txfrolic
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Post by txfrolic on May 6, 2015 13:37:59 GMT -8
I bought a 1968 Frolic for $700. See pics. Where do I get started? It was sold as "repaired the roof and and 95% of floor with extra 2x4 supports. I stripped the inside all besides two side walls and still have the original stove, header, water heater, restroom floor, and sink." Sounded good to me so I'm now the proud owner and wondering what I've done I want to add a full size bed in the back, a dinette than converts to a twin and a pull down bunk above that. My issues are, I don't know the condition of the electrical, but would like to add 50 amp service into the camper because we are in South Texas and A/C is a necessity for survival with summer camping trips. Plus I want to add a small fridge, not entirely sure I want the stove back in or not, but may do it for authenticity. Would like to run a tv, lights and be able to use a hair dryer and charge phones, etc. I need electrical, holding tanks, etc. Its been pretty well gutted as seen in the pics. s212.photobucket.com/user/rajncajn1/slideshow/1968%20FrolicSince its been gutted and there is nothing for me to go by, I don't know where everything goes We need batteries? Propane? A converter? Inverter? Generator? So much info is so overwhelming It would be helpful to see some reno's and know where this essential stuff goes. I would appreciate any and all help I can get with my first project. I can't wait for her to be done and beautiful again.
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SusieQ
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Post by SusieQ on May 6, 2015 16:15:01 GMT -8
Oops. Stripping it was not the best plan. You're looking at a total rebuild. It's a really cute trailer on the outside. Read through some threads here. First thing, you are going to have to pull the skins and replace the walls and repair any rotten framing.
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turbodaddy
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Post by turbodaddy on May 6, 2015 16:15:50 GMT -8
Welcome Txfrolic,
You've come to the right place to get help. I'll be the first one to advise you to take lots of time to read the posts here and to watch Mobiletec's videos at(www.cannedhamtrailers.com) BEFORE you do any major work,'cause ya gotta understand how these are put together in order not to make crummy repairs that can cause safety issues as well as devalue your purchase. Most important is to find out exactly what lies beneath the aluminum skin. Best way to do that is remove all of the trim and pull the windows so you can lift the skin and see what lurks underneath. This sounds daunting, but it isn't difficult and is the only way to make an informed decision as to how to proceed. At the very least, almost any "vintage" trailer will need all of the trim, windows, vents and doors re-sealed with new putty tape no matter how good condition overall. Just do your research, make a plan of attack and go slow at first. It's an adventure with the potential for great satisfaction and a guarantee that you'll spend hundreds of hours (& dollars) to do it well.
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turbodaddy
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Post by turbodaddy on May 6, 2015 16:24:22 GMT -8
Correction, SusieQ beat me to it, I'm the second one to advise reading the threads here!
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Post by vintagebruce on May 7, 2015 5:49:47 GMT -8
I'm going to apologize in advance for the problematic YouTube video I am offering you here. It is a tedious 5-minute + watch because the creator obviously has no idea about how to repair a vintage camper...apparently knows nothing about mobiltec's great videos. BUT it is a 1967 Frolic that appears to have enough of the innards still in it, that you may be able to get a general feel for the layout in your 1968. Take a look, and think well about this new owner's intentions. We've all been there. www.youtube.com/watch?v=yE22jo5CFiM
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txfrolic
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Post by txfrolic on May 7, 2015 8:22:43 GMT -8
Thanks for all the initial info! I don't know why the PO thought gutting was smart, but no matter now because its done and I can't fix that part sadly. Can I get to the framing without removing the skin since all the stuff and the walls are out? Unless there's damage to the top anyway. I've seen some threads and it seems that in the before and afters its only the cosmetic changes being shown. I'd like to see the 'guts', the holding tanks, the wiring, plumbing, water pump etc. Also looking for where the important 'brain' of the camper goes. How it plugs in for service. I plan to have a pro come in and wire the camper for 50 amp service. I'm not comfortable doing that myself. But I still want a plan first. I am going to try and keep close to the original style, but I have to modify for our family now. I'm building a storage bed that lifts for that all important storage in the lost square footage underneath. Building the convertible booth style dinette and the pull down bunk. Does anyone know how the bunk locks into place when its pushed up? And can you feasibly use that for a 14 yr old, 5'9, 150lb kid who's not getting any shorter and probably not going to weigh less, he's skinny but solid. Right now it seems SO overwhelming I did also find this video that has the interior in pretty original shape to see the layout www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vb_pxSZtYbk
