icon3000
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'64 Shasta Compact
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Post by icon3000 on Apr 9, 2014 18:16:04 GMT -8
Hey guys. I am having difficulty placing my old roof skin back on my 63 Shasta compact. The issue seems to be that the roof skin is less than half an inch too short now and it isn't lining up properly.
Possible reason.. I used 5/32" ply instead of 1/8" for the paneling.. could this be the problem? If so, any suggestions to get around it?
And in general, what is the best technique for placing the old skin back on?
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Post by vikx on Apr 9, 2014 21:53:45 GMT -8
I doubt that 1/32 would cause you trouble. The width of the rebuilt trailer has to be less than you think: I make mine 1/4 inch narrower than I think it needs to be. Better too small than too big.
Measure the width very carefully and try to fit the lower front/rear to see if your width is OK.
Sometimes you can pull the skin tighter and use ratchet straps to snug the roof down. (Careful: no dents) If you're only missing 1/2 an inch, you could place a piece of metal under the skin at the window front and back. The window and eyebrow will hide that.
Rebuilds are full of compromises. Take your time and experiment a little. Helping hands are very welcome. Two or three heads are always better than one.
Pictures please!
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SusieQ
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'62 Shasta Compact
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Post by SusieQ on Apr 9, 2014 21:57:09 GMT -8
I'm sweating about what's going to happen when I try to put mine back on with my 1/4" plywood ceiling. I'm feeling hopeful now.
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mobiltec
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Post by mobiltec on Apr 10, 2014 8:07:34 GMT -8
Are we talking front to rear or side to side? One problem people have with puting the top back on is that they make the trailer too wide when they put the new panels in. Another is that the trailer is sitting on uneven ground and one corner must be jacked up a bit in order to get the roof to go on straight. I would need to see photos of what you are talking about in order to help.
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icon3000
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'64 Shasta Compact
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Post by icon3000 on Apr 10, 2014 11:02:51 GMT -8
Mobiltec you were right about one side being propped up higher. I made the adjustment. The issue was the side to side. Front and back were exactly 6'6" in width so it wasn't the cut.
I also have a curiosity maybe you guys could confirm. It seems during the hottest party of the day I couldn't get the top to fit; however, late at night and this morning with cooler temperatures it seems the holes are lining up and it's going to fit.. am I just making an excuse for an answer or is possible the heat makes the wood swell and makes it harder to squeeze the old roof back on?
(Thanks again, sorry no pics)
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mobiltec
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Post by mobiltec on Apr 10, 2014 19:47:53 GMT -8
Mobiltec you were right about one side being propped up higher. I made the adjustment. The issue was the side to side. Front and back were exactly 6'6" in width so it wasn't the cut. I also have a curiosity maybe you guys could confirm. It seems during the hottest party of the day I couldn't get the top to fit; however, late at night and this morning with cooler temperatures it seems the holes are lining up and it's going to fit.. am I just making an excuse for an answer or is possible the heat makes the wood swell and makes it harder to squeeze the old roof back on? (Thanks again, sorry no pics) You are right in your assumption except that it's both the wood and the metal itself. Heat and cold affect both. |
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