Installing more new skins this weekend

[joek]

I have already installed some new aluminum skins on my Shasta. I got 2 more and am hoping to get them installed this weekend. So far, I have completed the front below the windows, the roof piece above the front windows and curb side below the window. Now I have new pieces for the curb side lower section and the rear bottom piece.

I have done all my aluminum in .040" thick sheets that measure 4' x 8'. This is the same thickness as my roof, though the original walls are thinner at .024". Locally I have only found the .040, and I think the thicker material is just more durable so I'm happy with it.

I have also made new door trim, and will be making new cargo doors out of the thicker material. Last night we did a test sample to see if we actually do the doors, and were able, but I didn't have enough stock. I think I'll have to save the hinge part though as he didn't think he could make that curled piece.

Anyhow, this weekend is going to be a big trailer weekend and if things go how they normally do, I'll be putting on new skins next weekend. Curb side framing needs a few rotten pieces replaced, and I'm gonna add a couple of struts in the backs.

Anyhow, below are some pics.

The side and rear before the removing the skins




and the same after the skins are off ( a little later in the evening)




I should have some progress pics tomorrow, hopefully of some real progress!

Here are some pics of the aluminum I have already done




And this last one is my roof seam, which by the way leaked in our last huge rainstorm, and I haven't figured out exactly what to do about it.

[Red Dirt]

Some of that gutterseal may be the answer to the leak. It was designed originally for aluminum gutter installation, it is self leveling and wicks into seams. Here is a link, but you can get it several places.

www.vintagetrailersupply.com/Alcoa_Gutterseal_p/vts-138.htm

Red Dirt

Your work looks great by the way!

[joek]

Well, as I suspected, I didn't get my skins done this weekend. But I did get some new interior skins done, and new framing, and managed to get a side skin on today after work.



Can you see what is missing, or should I say not missing?

I think it gives it a sort of lowrider look, like it has side skirts. probably wouldn't be able to get the wheel out though. I'll cutting it out tomorrow, and will hopefully get the back on before the weekend is through.

[61shastacompact]

[franksshasta]

I actually think that the wheel wells look better like that. Gives it a custom look. Do you have your own brake?

[Rusty Wings]

So how may of those Sierra Nevada's did it take to get this far?

[joek]

I wish I had my own brake, but happily have a very patient friend with one.

And the trailer would probably be about half full of beer bottles by now 'cause I'm a glass half full kinda guy

[joek]

I finished the aluminum skins this weekend. I had to push to get it done before the weekend, since with daylight savings it'll now be dark when I get home. Hence, I won't be able to work on the trailer during the week anymore. So I had to get it watertight again as it is supposed to rain this week. Anyhow, here are some pics.

Here it is just before applying the skins. I ran new wires for the exterior lighting, and noted the path on the insulation, since I forgot to take pics before.


And here it is after the back skin is on

[santjim]

Joe- awesome job! my trailer has a tear on the lower skin on the non door side and i cant find a piece long enough that runs the whole side of the trailer. can u post a pic of that side of the trailer? how did you solve for that? thanks very useful. jim

[joek]

I didn't replace any skins on the street side of the trailer. If I could get a long enough piece, and a get it in a brake to make the pattern, I might have. The previous owner put a tear in the side, and he put a vent cover over it. Other people have done this as well, and it looks pretty natural. I was racking my brain trying to figure out what the vent was for until I took it off.

The false vent is the one between the rear window and the compartment door. I'll paint it white like the other vents and it'll dissappear.

[61shastacompact]

I would not sweat the vents either JoeK. It looks like it belongs there and you will probably be the only one to notice.

My trailer has two vents in the front as well that I did not know their purpose at first. Come to find out, there is a small skin puncture/repair under one and they used the other to make it look symmetrical. I kind of like them.

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[santjim]

Thanks Joe . Unfortunately my tear runs to the area over the wheel well so imnot sure how i'd be able to put a vent over that. Anyone have any ideas? here is the tear. jim

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[mariebb]

We have two vents on the front of our trailer too, which puzzled us as to why they were there. We saw Jim's trailer and saw the same vents in the same place...oh, ok...I guess they are sopposed to be there. Started work on our trailer this weekend, we learned after peeeking under the vent that it was just hiding a dent! The big plate, hiding a bigger dent! I guess the guys who worked on our trailers before, thought alike.

BTW, we are keeping the vents, and putting diamond plating on the first 3 "bends" of the trailer to cover the big boo-boo.

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