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Post by lags88 on Jun 12, 2013 19:46:07 GMT -5
Hello all, I am the proud new owner of a 63 compact. My ceiling framing is very flimsy and sagging, and the birch has water damage. I have read on this forum in order to properly replace the birch and beef up the framing, the roof should be removed. For me, this is an intimidating first job. I want to rebuild this camper properly so I hope to build up the courage. I have seen some of the videos that mobiltec posted, and read up on everything I could find; but the one question that i still have is whether or not I can remove the roof without removing the front or back panel. I'm not totally sure how the seams work and if I have to start at one end of the trailer and work towards the roof. I'm sure I could dig right in and figure it out as I go, but the internet has spoiled me with total walkthroughs for just about anything, so any advice is appreciated.
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Post by schweetcruisers on Jun 12, 2013 19:53:21 GMT -5
You can only remove the roof but once you open it up I have a feeling you'll be pulling the lower panels and the walls too! Water doesn't stay in one place and will flow to the bottom of the walls. It is literally like openning a can of worms!
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mobiltec
1K Post Member
Restoring The 57 Shasta
Posts: 1,134
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Post by mobiltec on Jun 12, 2013 23:42:56 GMT -5
Hello all, I am the proud new owner of a 63 compact. My ceiling framing is very flimsy and sagging, and the birch has water damage. I have read on this forum in order to properly replace the birch and beef up the framing, the roof should be removed. For me, this is an intimidating first job. I want to rebuild this camper properly so I hope to build up the courage. I have seen some of the videos that mobiltec posted, and read up on everything I could find; but the one question that i still have is whether or not I can remove the roof without removing the front or back panel. I'm not totally sure how the seams work and if I have to start at one end of the trailer and work towards the roof. I'm sure I could dig right in and figure it out as I go, but the internet has spoiled me with total walkthroughs for just about anything, so any advice is appreciated. That's actually the right way to do it. As seen in my videos I remove the roof first and only replace one panel at a time. REMEMBER to make the panels you replace the same size so the top will go back on without any problems. Make them too long and the top won't go back on.
Then you can remove the front, replace all that, then the rear and do that. You are on the right track.
I always keep my old paneling so I can take any measurements I need and then once that panel has sucsessfully been replaced I can throw it away or use it to lay on when Im working on the ground or under the trailer. For curves you can use it as a template. For holes like vents and windows the same applies.
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vikx
3K Post Member
Posts: 3,556
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Post by vikx on Jun 15, 2013 0:19:12 GMT -5
I loosen the front and rear skins first, then the roof. Depending on the trailer, some front and rear panels drop right off, some are factory crimped to the roof. In that case, the entire roof/front/rear is loosened and either floated or rolled out of the way. Straighten the edges before rolling the roof to prevent splits. It is easy to lower the roof to the ground once rolled. On to the siding.
On the side skins, newer trailers are best repaired from the top down. (mid to late 60s)That's because the skins slip out of the Pittsburg seam and come off the trailer from bottom to top. Each piece is stapled at the bottom with the lower piece fitting up and into the seam, then stapled at the bottom. Once the top is repaired, that piece can go back on. Then the mid piece and finally, the bottom. On canned hams, It's often easier to repair the bottom skirt boards first and work up the trailer. The siding sometimes stays lightly screwed in place on the trailer, just lifting or pulling them back to do repairs. Works great to do the canned ham curves.
I find that each build has interesting differences in how to go about repairs. Keeps me coming back for more...
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Jun 15, 2013 16:32:15 GMT -5
I find that each build has interesting differences in how to go about repairs. Keeps me coming back for more... Commonly known as "glutton for punishment"....
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mobiltec
1K Post Member
Restoring The 57 Shasta
Posts: 1,134
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Post by mobiltec on Jun 15, 2013 21:25:51 GMT -5
I find that each build has interesting differences in how to go about repairs. Keeps me coming back for more... Commonly known as "glutton for punishment".... Big ditto there. LOL
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vikx
3K Post Member
Posts: 3,556
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Post by vikx on Jun 16, 2013 0:58:05 GMT -5
You guys are MEAN! Big mean, repairing machines....
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