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Post by scootermcrad on Jun 12, 2019 9:38:28 GMT -8
Hey everyone! My wife and I have dreamed of owning a vintage travel trailer for many years and just when the timing WASN'T right at ALL, a friend of ours decided to sell everything and move and made us a great deal on a 1947 Kit Manufacturing Travel Trailer. I'm not sure what model it is. I know it's about 16 foot plus 2-feet (ish) for the tongue/hitch. I also know that someone did about the ugliest paint job ever on this little trailer! Should be an easy fix, though. I'm excited to check this place out and learn all I can. This is absolutely new territory for me. I've restored lots of things, but never anything like this. I've built cars from the bottom up, built all kinds of house related stuff, carpentry, am set up for metal shaping and fabrication, and really enjoy a good challenge. I feel like this project will touch on about everything topic of fabrication and restoration. We will be picking up the trailer tomorrow and will learn even more in the light of our own driveway, but what I know about the condition is favorable. The exterior skin is in pretty good shape less a few extra screw holes and a gouge in the front, the hard pine tongue and groove floor is FANTASTIC with no rot, the original steel windows on the left side, front and rear are rotten and thus leaked, so of course I'll find wood rot in those areas, the roof is sealed tight as a drum and doesn't appear to have any water damage. The chassis is complete and original, but it really needs a lot to be road-worthy. Not sure how extensive that will get. The electrical is pretty well toast, the gas lines are toast, plumbing is virtually non-existent, the original bathroom was modified heavily to make room for a full size conventional toilet, and well... it needs about everything else. The original foot print is obviously apparent, and there are many original components, like the hardware on the cabinets, the stove and sink don't appear to be original, but really it's safe to say it will need about everything. It doesn't scare me yet, though. Maybe it should. HAHA! Overall, a very solid travel trailer! Here's some pictures for you guys! Would love to hear what you guys have to say! I will get more pictures as we take possession. Thanks! Scott
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Hamlet
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Post by Hamlet on Jun 12, 2019 13:59:00 GMT -8
You said you like a really good challenge. This should make you very happy! I’m interested in what kind of subfloor is beneath the tongue and groove and that stove is an absolute gem. Look at viks’ repair book and mobiltec’s videos before you get going. They’ll save you time and money in the long run.
I forgot... Congrats on your soon-to-be gorgeous trailer, and welcome!
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mobiltec
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Post by mobiltec on Jun 12, 2019 17:01:48 GMT -8
WOW! What a great find. Looks like someone installed Jalousie windows in place of the original steel push outs on the curb side. (door side)... Other than that it's original. This trailer deserves a full and complete restore to it's original beauty. I have hundreds of videos on line to help you out and this forum is the right place to be. Also Vik'x' book will be instrumental in your build. We're all here to help so don't do anything wrong like gut it. That's not how it's done. Do your research and learn how these things are done properly before beginning and you will end up with a very safe and nice looking trailer that you can be proud of and have lots of fun in....
Welcome...
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Post by vikx on Jun 12, 2019 20:45:36 GMT -8
It's a very cool old Kit! Lots of charm and most of it is there. That said, I think it has some rot that needs to be addressed. I'm seeing rippled panels and the paint is lifting here and there.
We do repairs from the outside in by lifting the skins. You will find some surprises. This trailer certainly deserves a full build and I would change the old painted panels to real wood again while you're at it.
Very interested in seeing your progress.
