Along with a few mistakes we have managed to hide..... Roughed out the over head cabinents tonite... Carrie and I are spoiled, we refuse to pack a suitcase after putting overheads in the Scamp. will take them down and verathane them tommorrow, then rip the support ribs for them. Larry (oh, no doors on them, will use that black netting you find in car trunks and soccer mom vans to go over the front of them)

Gosh, Larry, sure wish we could've stopped by on our way through. We got off "schedule" the first day and didn't get back on 'til...er...

We MAY make it to South Dakota to pick up DH next week...that's what drives us forward.

But I would love to have seen your work up close, gotten some pointers, and some ideas for our project. I've discovered some things I'd like to do with it from the inside out. I'm using our icebox as a pantry and it's quite convenient, though not vented at this point. Change One. There are a couple of minor leaks, one I think EYE created when I put mosquito-blockin' mesh behind the above-stove vent, the other a mystery at the front window which appears sealed and doesn't leak during a downpour if you're PARKED, but tends to leak a bit going down a very wet road. Change TWO and Three. I have to fix the drawers so they won't fall out when we pull them out. Change...er...losing count already. And I'd like to build some drawers into teh closet - one for each family member. We tossed in a plastic set we picked up in Washington - much easier than the stack of boxes we had, but hardly ideal!

The question still remains - what will happen to our Junior once we return home where we have nowhere to store it (homeowners association = no storage), and when DH wants to join us (we won't all fit, and by next summer the girls and I won't all fit).

Keep up your posts! Love the ideas!

OH! And how ARE you going to secure those overhead storage bins? GREAT idea!

Jen (in Bismarck, ND today)

There are always a few of those! Sometimes the secret to being a good craftsman is more knowing how to integrate, correct, or hide your mistakes than knowing how to avoid them in the first place.

YUP-- we would have enjoyed gossiping w/you.. Sounds like your window has a slight sealing problem-- betcha it's on the side rather than top. If you have an air compressor, use that to blow around the window w/someone inside (less messy than shooting water at it-otherwise high pressure water will find it)
Do your drawers have a U-shaped plastic guide on them? The factory installed a cheesy one that breaks real easy and then you just have a piece of plastic that acts as a slide.
Secure the overhead shelves? Flat aluminum strap from the bottom of shelf at prob 18" intervals and then bolted to the same little bolts/macnine screws that secure the canvas top. And then to hold the clothes in, netting, like the net catch alls that you see in car trunks and mini vans. (in fact that is what I am going to use- just gonna make a trip to the local wrecking yard and scrounge) Larry

The painting has started...... Sanded the top this morning and so much GREEN showed through, I figured I'd better throw some paint on before Carrie saw it and wanted it to stay GREEN so she could call it "Kermit" --- she has this thing about Frogs.... Ask me why when you see me--- I can't tell the story here.... Interlux paint sure is interesting.... Guess I'd better go start making curtains tonite- time is getting short- planning on taking Compact to Grayland end of the month. Larry

First coat of paint on trailer tonite-- gets second couple in a couple days after it cures... Interlux is sure wierd to work with.........(smells, too) Larry

LOOKING GOOD the shiny new paint looks super nice and glossy.

Larry, what do you mean by "weird"? Tries to run, bubbles ???

Yeah to all of the above..... When one puts in on-- I'm rolling it on- it bubbles and just scares ya. It reminds me of 2 part expoxy paint, both by the appearance and the smell. Real thick like heavy unwhipped whipping cream. But, the bubbles disapate (sp?)over the space of a 1/2 hour. Then, if one was too greedy and put it on heavy, it starts to flow, and then you are chasing the sags with a foam brush to smooth it out. But, on the positive side, you can smooth it for about 1/2 hour plus after application. Dust and brush/roller particles are a slight problem, tho.
End result tho, is a finish that looks like new white gelcoat. Fascinating stuff. I'll end up with a paint job that cost around a hundred bucks that will shine like the devil. Only distracter will be up close there will be some dust particles that will show.... It'll be what we call a 10 ft paint job. Larry

Looking good,
Gives me second thoughts on wanting to redo the gelcoat on mine.

