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Post by vikx on Jan 19, 2020 12:58:45 GMT -8
I am reposting this in our tutorial section:
Welcome to VTT.
1. There is no QUICK FIX for a vintage trailer. Patching interior panels is not recommended. Sealants will not help you and roof goop will ruin the roof metal, not to mention it won't seal against leaks. All windows, the roof vent and doors should be removed. After cleaning, they can be re-installed with new putty if the framing is in good condition.
2. If you see water stains and damage, there is ROT behind them. You can not repair the trailer from the inside. There is no way to address the skirt and sill boards as they are below floor level. 99.99% of vintage trailers need the skins lifted to inspect and do proper repairs. Most of the rot is below the front and rear windows, lower sill and skirt boards, wood edging and sometimes rafters. (usually due to failed roof metal)
3. A sturdy floor does not mean the rest of the trailer is sound. Good interior panels do not mean the trailer is sound. (especially if there are "minor" water stains at the corners)
4. PLEASE protect yourself and others. Your trailer should be carefully inspected and repairs done before towing. If the body should come loose on the road, whoever following would be in danger. Likewise, a rotten trailer can be out of balance and jerk the tow vehicle off the road. PLEASE protect yourself and others.
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nccamper
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1962 Forester- 1956 Shasta
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Post by nccamper on Jan 19, 2020 14:54:16 GMT -8
Three things I'd like to add for Newbies who disagree with the post above:
1. 2. 3.
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Post by vikx on Jan 19, 2020 19:24:56 GMT -8
Thank you NC! More ugly pictures welcome...
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nccamper
Administrator    
Posts: 7,549
Likes: 2,801
1962 Forester- 1956 Shasta
Currently Offline
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Post by nccamper on Jan 20, 2020 5:24:41 GMT -8
I’ll also add that restoration work is more fun for many of us than camping. It’s really rewarding. If you like working with your hands and learning new skills, you’ll love it. Don't become discouraged by what we're saying here, we just want you to be safe.
To paraphrase an old joke, you know you're about to make a mistake if you say... “I’m just going to patch and paint the inside and deal with the repairs later because I want to go camping.” or “The floor is solid and that’s the most important thing…” or “I don’t like the cabinets, so I’m going to take them all out!” or “I’ve restored entire houses, so I know everything I need to know to restore a little camper.” or my favorite “I gutted it which means the hard work is all done!”
FYI, this is rot we often find behind mildly water stained walls. All of it repairable. You will only know what's there if you lift the skin and look.
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Post by vikx on Jan 20, 2020 20:12:26 GMT -8
Pictures are worth 1000 words...
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