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SusieQ
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Post by SusieQ on May 7, 2015 10:14:00 GMT -8
We've got some Frolic members here somewhere. Hopefully they'll help you out. But to answer your first question, no. There's just no way getting around pulling the skins if you are going to do repairs correctly. The fold up bunk beds are generally very sturdy. My thirteen year old (5'8") slept in the one in our '65 Shasta. His only problem is that he was very restless getting settled, kind of flopping around, and kept bumping the ceiling. It's definitely not for the claustrophobic. I'm sure you were hoping to do some repairs and be using it soon but realistically, it's going to take some time and a lot of work. I have a Shasta, not a frolic but the bunk bed is hinged and folds up and locks into place with sliding latches. Check out this thread and scroll down. Ten has some good pics of a Shasta folding bunk. vintagetrailertalk.freeforums.net/thread/1869/1968-compact-new-guy
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txfrolic
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Post by txfrolic on May 7, 2015 13:42:56 GMT -8
I was hoping to be using it functionally in 2-3 months even if its throwing air mattresses on the floor while we work on it. We camp quite a bit and having access to air and bathroom would be awesome. I guess I'll have to rethink our plan. I'm not sure I can strip the skin at all. I was watching some videos involving taking the top off and there's no way, we're not set up for that. I'd hate to do it, but I may have to sell it. I don't mind putting the hours in, I love a project and that's why we got this. But I don't want to half-do it. That's a little disheartening
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RJ
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Post by RJ on May 7, 2015 13:52:47 GMT -8
I feel bad for you txfrolic; I've heard situations like yours more than a few times and it doesn't get any better each time it occurs. Not sure where you live, but I could have my little 72 Shasta Compact done within a month or so and would give you a great deal on it (not for $700 though); it might be too small for your liking anyhow (and it doesn't have a bathroom or heater).
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txfrolic
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Post by txfrolic on May 7, 2015 14:19:30 GMT -8
I live in Southeast Texas. HUMID all the time. Doing this in the summer is going to be MISERABLE LOL. And let me tell you, campers like this are RARE around here. For some reason they seem to be more available in the north/northeast. What is available is ridiculously expensive for the condition. This guy wanted $1000 originally because he thinks these campers are 'hot'.
What I'm hoping is that the PO has already done the reframing, though that may be wishful thinking. I'll have a better idea on Saturday when I can take a closer look at what's going on with it. It's unfortunate because we really liked it. But I have to reasonable in my expectation of what we can accomplish on our own. Right now we are on a 1/2 acre with a place to work with it, but that may change in a year.
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Hamlet
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Post by Hamlet on May 7, 2015 17:10:56 GMT -8
The good: Neat looking trailer. If you go for a rebuild, you may be able to put in a bathroom. The bad: Most likely that there has been no structural repair attempted, cabinetry missing so no template for new. The ugly: It'll be a goodly amount of work (read that, "blood, sweat, tears, and dollars") to get it to a safe and useable condition. This will be well worth it if you're ready to jump in.
There's hope if you're up for a challenge. Like others, I will say to look at mobiltec's videos. THe upside of a gut is that as long as you remember that the cabinetry helps support the walls and that you need to have the appropriate weight ratio in front of and behind the wheels, you can do whatever you want inside. You can repair some framing from inside, but for most of it, especially the corners and top edges, you will need to peel back the skin. I think someone wrote a couple weeks ago about peeling back the top in portions rather than removing the entire roof at once. This might make it easier to handle.
Many, many of us have been in one of those, "I can't believe I got myself into this" moments. Most of us are still upright. Good luck on whatever you decide.
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txfrolic
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Post by txfrolic on May 8, 2015 6:34:22 GMT -8
OMG... there's a weight ratio?? The things you don't know.
I'm always up for a challenge. Just don't want to be defeated before I start out. I LOVE the camper, even dreaming about it. But I do recognize my rehab limitations. I'm just really going to have to go over it tomorrow with a fine tooth comb to see what's really going on with it.
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SusieQ
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Post by SusieQ on May 8, 2015 7:21:45 GMT -8
txfrolic, don't deem yourself defeated before you try! I really didn't know what I was getting into and I did it all by myself! I did not have to rebuild cabinets but now I can see myself doing that if I had to! Do you have someone to help you? Do your research and tackle one part at a time.
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