Donna- here's a picture of the bubbles before being smoothed with a foam brush... Actually, it turned out better that I thought--- it's only "2-3 foot" paint job--- does have some waterfalls on the back, tho. Worked on the pantry tonite- closed off the old fridge stack with hardware screen to keep the birds out- will add bug screens over top of that to keep bugs out, and installed screen behind the shelves to keep things from tumbling over the edge. It's getting there- Grayland trip is only 2 weeks away... Hope everyone isn't getting tired of all my posts. Larry

Funny you say that, I feel like I have been bit by the bug! And we plan to move up to Washington ASAP!!

You've done a very good job of explaining the processes you're going through and have graciously documented that work by posting pictures. Current members are learning and I know this will add to the value of the archive for future members looking to accomplish similar updates/upgrades. Keep 'em coming

No, we're not tired of your posts. They're very educational; keep them coming. Thanks for all the great photos.

Larry,
Your posts has an incredible timing, after someone alerted me to your thread here. I just acquired a Compact Jr., and it is like looking in the mirror at mine, aside from the Coleman lantern :-). Mine actually had a two-way fridge. I cleared the drawers, and bed frame covers to do my first thorough examination.

My Compact has been sitting in a garage for over 10 years. The garage storage also had little squatters living in there as well. I think the eviction happened when I pulled the trailer out of it's hole. Everything seems to be intact, and a good coat of paint would cover everything up. The floor only has a small softspot. All the wood work is ok, with the exception of the lingering odor from the little inhabitants. If I could pressure wash the entire inside and let er' dry out, I would be satisfied, but that is not an option. One other reason, for restoration process, I wanted to strip, and paint the rusty frame, but will make a decision if I will go that far.

After seeing your pictures, which will be invaluable to my thought process, I have to choose wisely. I am already tired seeing your pictures. he he. Keep up the good work!

I have been reading your posts for some time since you started on the 1st page.It is very interesting. We have a Compact II. And you give us inspiration. We love that paint job. Do you buy that at an auto parts store? It looks very nice.We haven't made any changes to ours yet. But someday. Keep up the good work.

No--- that paint is that famous Interlux--- designed for fiberglass boats. I used the cheap stuff-- 'bout $85 a gallon--- used about half of it. No primer. Just scuffed the old paint job (I think it was house paint-flat white and chalky) with 80 grit on a DA sander and rolled it.... Before sanding, I washed the old paint down with Prep-ALL ( a wipe down compound to remove oils, waxes, silicones, etc-- otherwise "fish eyes" can show up) then used a tack cloth before painting. Two coats rolled on. Larry

Larry, or anyone who can answer this question.

What kind of paint can be used to paint the inside walls? The previous owners may have used a house paint in the inside. I would like a paint that has a good surface impervious to fingerprints, and can be wiped down to clean.

This works very good http://www.zinsser.com/product_detail.asp?ProductID=35Click to view attachment

And the lights work!!!! Spent most of the day rewiring the Compact completely. Tommorrow the propane system goes back in....... Gonna plumb in a Mr Heater permanent (just store in in the cupboard below the old icebox area) and notch the cupboard door to let the hose come out when in use. (and use the old fridge plumbing for the heater) And of course, hook up the Coleman light fixture. Wired the flourescent fixture above the sink into the tail lite circuit so that if one has to stop at nite and get into the trailer, a lite is available. (no battery will be on board--or 120 volt for that matter) Larry

I think I screwed up on that one, I used a flat interior house paint (what can I say, it was free ). It shows smudge marks easily...... We'll see how it makes it thru the hunting season. May have to mask everything off in the Spring and use something like Kevin recommended. Larry

Kevin K.
Thanks for the paint reference. I hope it sticks to fiberglass. :-)

Larry,
It is all you fault! Your pictures have given me the courage to explore mutilizing a perfectly good trailer to start with. Ok, well not really perfect, but does show some age around the corners. Today I dismantled the bed and closet areas. The refrigerator seems to work ok, both electric, and propane. Tested the electric, and today testing the propane.

