1979 Granby

[Boonie]

shellback,

Although I will be keeping my absorption refrig, I will also be using a 10# bottle and to save inside space, I'll be mounting it outside on the back wall! (What mount are you using?) I have a Primus 200 propane stove that will replace the permanently mounted stove, but also allow me to take it outside via a quick disconnect to cook when the weather is cooperating. Seems we have a similar train of thought. Please keep the details and ideas coming. Good Luck.

Boonie

P.S. I hold a Shellback card. USS Tripoli Feb 9, 1972

 

[shellback]

I haven't decide on a factory built bracket, or coming up with something on my own. That Primus stove you have might be what I'll look for. My old Coleman has seen better days, I crossed the line July of 67 onboard the Forrestal. I was an AO in a Phantom squadron.
I hope to get everything prepared to start the actual siding around the 22nd. Once the siding is on, I want to be able to mount the windows, jack brackets, trim etc on the camper body, so the exterior will be mostly finished with exception to the upper trim holding the fabric on.

 

[shellback]

Well I've been busy making jack brackets, plates for thru wall fittings, painting stuff and other odds and ends. Picked up the aluminum siding today and sheared it to rectangular sizes. Tomorrow we clamp it to the camper body and mark all the cuts that have to be made. Hopefully we will get that done tomorrow and start fastening Monday with the 3M tape and install the windows and jack brackets. I have narrowed the door opening, and will have a spot for a porta potty in the right rear corner. There will be a couch that slides out to a 75"x32" bed also on the right. On the front wall left of the bed there will be a compartment for water, battery and inverter. I plan on using Reliant 7 gallon portable containers. They have a threaded fitting for the spout, and I'll make up a fitting and tube to use with an electric pump. I think it will be much easier to swap out 7 gallon jugs than trying to fill a permanent tank with a hose or gravity feed. The original tank was under the counter just taking up space. I also did away with the propane compartment to get more space inside the camper. I'm thinking the lid which will cover the water tank and battery compartment may do double duty as the table top. Beats finding a place to store a top.

 

[Vic Harder]

are you concerned about weight? If so, consider using 3/8" baltic birch plywood. thinner, and stronger...

 

[shellback]

Weight is an issue, that's one of the main reasons for the build. So far I'm keeping the weight as close to the original build as possible. 5/8's plywood for the floor pack. Do you suggest using the Baltic birch for cabinetry? Not sure how much of that I'll have. Some of the wood you see in the pictures is just scrap I used to get an idea how it will go together. I wanted the water and battery as far forward as possible to keep the weight in front of the rear axle. Probably the biggest weight gain I'll be adding is electric jacks. My wife has MS, so anything other than 1 overnite, the camper comes off the truck. We camp to fish mostly, so a boat is always in tow. I tend to load the boat with all the extras. I have a 2016 Silverado 1500. Glovebox sticker recommends a 1000# camper. I'm hoping to come in at that number. After the siding is on, and I install and wire the jacks, I may load it up and take it to a scale. From that point on, I can pretty much weigh everything else I'm adding.

 

[cwdtmmrs]

I just read this thread. Very interesting. I would suggest 3M 4229 tape from the automotive division to attached the siding to the frame. Not sure an individual can buy it and is expensive. I pay over 1k for a roll 24" x 60yds x .030". .060" would be 2x the cost and .090 would be 3x the cost. It was developed for body side moldings and the aftermarket dashboard industry. Waterproof and good for 300* and will elongate to compensated for surface irregularities. I may have some 60yd rolls of 1/2" x .060" that I would sell if interested. I would also strongly suggest using an adhesion promoter/primer like 3m's 4298 as well. It will almost double the bond strength in real life applications. The only problem is that once you touch the parts together, there is no moving or adjusting them.

cwd

 

[Vic Harder]

Weight is an issue, that's one of the main reasons for the build. So far I'm keeping the weight as close to the original build as possible. 5/8's plywood for the floor pack. Do you suggest using the Baltic birch for cabinetry? Not sure how much of that I'll have. Some of the wood you see in the pictures is just scrap I used to get an idea how it will go together. I wanted the water and battery as far forward as possible to keep the weight in front of the rear axle. Probably the biggest weight gain I'll be adding is electric jacks. My wife has MS, so anything other than 1 overnite, the camper comes off the truck. We camp to fish mostly, so a boat is always in tow. I tend to load the boat with all the extras. I have a 2016 Silverado 1500. Glovebox sticker recommends a 1000# camper. I'm hoping to come in at that number. After the siding is on, and I install and wire the jacks, I may load it up and take it to a scale. From that point on, I can pretty much weigh everything else I'm adding.

I did my cabinets and all inside wood except the floor pack with Baltic. 3/8" for most, and the wall paneling is 1/8"

 

[shellback]

I just read this thread. Very interesting. I would suggest 3M 4229 tape from the automotive division to attached the siding to the frame. Not sure an individual can buy it and is expensive. I pay over 1k for a roll 24" x 60yds x .030". .060" would be 2x the cost and .090 would be 3x the cost. It was developed for body side moldings and the aftermarket dashboard industry. Waterproof and good for 300* and will elongate to compensated for surface irregularities. I may have some 60yd rolls of 1/2" x .060" that I would sell if interested. I would also strongly suggest using an adhesion promoter/primer like 3m's 4298 as well. It will almost double the bond strength in real life applications. The only problem is that once you touch the parts together, there is no moving or adjusting them.

cwd

I put the aluminum panels on today, hope to get pictures up tomorrow. I used the 4991 tape as there were a lot of irregularities with the welds and some studs not even with each other. Didn't know about the primer. With the windows, door, jack brackets and trim, there's not much surface area that is mechanically fastened. The aluminum cost me $288.00, and the tape was $240.00 !

