Post by vikx on Aug 12, 2021 18:53:32 GMT -8
This is a letter I wrote to a lady who wanted to be sure my book was what she needed, since she was restoring a trailer in two weeks:
I've been restoring trailers for over 25 years and put my knowledge in a book to help other builders. I made lots of mistakes and learned what NOT to do as well as what to do.
My book deals with correct repairs on a vintage trailer. The chapters include the table of contents and each addresses the different stages of repair. It is essentially the "Order of Build" when you're rebuilding a vintage trailer.
Some topics covered are assessing a vintage trailer for purchase, removing or lifting the skins, repairing wood rot, roof removal or float, rebuilding edge wood, insulation, re-installing windows and doors, etc. It also includes products used for the repairs. There is a diagram of parts and pieces described in the book. Many pictures make it easy to understand and there are tips and tricks to insure a watertight trailer when done.
You can get a lot more info here: vintagetrailertalk.freeforums.net/ Everyone is super friendly on the board and are there to help others. Check out the tutorials.
If you are decorating from the inside, my book does not have any information on gutting or trying to patch from the inside. One thing that many people do not know is that the structural wood is below floor level and impossible to repair from the inside. I started out trying to do repairs from the inside and discovered how much easier it is to lift the skins and do it right. The lower wood (sill boards and/or skirts) are essential in holding the trailer cabin onto the frame. It is bolted on with carriage bolts and if they fail or pull thru rotted wood, the body and frame can separate.
Here is a really good looking trailer:
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/53634851@N03/49667381917/in/album-72157682875554304/" title="001 g LC Gets a Bath (1)"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49667381917_b1c7337a7e_w.jpg" width="400" height="267" alt="001 g LC Gets a Bath (1)"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
And what I discovered below floor level just lifting the lower skins:
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/53634851@N03/49667383582/in/album-72157682875554304/" title="002 c LC Rot (1)"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49667383582_fc988d6824_w.jpg" width="400" height="267" alt="002 c LC Rot (1)"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
It takes me at LEAST 6 months to do a proper rebuild and parts and lumber are not cheap. I specialize in systems and even just upgrading electrical, plumbing and gas takes a week or two if done correctly.
Order the book here: vintagetrailerrepairmanual.weebly.com/
There are many videos on Youtube by Mobiltec. Go to this site: cannedhamtrailers.com/ the videos are invaluable for restoring a vintage trailer.
I've been restoring trailers for over 25 years and put my knowledge in a book to help other builders. I made lots of mistakes and learned what NOT to do as well as what to do.
My book deals with correct repairs on a vintage trailer. The chapters include the table of contents and each addresses the different stages of repair. It is essentially the "Order of Build" when you're rebuilding a vintage trailer.
Some topics covered are assessing a vintage trailer for purchase, removing or lifting the skins, repairing wood rot, roof removal or float, rebuilding edge wood, insulation, re-installing windows and doors, etc. It also includes products used for the repairs. There is a diagram of parts and pieces described in the book. Many pictures make it easy to understand and there are tips and tricks to insure a watertight trailer when done.
You can get a lot more info here: vintagetrailertalk.freeforums.net/ Everyone is super friendly on the board and are there to help others. Check out the tutorials.
If you are decorating from the inside, my book does not have any information on gutting or trying to patch from the inside. One thing that many people do not know is that the structural wood is below floor level and impossible to repair from the inside. I started out trying to do repairs from the inside and discovered how much easier it is to lift the skins and do it right. The lower wood (sill boards and/or skirts) are essential in holding the trailer cabin onto the frame. It is bolted on with carriage bolts and if they fail or pull thru rotted wood, the body and frame can separate.
Here is a really good looking trailer:
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/53634851@N03/49667381917/in/album-72157682875554304/" title="001 g LC Gets a Bath (1)"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49667381917_b1c7337a7e_w.jpg" width="400" height="267" alt="001 g LC Gets a Bath (1)"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
And what I discovered below floor level just lifting the lower skins:
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/53634851@N03/49667383582/in/album-72157682875554304/" title="002 c LC Rot (1)"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49667383582_fc988d6824_w.jpg" width="400" height="267" alt="002 c LC Rot (1)"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
It takes me at LEAST 6 months to do a proper rebuild and parts and lumber are not cheap. I specialize in systems and even just upgrading electrical, plumbing and gas takes a week or two if done correctly.
Order the book here: vintagetrailerrepairmanual.weebly.com/
There are many videos on Youtube by Mobiltec. Go to this site: cannedhamtrailers.com/ the videos are invaluable for restoring a vintage trailer.