The closet section came out in one entire section once I got the anchor screws out. Next the galley! I aim to replace the floor. It is still reasonably solid, but I like how you did your floor. With a fresh plywood floor it should eliminate any odor from former inhabitants (mice). I will be able to seal the plywood edges with epoxy to prevent any future delamination from possible moisture. I plan to CPES (Rot Doctor Product) the road side.

Larry,
I hope you don't mind me sharing your thread. To post any of my pictures would look just like your pictures, down to the linoleum! I have the same pattern in mine.

I have two questions (for now).

1. After removing my cabinets, I have the same paint pattern. Is the offwhite pinkish paint color the primer? I assume the original interior color was white.

2. Did you piece the floor in from the inside, or did you build the entire floor first?

I am guessing you lowered the entire floor in from the roof. The back door seems to small. I barely got the cabinet through.

1. Compact Jr.'s came from the factory in 4 Pastel Colors:

1. Robbin's Egg Blue
2. Pastel Pink
3. Canary Yellow
4. Pastel Green

I don't remember if white ever was a factory color. Most were repainted at one time or another.

2. When I replaced the floor in my Compact Jr., I pieced it in through the door.

Hmmmm Let's see if I can give a coherent answer or two....
!. That pukey pink, I think that is/was the original interior color, maybe some others can answer that question. That seems to be sorta slopped/painted on before the cabinents were installed. The interior of mine was painted sorta white once, but that was by a previous owner. (that could be surmised by the paint drips and smears on the seats and cabinents) I also found a newspaper from the Olympia, WA, area from the 70's that was stuck down with the whitish paint....

2. Believe it or not, the original floor came out thru the door, I removed it before sliding the body off. I propped it up a little from underneath, then reached in thru the removed window and stood it up. Slid it out. Remember the plywood floor is only 4 ft wide and the door is taller than that. (it is 10 ft long tho) Since only 4 x 8 sheets are available around here, that's what we used. Cross memembers were added at the seam area. Then, pieces were cut to fill in. The areas that were too odd to make pieces for just got a treatment of leftover Bondo I had. When I ran out of Bondo, RockHard wood putty was trowled in..... The plywood was screwed to the crossmembers wherever we found (or thought) it wasn't laying down nicely. Another reason I added crossmembers is that I am anal about the floor flexing... (and I like to weld) I posted two pictures of frame--with and with out added crossmembers. Larry (also how the floor was filled to take the floor covering)

I have no pinkish white showing in the interior of my '73 Compact Jr. I believe that all Jr's had diamond quilted white vinyl on the interior walls when they were built. I have no facts to prove this idea. Areas that have no vinyl on mine (like the interior of the wheel wells) are yellow raw fiberglass. My exterior was originally lime green. I wonder if the pinkish white you are seeing might be the left-over glue? Best of luck on both your great projects.
Tom Trostel

The discovery of what I refered to as a pinkish color are behind the cabinets. The visible interior surfaces are white. It appears that previous owners did repaint over what ever was original. I also have the raw yellow fiberglass in areas that are normally hidden by cabinets. The color differences can be seen in some of Larry's pictures.

It is not a big ordeal to know the answer, as I was just trying to learn what was the actual color, and if primer was used historically. Do I need special primer if I paint over the raw surface?

How are the quilted panels attached to the inside? I don't show any evidence of any fastener remnants, or hangers in my Compact Jr.

How do you like the new height of the straight axle? Do the tires in the wheel well still look proportional at the new height? I am contemplating adding electric brakes.

Here's the difference--- tongue height is about the same between the two rigs... I built the straight axle 'cause if I just put the axle under the springs (commonly referred to as "flipping" the axle), I would still have that 4" dropped axle and not gain any ground clearance on the axle. Larry

Larry,

I've enjoyed your posts and appreciate the photo with the straight axle. I just rebuilt my 72 Compact Jr. and have been contemplating switching to a straight. The photo helps.

I'm still trying to decide on a related issue, and wonder if you'd share your thoughts.