 

[shellback]

I did my cabinets and all inside wood except the floor pack with Baltic. 3/8" for most, and the wall paneling is 1/8"

I'll have to see if the baltic is available in my area. No sure if my next step is the interior, or the roof, canvas and lift panels. I won't be installing the roof before the interior. But if by chance I get behind the 8 ball, I want that option. Have a trip planned to NW Ontario in July,

 

[Boonie]

Shellback

Waiting for pictures! How are you remaking the rear door? Since my camper is narrowed 11", I have taken most of that out of the rear door and will also be remaking my rear door.

 

[shellback]

The siding went very well I think. I will say I would have never tackled this job if my son wasn't in a business with access to shears, brakes, milling machine etc. Plus access to aluminum materials. I got the 4 sheets of 4x10 .032 aluminum for $288.00, The VHB tape was about $240.00. We sheared the sheets at my son's shop. Then I hung them, marked the cut outs, and did them with an air cutter. That went very fast. Next was VHB tape. Instead of the expensive VHB tape at the windows and door, I used the butyl tape under the aluminum as it was getting screwed down there anyhow. I used all of 46 yards of VHB with exception to about a foot. Today my brother and I cut and fit all the rigid 1" Rmax insulation in the walls, and also mounted the jack brackets temporarily. I'm going to remove them so I can caulk under them and the screw holes. I have the aluminum frame for the old door. The wood core was rotten. I will narrow the frame to fit the opening, then use aluminum on the outside, and paneling on the inside. My original plan was to go on to the interior once the skin was on and it was insulated. I may tackle the roof next. That needs the exterior gone over and painted. Then the Fantastic fan, lights and headliner. After that, the lift panels, and canvas. Once that is completed but not installed, it's back to the interior. The pictures may look a little funky as the plastic protective coating on the aluminum is pulled away in some pictures.

 

[Wandering Sagebrush]

Great progress! I'm impressed!

 

[Vic Harder]

all I can say is... wow.

 

[shellback]

Making more progress. The roof took a flight off my sawhorses in the wind and did some damage. Finally got it straightened, then had to repair where a few screw holes spider cracked the aluminum roof. I made some aluminum plates up to cover the spider cracks, then epoxied and screwed them to the roof. Got 2 coats of paint on the roof and being 38 y/o, it does look a little rough, but it will be water tight for sure!. In between paint coats I've been doing the trim along the body edges.Just have the front to do. Headliner material arrived today, next step is some mounting plates on the inside for the lights, wiring and insulation so I can get the headliner done. No new pictures, the shop is jammed with my boat, the camper body and the roof on sawhorses. The vinyl materials for the pop up sides is also on the way. After the headliner is done, I may move on to sewing the vinyl before building the roof panels.

 

[PokyBro]

Shellback,

Keep up the good work, you're making plenty of progress. Unfortunately set backs happen, but just keep looking forward. Determination wins, and gets the job done, especially on a rebuild such as yours. Lots of time, focus, and elbow grease keeps the momentum going. Good luck, bud...

Poky

 

[shellback]

Poky. Your thread has been a go to for most of my work. Before I start a new phase, I look up your thread and study it. It's been invaluable to me! I have 2 things going against me, One, I was a heavy equipment operator, so not real experienced in detailed craftsmanship. Two, I'm 69 years old! Fortunately I have one great thing going for me, I'm retired! So time is no restraint. As the project goes along, I've noticed that my mistakes and scrap pile is getting smaller. LOL! Sending you a PM

 

[dweb]

I put the aluminum panels on today, hope to get pictures up tomorrow. I used the 4991 tape as there were a lot of irregularities with the welds and some studs not even with each other. Didn't know about the primer. With the windows, door, jack brackets and trim, there's not much surface area that is mechanically fastened. The aluminum cost me $288.00, and the tape was $240.00 !

What width of tape did you use? Thanks!

 

[shellback]

What width of tape did you use? Thanks!

Sent a PM on another thread.

 

[shellback]

Still plugging along. Got the roof painted, wired, insulated and the headliner done. Didn't get any pictures before I stacked it against the wall. Got the edge and corner trim made and installed. Today I put some carpet on the wing and vinyl on the floor in preparation of doing the paneling and framing out for the couch/bed on the right side. Hinges for the lift panels are coming tomorrow. Hoping to get some composite material for the panels from my son. I'm going to make a couple up with some cheap paneling first. I need to be sure they will fold properly before making them with the composite.

 

[shellback]

I've been beating myself up on trying to build my door. The old one was a mess do to previous repairs. I narrowed the frame and am building the door to suit it. Unfortunately the aluminum extrusions for it are mess. The previous owner must have driven 2x4 framing into the 1.25 channel. I'm at the point that I know I'll never get it to look or work properly. I put a want to buy up for a door on the site. In the mean time I guess I'll just have to try and make it work no matter how it looks. If I can't find the original extrusions, next winter I'll have to try and build a door from scratch. I'm heading to Canada for a fishing trip in a week. I'd like to put this door problem behind me before I leave, then come back and get a fresh start.