HOTRODPRIMER
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1957 Shasta
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Post by HOTRODPRIMER on Mar 13, 2014 11:23:23 GMT -8
I did a inspection of our camper today and see where a weld is broken on the frame and I want to remove the shell and repair and sandblast the frame,then replace the entire rotten floor.
I haven't seen much on this type of repair and I'm sure there will be problems with this approach but If I intend to repair the frame it has to be done,,any tips from you guys & gals that have been there done that I would appropriate your input. Danny
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soup
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"I hate cold Soup"
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Post by soup on Mar 13, 2014 12:49:37 GMT -8
There is a thread here some where that someone removed the entire body from the frame and did repairs on it. They just lifted the whole thing and moved it over next to the frame on some wood stands.
I'll have to look for it, maybe in restorations section.
Funny thing, the new big campers are sometimes repaired like this at the factory under warranty. They loosen everything attached to the floor and lift the whole thing up and off.
At work they just did an entire 5th wheel wall in one piece. Heck it was even a pain getting the wall off the shipping truck.
Mind boggling!
Definitely not a 1 man job.
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HOTRODPRIMER
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Post by HOTRODPRIMER on Mar 13, 2014 13:03:30 GMT -8
From everything I have seen and read I realize this is not the conventional way of making repairs. Danny
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kc
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Post by kc on May 15, 2014 12:36:01 GMT -8
Danny - Did you end up doing this?
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John Palmer
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Hi, From a vintage trailer guy located in Santa Ana, CA. It's good to see lots of activity here.
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Post by John Palmer on May 15, 2014 21:52:07 GMT -8
Danny, I would think that you could remove the windows, run some 2 by 6's through the window frames, and support them with "A" frames, then drop the frame off the bottom, and roll it out while the body is supported. If you think about it, it would be the same as removing a "slip in" camper out of a pick up truck bed.
That said, I have yet to remove the side skin from any 1950's "unrestored" trailer, and not found extensive wood rot in the side wall framing. I would at least pull all the lower edges up and take a close look "before you formulate your final repair plan".
The "likely repair" will go something like this, pull all the skins, remove the front/roof/rear framing and panels, lay the walls down, remove the floor, rebuild/blast/powder coat or paint the trailer frame, install a new plywood floor, install a new "one piece" marmoleum floor, reskin the walls with new panels, reassemble trailer.
While the frame is being rebuilt, here's some ideas to consider. Add a bicycle rack/ spare tire receiver on the back. Add two or four drop down corner stabilizers. Take a close look at the pull out step, maybe consider adding a cross member or two to support the step and the front of the bicycle receiver. Make sure the coupler is still good and the jack works while you have it all apart. Make sure you protect and/or do not cover the VIN#.
If you choose to prime it with POR15, make sure you "top coat" the areas that will get hit by the sun UV's. But then again, Your the Paint Pro, so I'm sure you have a good refinish plan.
Good luck with your trailer, I enjoyed watching your '54 Ranch Wagon go together on The HAMB.
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