Like you had mentioned in a previous post, your rebuild, and definitely mine, are going to be slightly heavier than factory. I replaced the original 'structural paneling' used in all the cabinets with 1/2 inch plywood, added a three-way fridge, a 12 volt bank, and generally beefed the whole rig up, from floor to ceiling. Haven't weighed it yet, but 'loaded for bear' I think she's going to top 2000 lbs.

The factory axle and mated hubs and wheels are 2000 pounders. The next size up, on the shelf, is 3500 pounds, and would require different hubs and wheels. If I have to replace all three of my (new) 4 on 4, 13 inch wheels, I'd want to go to a size that matches my tow vehicle.

Does it look like there's room for a 15 inch wheel once the 4 inch drop is eliminated? Do you recall, was your 'hub face to hub face' length 58 inches?

Fairly tough to find a 58 inch 3500 lbs axle. I did find one - but I'm second guessing the 'need' and 'will it work'.

When we bought our in early 1975 it came with a straight axle.

The interior fiberglass was covered with diamond quilted vinyl, but was very dirty, decrepit and torn off in many places. I removed it and painted the rough surface of the interior fiberglass with several coats of white latex trim paint. I think the trim paint has a bit more color, body and sheen than the regular house paint.

It was serviceable and looked nice, but did sweat in cool weather.

We really enjoyed it as a young couple, took two circuits of the whole country, but when we started our family it was sold to a couple that had just retired.

Our gripes were: 1) the rear door was always terribly dirty with road dirt. It also 'worked' in its frame and didn't seal well. 2) the bed was huge -- we thought that part of the real estate it used could have been better used. 3) the frame, especially at the tongue was very weak and had to be beefed up.

What we liked: 1) we loved the light weight and simplicity 2) the pop top was a great idea. It allowed for excellent ventilation during warm weather, and even when down, we could still walk around almost without bumping our heads.

Hmmmm- I still have the dropped axle, measured it tonite, 'cause I could remember how wide the new one is.... The old one is 57" hub to hub (wheel mounting surface)
I'm running 175/80 13 tires (passenger) -they are 23 1/2" tall. I measured how much room is above the tires, about 8", except the weight is off the suspension. So, I'm guessing it will be closer to 6" loaded. Will tell you more next week after we use it. Also will weigh it loaded going down the road. And give you body clearance from the road. Larry

I am so jealous - I have decided that I really, really want a Compact, Jr.

First, I need to get a different tow vehicle - I'm sure my 4 cyclinder Vue just won't do.

I love the posts of the fixer ups and modifications.

Thanks for the measurement last night, and for offering to check it loaded - very valuable information.

Since I just figured out how to adjust my photos, here's what my rig is looking like...more pics after our trip this weekend.

My sister tows hers with a PT Cruiser. Seems to work well enough. Hers weighs about 1600 pounds.

Phill,
Great looking interior. Have you had any problem with roof sag after removing the support wall between the "kitchen" and the "living room"?

Thanks Tom.

The lower roof does sag a little since I took out that bulkhead and the kitchen surround - about 3/4 of an inch midspan.

I think I have a fix, just waiting for winter to do it. I had replaced the exterior wood backers for the lift-top hinges in two segments (front hinge and back), as it was originally. I'm going to replace these with one continuous piece of 1 by 3 oak, then try to lift the sag of the lower roof and secure it to the long piece to carry the load back to the stiffer front and back corners.

I believe my owners manual says I can only tow 1,500 pounds - I will have to double check it though. And, that is loaded weight.

I tow our JR with a PT Cruiser also and have no problems. I did put a trans cooler on the car and have done some work with the engine but that is it. I wouldn't want to tow the trailer in a wind storm. I bought the trailer from a lady who lived in Long Island NY and I had to tow it from Long Island NY to Niagara Falls NY by way of New York City, about 500 miles I don't think I will do that again.

