jeremy1400
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Post by jeremy1400 on Jul 11, 2017 12:15:51 GMT -8
Hi folks. So my kids school had an old Shasta 1400 that they had been using as a concession trailer at sporting events. They replaced it last year with something newer and it has been sitting sense. Spoke with the AD and he wanted it gone, so I made an offer. I will be bringing it home shortly. I will post some pics her shortly, but I have a couple of questions. 1. The roof etc looks to be in good shape, but the windows have been leaking. I will pull them and reseal using butyl tape and plan on replacing any rotted framing/paneling as well. In my brief reading so far I have seen mention of the paneling providing structural stability. Could someone elaborate on this? I would be doing sections at a time instead of gutting everything in order to keep stability. 2. Also, the majority of original interior had been taken out and replaced with counter-top on multiple walls. I will be removing these and building out my own floor-plan that will be very similar to the original with a few tweaks. Any pointers on securing the new interior so that it will help add to the structural stability of the trailer? A little about me.... This is my first venture into the trailer restoring world. I have quite a bit of experience in home remodeling including electrical, plumbing, flooring etc etc. I also frequently wrench on and modify my vehicles so I am pretty mechanically minded, I just don't have much trailer specific knowledge. My 3 boys play travel soccer, so we spend a lot of weekends away at tournament. The plan for the trailer it to build it out so we can spend the weekend in it instead of a hotel, plus give them (and me) a place to cool off (will be adding AC) and nap in between matches. Also to be used for Father/Son road-trips around the country. Any insight or links to builds that talk about making it structurally sound etc would be great. Not really looking to do a full frame off rebuild at this time. Thanks
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ladywendolyn
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1964 Golden Falcon
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Post by ladywendolyn on Jul 11, 2017 18:57:48 GMT -8
It's cute with the big windows but may need some closets or other stabilizing elements added in. Some of the more experienced restorers can suggest what to add.
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Post by danrhodes on Jul 11, 2017 19:03:53 GMT -8
I'd be very concerned about the modifications made to get those windows in and whether the walls have enough stability left. Im also worried those windows are not very waterproof, so perhaps new skins to return to the original window size. Installing original format cabinets will need to be done with the skins off from outside in to get a secure connection. No doubt original rot is there in the sills and floor as this does not seem like a professional job. This is going to be a ton of work...
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Post by vikx on Jul 11, 2017 21:41:12 GMT -8
It's very cute and hasn't started to sag over the frame yet. I think you've got a keeper there...
That being said, I question the window(s) leak, could be the edge trim (J/awning rail). The putty fails and water follows the framing down. The windows are not original, so they could be leaking but need to be pulled to find out why. If sillycone was used instead of putty, major leaks.
You will need some structural additions, but the side cabinets probably help some.
The skins MUST be lifted and/or removed to anchor things. You need to inspect the skirts and sills below floor level anyway. This trailer is worth it, since there is so little visible exterior damage. I'm guessing there will be rot, but repairable.
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RinTin
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Post by RinTin on Jul 12, 2017 6:25:26 GMT -8
Just a few thoughts as I enjoy my morning coffee:
Since it was used by the school I assume it is/was inspected and approved for use as a concession trailer by your local health department? If so does the approval transfer to the succession of new owners? The reason I ask is that in our area, obtaining such approval is no small matter. You may find that the trailer, repaired and spruced up for continued use as a concession trailer, will be an easier and less expensive project that in the end is also more valuable.
If you don't want to become a concessionaire, consider the project an investment in your vintage trailer restoration education. Sell the trailer and use the proceeds to fund another trailer project that at least is fully intact with all its original parts.
Yours and my tradesman experience sound very similar. You'd think a small little box would be a quick easy project, but there are so many little details and the time it takes to learn and understand the process and do a respectable job will surprise you. In remodeling the joke is that projects always take twice as long and cost twice as much as you originally budget. Ditto that for these old trailers.
You say you have three boys participating in travel sports? So did I. I assume you work full time? So did I. Where are you going to find the time? I had a son in soccer and a daughter in lacrosse. During those years I couldn't even keep up with my property maintenance let alone make any progress on all the projects I had stacked up. And then there's keeping SWMBO content.
Don't get me wrong here, I'm not at all criticizing your desire for this project. Not that you are concerned with the ramblings of a complete stranger on the internet. Believe me I totally understand that there are some things we just can't resist and are determined to take on. I have the same affliction. Either way I promise to be among your biggest supporters and give you as much help as I can, from my keyboard that is.
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jeremy1400
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Post by jeremy1400 on Jul 12, 2017 17:25:39 GMT -8
Thanks for the responses. I appreciate the input. It did cross my mind to re-frame and skin the walls where the big windows are. I will have to see when I tear into it. I found this video series which explains a lot about the construction. Very detailed and well documented. Looks like I will probably be pulling a good portion of the skin to rebuild. www.youtube.com/watch?v=jT_-3KIzlx4
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jeremy1400
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Post by jeremy1400 on Jul 20, 2017 7:17:19 GMT -8
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RinTin
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Post by RinTin on Jul 21, 2017 6:27:34 GMT -8
Looks like a nice workable layout you have drawn up. I didn't know these were so wide. Those extra inches can make a big difference.
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jeremy1400
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Post by jeremy1400 on Jul 21, 2017 7:26:22 GMT -8
Looks like a nice workable layout you have drawn up. I didn't know these were so wide. Those extra inches can make a big difference. Thanks. The build out will be the fun part, but before I can even start I will need to repair any rot, re-frame and reseal....along with adding any needed structural support. Once it is structurally sound and sealed up I can start the fun part.
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