1972mushroom
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Losing my job soon...I guess I will have more time to work on my little trailer... :) :(
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1968 Trav-Lynn
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Post by 1972mushroom on Apr 7, 2014 16:50:26 GMT -8
I'm trying to pull one section. I'm not having much luck as the screws are of course rusted... some of them won't turn at all. This is an area that I know has dry rot... from the left side wheel well forward. I'm afraid maybe I bit off more than I can chew, once I get it open.,.and if I can't do it myself I'm going to be in trouble... As I don't have the money to be paying anybody to do it for me.
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pirateslife
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1969 Shasta Compact
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Post by pirateslife on Apr 7, 2014 17:03:58 GMT -8
Once you do get it open it will be worth it. The main thing is patience as not to damage the metal. We have all fought the rusty screws. The members here will help especially if taking the time to do it right
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1972mushroom
New Member
Losing my job soon...I guess I will have more time to work on my little trailer... :) :(
Posts: 11
Likes: 1
1968 Trav-Lynn
Currently Offline
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Post by 1972mushroom on Apr 7, 2014 18:13:02 GMT -8
I am being very careful...however it's already been torn, not by me ...in the front corner. I don't know if I can fiberglass that area to fix it somehow. This panel is where the drain for the water tank is and the electrical outlet hook up... Things I was really hoping to not disturb. Two screws are giving me a bad time I may have to wait for one of my sons.
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SusieQ
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'62 Shasta Compact
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Post by SusieQ on Apr 7, 2014 18:19:48 GMT -8
I'm trying to pull one section. I'm not having much luck as the screws are of course rusted... some of them won't turn at all. This is an area that I know has dry rot... from the left side wheel well forward. I'm afraid maybe I bit off more than I can chew, once I get it open.,.and if I can't do it myself I'm going to be in trouble... As I don't have the money to be paying anybody to do it for me. Spray your screws with WD-40. If you have a Dremel or some small cutting tool, you can cut slots in the screw and use a flathead screwdriver. It may seem a little frightening at first, but you should be able to do it. I did, and it wasn't that hard. You will need to spend some money on supplies, like wood to replace the rotted stuff, but you can also take your time and do a little at time. Hang in there and keep us update. Lots of good advice and encouragement here for you. |
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pirateslife
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1969 Shasta Compact
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Post by pirateslife on Apr 7, 2014 18:24:41 GMT -8
Also if the tear is not too bad I used liquid metal with success to patch a couple spots in mine
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1972mushroom
New Member
Losing my job soon...I guess I will have more time to work on my little trailer... :) :(
Posts: 11
Likes: 1
1968 Trav-Lynn
Currently Offline
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Post by 1972mushroom on Apr 10, 2014 18:11:23 GMT -8
Well it may not sound like much to some of you...but I got four screws out, that I couldn't get out couple days ago... I sprayed them with liquid wrench but they were really air screws or just sitting there in the dry rot and rust....I just had to pull a couple them out with vice grips. So I'm from the forward part of the trailer to the front of the wheel well now... I have to remove the things on the inside like the water tank connection, and the electrical before I can go any further. I'm not giving up, but I was really frustrated for a couple of days. I removed the aluminum drip rail / J-rail and there was so much goop behind it...is that normal? permatex kind of stuff... Didn't really seem to be serving a purpose to me wasn't going to keep out any moisture where it was.
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SusieQ
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Post by SusieQ on Apr 10, 2014 18:17:16 GMT -8
Originally, it probably had butyl tape behind the J-rails. It's a like a putty but comes in a roll like tape. Any other goop could have been an attempt by someone to stop a leak with something else. You'll need to clean that off and buy some more butyl tape to seal it with when you put the rails back on. Here's a link to butyl tape at VTS, you may be able to get it at your local RV supply store: www.vintagetrailersupply.com/Butyl_Putty_Tape_p/vts-419.htm |
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pirateslife
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Post by pirateslife on Apr 10, 2014 18:24:13 GMT -8
I've found my best deal on the putty tape at a mobile home parts store less than 5 a roll for 3/4 and 6 for 1-1/2"
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Post by vikx on Apr 10, 2014 21:26:18 GMT -8
I agree on finding Putty tape. RV stores generally have it for a decent price. Also there are at least 3 different tapes for RVS:
1. Putty tape: the original, tannish grey putty, used for over 60 years, crinkly paper wrap
2. RV butyl putty tape: Off white, crinkly wrap, the most common tape today. Seems to be a mix of standard and butyl?
3. *Real* butyl tape. VERY sticky, slick paper, handy for areas that need that little extra goo. Butyl is available as thin as 1/16 and very narrow. I use it behind backframe gaskets and door trim.
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