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Post by scootermcrad on Jun 13, 2019 4:10:15 GMT -8
WOW! What a great find. Looks like someone installed Jalousie windows in place of the original steel push outs on the curb side. (door side)... Other than that it's original. This trailer deserves a full and complete restore to it's original beauty. I have hundreds of videos on line to help you out and this forum is the right place to be. Also Vik'x' book will be instrumental in your build. We're all here to help so don't do anything wrong like gut it. That's not how it's done. Do your research and learn how these things are done properly before beginning and you will end up with a very safe and nice looking trailer that you can be proud of and have lots of fun in.... Welcome... Thank you!!! And YES! Not going to touch a single thing on this before I do mountains of research. The only thing I WILL do, is get this paint off so it doesn't look so obnoxious sitting in my driveway and get it set up on jack stands so it's level and sturdy while I evaluate everything. Looking forward to watching lots of videos and getting my hands on whatever valuable resources/books I can get my hands on. I love having reference books around to read about techniques. I will check out Vik's book for sure. Although the Jalousie windows are probably great and functional, and frankly remind me of the place we stayed in when we went to Maui, but I would like to put originals back in, even if that means I have to make hammer forms and remake them from scratch. The originals may also have to be complete remade. They may all be rotten. If there is thread or threads you guys can recommend me to look at that has a good list of books and videos, please post them. I will keep browsing around, of course. I could ALSO use some photos of an original or restored one so I have something to reference.
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Post by scootermcrad on Jun 13, 2019 4:16:30 GMT -8
It's a very cool old Kit! Lots of charm and most of it is there. That said, I think it has some rot that needs to be addressed. I'm seeing rippled panels and the paint is lifting here and there. We do repairs from the outside in by lifting the skins. You will find some surprises. This trailer certainly deserves a full build and I would change the old painted panels to real wood again while you're at it. Very interested in seeing your progress. Yep! There is definitely going to be some rot below all the windows and around the door. Looking from the bottom, it appears the floor is sounds, even under the bathroom (amazingly), but there is no real "subfloor" to speak of. Just the tongue and groove planks, which I believe to be hard pine. Time is on my side, here. We have a lot of irons in the fire, including a baby on the way, so this will be a slow build, but I don't want to start until I'm educated anyway, so that works! I saw a link to your book, somewhere. I will find it and buy the book. THANK YOU!
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Post by scootermcrad on Jun 13, 2019 4:25:40 GMT -8
OH! And YES! All new REAL wood paneling inside for sure! Question for you guys... The chassis is definitely in rough shape and probably not suitable to pull at modest highway speeds without some updates. I'll of course do some more research here, but any insight from you guys on what I should be thinking about for the chassis, would be appreciated. I'm willing to do a full replica of the frame down to the taper of the frame rails and everything, if that what it takes. That's easy work for me and fun. Also... on a personal side, any tips on how to handle a spouse that would like some creature comforts (like a fridge) would be appreciated. We fully plan on using this A LOT, so certain things come to mind as we venture into this.
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Post by scootermcrad on Jun 13, 2019 5:11:44 GMT -8
Order request sent to order Mr. vikx book. And mobiltec's site bookmarked!
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Post by scootermcrad on Jun 13, 2019 7:50:01 GMT -8
Okay... I'm still posting on my own thread. Sorry. Just reading around the forum and thoughts keep popping up.
Seems like this little 40's trailer isn't really a common make or even age around this forum. It almost even seems to fall into another era, of sorts. I certainly want to be careful about what is being done to this during the restoration. Obviously the METHODS of restoration are important (materials, parts, no goop sounds good to me!), but what about the big picture? For a trailer that seems semi-rare, but is fully intended on being used on regular basis, where is the line in the sand? As someone who is very much involved with vehicle restoration and what would be considered "traditional hot rodding", I've spent a lot of time looking at methods that are "CORRECT" for certain projects (restoration, or otherwise). I realize this is a broad question, but in a nutshell, what would be considered unacceptable practice for a restoration like this where it will not be so much for a show, but as something that we use and appreciate?
Examples to support my question: * Is updating an era correct appliance acceptable? * Is updating the chassis to meet today's safety standards acceptable? * If the interior has been already altered, should it be returned to it's OEM state or is it really okay to reconfigure it appropriately to best resemble the original construction and using correct materials, etc.? (the bathroom on this thing is absolutely altered and incorrect)j * Plumbing, electrical, gas, etc... if I install a modern fresh/grey water tanks and related components shal I be burned at the stake?
I very much respect original systems, machines, and "stock" anything, and am currently involved with many (including an 1876 tower clock that is very rare and expensive) so I "get it". Just want to know what I need to "get", I guess. I don't want to screw this thing up and will research all the correct methods here, but I also want this to be an enjoyable restoration and as a family we want to enjoy taking it all over the U.S. to enjoy this wonderful country we live in. That's most important, really.
