rfinona
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Post by rfinona on Jun 2, 2021 11:24:08 GMT -8
Hi Everyone, I just purchased this 1966 Aristocrat and I want to replace the roof. I called Hemmet Valley to see about getting a new one shipped to me however I was told they do not make the same pattern that is currently on it and said it would be best to replace it with a shorter panel that would only cover where the roof is flat, so it wouldn't come down to the front or back windows. Is this recommended? Any help or advice is appreciated. Thanks! Trailer 1 by Rachel Finona, on Flickr
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Post by danrhodes on Jun 2, 2021 12:31:38 GMT -8
The only real reason to replace a vintage camper roof is if it has pinholes in the aluminum. Any roof leaks you have are likely due to the edges and vents not being properly sealed with butyl tape after many years.
My camper has a 3 section roof with locking joints. If the top had issues, I could replace it and re-seam the joint and still have the pattern on the front and back.
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rfinona
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Post by rfinona on Jun 2, 2021 14:53:09 GMT -8
It has hail damage but no visible holes that I can tell. We are going to take the roof off to see if there is any water damage. If there isn't any signs of water damage not would you recommend to just leave as is? Does anyone know a way to tell if there are any pinholes? I am totally new to all this and want to make sure I am doing it correctly.
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Post by danrhodes on Jun 2, 2021 15:41:17 GMT -8
There are others here with more experience in old roofing but I would suggest a flashlight on a dark night and see if any light can be seen from the other side once the roof is removed. After removing the J-rail and staples, many here use seaming pliers to straighten the folded over seam, then you can just roll up the whole roof skin and inspect at your leisure in a garage. The parts that we can see look good to me, if there are no leaks, a few character marks on the part you can't see seem fine to me.
PS, just planning to remove the roof skin means you are doing it right. These need to be repaired from the outside, so lifting the side skins and even removing the roof is the best way to find all the hidden rot. Watch some mobiltec videos on youtube and consider buying Vik's book.
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Post by Teachndad on Jun 2, 2021 21:00:18 GMT -8
Hello and Welcome,
Dan makes some very good points. I noticed in your image above that the drip caps are missing above the windows? Did you remove them already, or did you buy the trailer without them?
Rod
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Post by vikx on Jun 2, 2021 21:08:00 GMT -8
I think you will find damage. If the roof is hail pocked enough to look bad, I think you should replace it. It's a bit tricky to add a roof section rather than curve it over the front and back. Get it off and get back to us and we will help.
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rfinona
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Post by rfinona on Jun 3, 2021 7:27:57 GMT -8
@ Teachndad Global Moderator - it had all of the drip caps, we have removed them as well as all the windows now, along with the most of the j rails and awning rail. there is SO much calking its going to take some time to remove. ugh. I have looked at lots of videos from mobile tec and I will definitely be buying Viks book as well. Thank you so much for the help. The flashlight idea is great too!
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Post by vikx on Jun 3, 2021 9:01:39 GMT -8
Here is my Loliner build: 65loliner.shutterfly.com/ Click on Pictures and Videos to view the albums. This one had a terrible wall bulge on the kitchen side which necessitated pulling the cabinets in 3/4" and reseating (bolting) the wheel well back in place. Also, check closely for spring bracket/tire interference. This model of Loliner is infamous for blowouts. An easy fix. vintagetrailertalk.freeforums.net/thread/743/aristocrat-loliner-blowoutsI love these little retro trailers. Have fun with the build.
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Post by Teachndad on Jun 13, 2021 5:44:11 GMT -8
@ Teachndad Global Moderator - it had all of the drip caps, we have removed them as well as all the windows now, along with the most of the j rails and awning rail. there is SO much calking its going to take some time to remove. ugh. I have looked at lots of videos from mobile tec and I will definitely be buying Viks book as well. Thank you so much for the help. The flashlight idea is great too! Thank you so much for doing the right thing. I know the process is daunting, but you are doing it! Keep it up! Thanks for sharing your journey. Rod
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