Cliff--- here is how mine is attached-- I think it is a replacement for the original. I was at the local RV store today, and a cover is about $14, and the base about the same (But the base is plastic). The picture is a little out of perspective... The cover is 24" long.
Larry

Thank you Larry,
I get it now. The tabs bend over the top lip of the plastic cover. I would be afraid that it would come loose and get blown off. I went to an RV surplus to try and find one, but nothing in the inventory that I could find which is suprising for this place.

Just for entertainment, here are some pictures of my shopping event today. Mostly notes to myself to remember what was there.
RV Surplus Shopping Today

I may try to come up with something home made when the time comes. I have all the windows, doors, and accessories off the shell now. Leaving the bolts of the floor for last, until I decide how, and where I am going to paint it. Then unbolt the shell, and rework the frame. I will look for a supplier for the type paint you used. I also want to look at alternatives for spray applications. I wonder if auto body paint will work.

Cliff---- DUDE!!!!!!! What a place!!!! I would be like a Hog Wallowing in Mud there....
Interlux can be sprayed. It can be found at places like Boating World or any place that deals with Boat type people.
I made a little more progress today, welded the boomper on and the rear stabilizers. getting down to the wire, Carrie wants it home NLT Tuesday (prob Monday) to pack to leave on WED. Am I gonna make it?

That's funny stuff shopping the RV Surplus. That what my hubby describes when he heads out to look for parts. I'm still laughing. Cliff, I have to say, I'm very impressed with your diligence. You are on it & way ahead of us. Of course, I'm tag teaming two eggs and getting the Pacer fixed & home has been my focus this week. I'm very, very impressed with Phill's CJ. What an inspiration to think that mine could possible look like that someday. Sounds like yours will be pretty close to done for the Casitas Rally. I've told Hubby how a guy in LB got a yellow CJ the same week we did, can't wait to see how yours comes out.

Eve,
Sorry to disappoint you, but I try not to break my back to meet any deadlines. Although, I am buzzing along... disassembly is easy... I may not have it ready for the Casitas rally. I do have a trailer to camp in. In fact we are going camping end of month to Spamboree. So one more weekend less to work on the CJ.

I have not posted any tear down pics, because it looks just like Larry's project. I will take more pictures of the build up, if I have something to contrast.

And the beat goes on..... Carrie (AKA "the Wench", "Ms Right"-first name ALWAYS, & various other names) says it has to be in the driveway MON nit to pack & prep.... Think we're gonna make it. Door went in , side vent door-(old fridge vent- now pantry vent) and vent stack, & various other small things last nite. Today was both roof vents, then roof itself (had to make a few modifications where I screwed up 'glassing roof arches in oh well - chop saw works good). Then the adventure- new canvas that I hadn't tried since Tijuana Tony dropped it off in July-- he's now South for the winter (about a 60 hour drive South of here-hard to call to alter). Fits tho- just took a little stretching and ingenuety-- couple extra holes, tho- won't tell you where they are. Shelves are in and support brackets installed--- look pretty good if I say so myself... And lots of "Oh Yeah, that needs to be finished". All in all a busy day-- if it wasn't for my friend Mike, it would have been next year, not next week. Of course, he also has an ulterior motive, he gets to use it this hunting season..... As I'm writing this, I take breaks to go to kitchen for coffee and on the way by, stop to oil the new cutting board.. Next task yet tonite is to sew up a couple pillow cases to match the curtains I made. Better get busy. Larry

My VERY curious, where is this surplus yard that you went to Cliff? It looks like HEAVEN for hunting for parts! And my folks don't live too far from Ontario, so I'm sure my dad and I could drive down and have fun hunting for stuff there...
Thanks! Joe

Go Larry, Go Larry, Go Larry! Looks good. I promise not to ask any questions until you get back from your trip.

Ahhh! That's a secret, and I am not telling! Just kidding, I will PM you.

It emerged!!!!!! Going home to get packed. Many final moments of trials and tribulation getting the bugs worked out---- (little things like a couple propane leaks---- -- nothing serious) Hitting the road tommorrow Meeting Brandy for coffee in the morning-- so us procrastinaters have a deadline. Larry

Congratulations. Looks great!