Sorry, that was a lot to read. Just feeling pretty passionate about this little home away from home...
Scott
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mobiltec
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Post by mobiltec on Jun 13, 2019 9:04:32 GMT -8
I teach my students to try to restore their trailers, no matter what the vintage, to it's original form. That being said, there is nothing wrong with adding or updating appliances and creature comforts. That is your decision to make. The main thing is to make it safe on the road and safe to camp in. After that if you can improve the build beyond what the manufacturer did, ie; beefing up framing with better materials or repairing the chassis so it is safer on the road, better brake or axle systems, then please do it. The more your trailer is kept to it's original form, the more valuable the trailer will be. By the way, you may be able to find replacement windows from your era from Chris at trailertrasher1@gmail.com. Send photos of your original windows and the year of your trailer. I am right now working on a 47 Main Line Silver Lodger and I am keeping it completely original. I'm replacing both walls and the entire wrap on this trailer. Everything else is in great shape including the floor. By the way my ISP is moving my files over to a new linux server right now so some of my images may not load for a few hours.
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Post by scootermcrad on Jun 13, 2019 10:01:06 GMT -8
I was LITERALLY just watching your videos on the Mainliner! It has a lot of resemblance to ours, other than the window design, obviously. Such a cool example of an original trailer from this era. I notice it actually has the same stove. Now I know what the missing pieces should look like! That whole trailer gets me very excited. Out of curiosity, why are you replacing the aluminum wrap? It appears to be in great shape. I will definitely reach out to Chris about the windows when I decipher what we have and get some more pictures. Thank you for that tip! Thank you for your help! I have a feeling I will have a ton of questions for you!
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mobiltec
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Post by mobiltec on Jun 13, 2019 13:00:08 GMT -8
When removing metal from a trailer it can be damaged. I still have all the metal and I'm still trying to decide if I can re-use it or not. But the wood paneling on the wrap was all rotted so that is being replaced along with the walls. I'm about half way through the project now and the entire process is on video but only my students get to watch this build. I'll help you all I can because I love your trailer so much but you might want to consider enrolling in my class also. It's very affordable and you can watch the Mainline build. All the videos on that trailer thus far have been archived for future viewing at your leisure. If you are interested in the class just go to www.patreon.com/cannedhamtrailers
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Post by vikx on Jun 13, 2019 20:31:38 GMT -8
It's not difficult to keep your trailer original or close to the era in which it was built. The trick is to upgrade with modern systems and keep them hidden. (electrical, TV, water pump, gas fridge, etc.) Depending on your fridge door, you may be able to use it to hide the new fridge.
I like to keep them original but everything has to WORK.
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Post by scootermcrad on Jun 14, 2019 5:43:51 GMT -8
When removing metal from a trailer it can be damaged. I still have all the metal and I'm still trying to decide if I can re-use it or not. But the wood paneling on the wrap was all rotted so that is being replaced along with the walls. I'm about half way through the project now and the entire process is on video but only my students get to watch this build. I'll help you all I can because I love your trailer so much but you might want to consider enrolling in my class also. It's very affordable and you can watch the Mainline build. All the videos on that trailer thus far have been archived for future viewing at your leisure. If you are interested in the class just go to www.patreon.com/cannedhamtrailersOh WOW!!! You have my attention! I'm definitely going to check out the link. Learning by video is the next best thing to being there and filming yourself doing the hands on work so you can remember what you did later (when you've forgotten). HA! Thank you! And I see what you're saying about the rot, now. Okay. Makes sense. I think I'm going to find a TON of rot in mine, as well. Hoping for the best.
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Post by scootermcrad on Jun 14, 2019 5:44:28 GMT -8
It's not difficult to keep your trailer original or close to the era in which it was built. The trick is to upgrade with modern systems and keep them hidden. (electrical, TV, water pump, gas fridge, etc.) Depending on your fridge door, you may be able to use it to hide the new fridge. I like to keep them original but everything has to WORK. Okay! I was hoping that's was what you were going to say.
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