sixspuds
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Post by sixspuds on Oct 3, 2014 14:12:25 GMT -8
Hi, we are new to the whole vintage trailer renovation world and have started with a total rebuild. Nothing like jumping right in. We got a steal of a deal on a 63 Cardinal and naively thought there was not much needing repair. Well, as you can see we are starting from the ground up. Right now we are reframing the floating floor by following the build of the previous floor. We have discovered that the previous floor is not quite square (like off 1/8"-1/4") Do we square up our rebuild and hope everything fits all back together or dow we follow what's already there and build an almost square camper? Thanks in advance for your help!
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mobiltec
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Post by mobiltec on Oct 3, 2014 19:02:57 GMT -8
Hi, we are new to the whole vintage trailer renovation world and have started with a total rebuild. Nothing like jumping right in. We got a steal of a deal on a 63 Cardinal and naively thought there was not much needing repair. Well, as you can see we are starting from the ground up. Right now we are reframing the floating floor by following the build of the previous floor. We have discovered that the previous floor is not quite square (like off 1/8"-1/4") Do we square up our rebuild and hope everything fits all back together or dow we follow what's already there and build an almost square camper? Thanks in advance for your help! Welcome to the world of vintage trailers and our asylum.... We need to see photos or we can't help at all. As far as being a little out of square is concerned.... There isn't a square, plumb, straight or level thing in a trailer. About the only thing square that you will find in a trailer will be the licence plate. So I wouldn't worry too much about that. The thing you do need to know is where to start and how to follow up. If you've never done this before then you are in for some big surprises. So before you go any further how about a half a dozen photos or so??? Then we can help get you started on the right foot. Here is a typical vintage trailer in the middle of a rebuild...  Now that we have that out of the way I can offer you my videos which are on you tube free of commercials. They will show you from beginning to end what you need to do... Any questions that arise can be answered in this forum. There's a heck of a lot of talent here and we all just love helping each other.... www.cannedhamtrailers.com |
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Post by vikx on Oct 3, 2014 20:48:58 GMT -8
I agree, photos!
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sixspuds
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Post by sixspuds on Oct 4, 2014 11:41:03 GMT -8
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sixspuds
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Post by sixspuds on Oct 4, 2014 12:31:15 GMT -8
I forgot - mobiltec - your videos were our inspiration to try this  |
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mobiltec
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Post by mobiltec on Oct 4, 2014 13:14:02 GMT -8
I forgot - mobiltec - your videos were our inspiration to try this Well I'm glad you are watching. I've never attempted taking the box off the frame like you have but I know it's been done before by others. That's one way to get it into the garage though LOL... May as well go for a nice brand new square floor now as I see you are doing. You will need to replace the skirt boards in the walls. From what I can see the originals are rotted. It's going to be a great little trailer when you're through. |
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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 Oct 4, 2014 13:16:48 GMT -8
I guess I just have one question.
Why is the body off of the frame, and the roof/ceiling is still on? Looks like a typical frame up rebuild to me. It would be much easier/faster to panel the inside with the roof/ceiling off.
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sixspuds
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Post by sixspuds on Oct 4, 2014 13:40:44 GMT -8
john Palmer - we have the ceiling still on just to keep things together and out of the way until we tackle the interior work. We were afraid if we disassembled it all at once we would never get it back together. We are working on the floor now, we will sand and paint the chassis next. (I know a bit backwards) After that we will take off the ceiling panels and work on each of the sides finishing with the ceiling and skin - Lots to do in the meantime, the mice have been living pretty comfy in it for the last 20 years. Everything needs cleaned, sanded and refinished. The continuous discussions with my hubby about what we should replace/refinish/or leave original and what I have learned on the forums always seems to change our direction into a much deeper restoration than we first planned. It will be fantastic when we are done
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