Step by step guide to installing new skins

[cristen]

Does anyone have a step by step guide to installing new skins? This seems like the hardest part of the whole restoration.

[clutchburner]

I am suprised nobody has replied to this post .I would think that this is a common thing to address on these old gems . I too would like a step by step lesson .Anyone ? ? ? ?

[distant75]

This is the only thing some of us have found.

www.freewebs.com/kc8jwa/Lensidingfinal.pdf

[rkymtnman]

I will be replacing skin on mine in about 2 weeks if I can stick to schedule. I was told by a local vintage restoration guy to use 1/4 crown staples and not nails when fastening the skin to the top and around the curves. I am planning on doing that.

If this is like every other part of this restoration process, I will get started, figure out what I am doing wrong after the first part - then figure out at better way to finish it . I will happily pass along any tips I figure out in the process - for what they may be worth.....

Edit: I just looked at that link and that does look tough - making your own skin? Wow. I found a local source that will make all the skin complete with joints and bends at a very reasonable price. All I expect to do it attach it to the framing, cut out the openings and trim the excess from the edges and keep moving. Making your own skin seems way more "hard core" than I can handle

[montanablue]

Apr 12, 2010 11:03:57 GMT -5 rkymtnman said:

I will be replacing skin on mine in about 2 weeks if I can stick to schedule. I was told by a local vintage restoration guy to use 1/4 crown staples and not nails when fastening the skin to the top and around the curves. I am planning on doing that.

Just a word of warning!! When you use the 1/4 staples, turn down your compressor pressure so you are not blasting the staple through the aluminum. The skin is not that thick. Test some areas first to adjust your pressure.

Rick (Montanablue)

[rkymtnman]

Thanks Rick! I seem to remember reading that somewhere and will test thoroughly before blasting clean through it. I'm SURE I would have done just that without the warning. That is absolutely something I would do......

[clutchburner]

what is your source for aluminum skin ready to install is it the 6" profilelike original shasta ? Looking forward to your expierience in the re-skin .

[rkymtnman]

The Metal Shop just outside Denver, Colorado.

www.themetalshop.com

I am headed there at lunch to order my materials and will report back on what I find. I could be wrong in my initial "ready to install" statement but it sure seems like it will be ready to go.

I am planning to use (1) 4-foot wide strip and (1) 32-inch wide strip but will see what they suggest.

[clutchburner]

What did you find out ? Is it the 6" profile ?

[rkymtnman]

Never made it down the other day - job got in the way

Will be making the trip today or tomorrow depending on work load.

[rkymtnman]

OK - finally made the trip at lunch today and so far, I couldn't be happier with these guys. They can make you any profile you would like, 4", 6", Mesa Patterns, whatever you want. 16-inch strips up to 4-foot widths with "joints" and everything ready to install. Just tell them how many, how long and what width and a "couple days" later, your order should be done. All I will have to do is nail/staple it up, trim it for the doors, windows and curves on each end and done.

I am ordering the skin and 3 "sticks" of aluminum gutter on Monday and will document as I go. I did get a tour of their shop and they showed me how they make the skin. It was really neat to see how it is done. They are also going to make me a custom access door to my size specifications (9-1/2 inches by 15-1/8 inches). I was like a kid in a candy store and found where a good portion of my budget will be going over the next week or so

[clutchburner]

Thats good news for you ! Keep us posted. Do you know if they will ship ?

[flyingham]

And post some pricing. In Atlanta they want 5.55 a sq ft

[rkymtnman]

WOW! How about less than half of that? They quoted me 2.50 per sq. ft.

They do ship skin - I think it is rolled up in to shipping tubes and sent that way.

I figured out today that I can do all my camper and roof for just under 500. Seemed pretty reasonable.

Their web site does often seem to have "issues". Sometimes I can get to it and sometimes I can't. I downloaded their catalog and I work from that so I don't have to deal with the web site.

[clutchburner]

Thats great news.I cant seem to find them on the web..I'll keep trying.That makes me feel better about doing a full resto on a compact i have lined up. Thanks for sharing your source.

[rkymtnman]

I think I will temper my excitement until after I do this first one with them but so far - so good and they come high recommended from a guy I "met" (online) who has done many restorations.

I have their catalog in a pdf format it you would like it emailed - pm me your address or just keep trying that web site - it will eventually come back.

I guess their primary business is wholesale to the RV industry but they have a "store front" where you can just walk in. Also - no credit cards - only cash, check, wire transfers, etc. and you pay when your order is DONE - not before - which I liked very much.

[safetybruce]

I am enjoying the discussion about the new skins...I too thought that would be the toughest thing to find...made well. Maybe the metalshop people could make some of those front window protectors some people have been searching for. Couldn't hurt to inquire.
safetybruce

[rkymtnman]

Apr 15, 2010 20:54:40 GMT -5 rkymtnman said:

I figured out today that I can do all my camper and roof for just under 500. Seemed pretty reasonable.

So yesterday I realized I am an idiot. When I originally estimated all the material I needed, I forgot the roof and front and rear skin and since I kind of need that, the material estimate is actually closer to 950. I knew I would blow my initial budget but thought I would be closer than the 30% I am now over Still need to order lights too. Oh well, it will be nice when it is completed!

[clutchburner]

Poop happens... Keep us in the loop and pics would be great if possible.