 0408171240 by Corvett crzy, on Flickr 0408171239f by Corvett crzy, on Flickr What is odd is that a couple of the ceiling panels are trashed inside of the closets/cupboard but for some reason the leak didn't spread past the cupboard front. We're wondering if it's possible to take out the bad portion and leave the center, maybe add a panel above it to run from wall to wall, without ruining the look of the ceiling. We could fasten the old ceiling to the panel above it. I know it would add a little weight, but there is no way we'd be able to duplicate the finish on a couple of panels. 0408171240e by Corvett crzy, on Flickr The bathroom (holding tank is cracked) 0408171239a by Corvett crzy, on Flickr 0408171314a by Corvett crzy, on Flickr The ceiling 0408171239d by Corvett crzy, on Flickr Kitchen/appliances 0408171244a by Corvett crzy, on Flickr Oven full of insulation and mouse xxxxx 0408171244 by Corvett crzy, on Flickr Light fixture, table 0408171238b by Corvett crzy, on Flickr gaucho bed, gas light 0408171239c by Corvett crzy, on Flickr Furnace - PO said they had fire shooting out of it so this owner didn't use it. Provided a good rodent hotel. 0408171239b by Corvett crzy, on Flickr Cool Vent 0408171242a by Corvett crzy, on Flickr Concerns: The underside has a dark material between the frame and the floor so we cannot see the floor to check for rot. Obviously there are leaks that we can't see. The stove is in rough condition and the idea of using the stove from the Monitor would not work as it is more than a couple inches smaller. The weight and the likelihood of using our current vehicle to tow. But most concerning to Jim is the amount of work it would require. It would be a job to get it out of the woods, but not impossible. As soon as they were moved we'd have to wrap them up tight because I'm sure they would leak more. We asked her how much she wanted for them and she asked us to make her an offer. He told her he had to think about it. I'm explaining to him that if we take them and decide we don't want to devote the time to repair them, we wouldn't have any problem selling them for what we paid -- especially if I get titles for them. ? Let the games begin! Looking forward to hearing your comments!!
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mobiltec
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Post by mobiltec on Apr 8, 2017 17:29:25 GMT -8
Yep... You could flip the Franklyn to pay for the monitor...
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