Am I nuts? Is it possible?

[David Tilston]

It could be worse:
http://www.fiberglassrv.com/forums/f...now-61473.html

Kinda stalled out on the reno, had to kick my 20 year old out in his trailer, Launch Pad. Now that is done, I guess I might get to work on Humpty Dumpty.

[Bob Miller]

If and when you get to the exterior painting part, be sure to ask lots of questions before buying anything. There are a very few options that will work, short of taking it to Bilz Kustom Painte Shoppe and leaving about 25 of Ben Franklins pics with him, that you can do yourself.

Originally Posted by wglyons

Awesome info, and I have enjoyed reading everyone's posts and followed all suggested links, which lead to more links, which lead to more links, and before I know it, I'm off looking at some interior plumbing thing instead of the exterior paint options for which I was searching...so much fun, and so much information.

I'm so ready to get to work - is it Friday yet???


Greg and Robin
1975 Trillium 1300
2013 Dodge Durango

Sent from my iPhone using Fiberglass RV

[Colleeno]

If you decide not to fix it up, you can part it out. You got some hinges there that look good, appliances, some windows... ( :

[Bob Miller]

Oh Pleeeze, unless the frame is a pile of rust, don't break it. There are all too few of these left. There is always someone looking to rescue a project. Were it closer to me I would be a potential buyer.

[wglyons]

Well, I got to spend a few minutes with the Trillium this evening (haven't come up with a name yet, David). As many of you have indicated, most everything is coming off pretty easily. It's a good start, and I should be able to finish up at least getting the rest of the vegetation removed tomorrow.

There are a few dings in the finish, perhaps from a falling tree branch. The cracks extend a bit, so I will have to figure out how to repair the cracks and bigger chunks of missing fiberglass. But overall, the exterior looks pretty good so far. The windows are also cleaning up well.

I did notice the belly band has come off of the front of the egg. I can see a gap between the top and bottom shells. Is this an issue for water leakage?

Here's a few progress pics from today. That's Savanna, my 10 year-old, excitedly lending a hand.







Greg and Robin
1975 Trillium 1300
2013 Dodge Durango

Sent from my iPhone using Fiberglass RV

[Dudley]

always amazed how well these trailers clean up! Will wait for the final unveiling!

[Dan Meyer]

I can't really tell from many miles away, but those cracks and holes don't look like a structural problem to me. I suggest just covering them with some sort of tape for now to keep water out, and getting the trailer fixed up so you can use it.

-- Dan Meyer

[Green Frog]

Originally Posted by CindyL

To start with, just wash it. I bet you will not even ask the question when you see the results ! Even if you don't want it, there are those who would pay good money if you secure a title. However, it might begin an addiction in you that the rest of us have too .


CindyL

What she said! If I were in your position, I would first drag it out into an open space and pull everything out of the inside that wasn't permanently attached. I would then use a power washer to clean it inside and out then air it out/dry it out. At this point I would feel safe to evaluate the actual condition of the trailer inside and out, top and bottom. I would pay particular attention to the condition of the frame and floor as well as the previously mentioned Ensolite™ inside wall covering. Next, I'd check windows and doors for proper operation.

Then and only then I'd make my decision about the advisability of a re-do. Will you have to go frame-off? Will you have to replace expensive hardware and trim? What are you really getting into?

Of course the question of registration/title would need to be answered before putting any serious money into the project as value without proper title would be quite limited.

All of this is JMHO, of course, but before I spent significant time, effort and money when being seduced by the possible end point. Best of luck with it!

Regards,
Froggie

[Carol H]

Originally Posted by Dan Meyer

I can't really tell from many miles away, but those cracks and holes don't look like a structural problem to me. I suggest just covering them with some sort of tape for now to keep water out, and getting the trailer fixed up so you can use it.

-- Dan Meyer

I agree with Dan just looking at the photos you have posted so far it like you may have just some gelcoat nicks and cracks..... if you know someone who does repairs on bathtubs and showers they may be able to help you do a good match on a gelcoat repair.

I am really impressed that it still has some shine to the fiberglass - suspect you will find that using a 3M marine product will bring the shine right backup!!

As far as other issues that have been raised... even if you just spend a few days just cleaning it up I suspect you will get a big return on your time even if you decide you are not wanting to deal with and sell it.

[theresa p]

hi greg---it's looking amazing so far! tell savanna to keep up the good work.

[wglyons]

I spent several hours on her yesterday, and go the entire exterior cleaned. I'm so intelligent, I forgot to take a couple of good pics from a distance, but suffice to say, the whole thing looks pretty different. I don't think there are any major fiberglass issues, rather, mostly gel coat cracking and chipping. I don't think I need to worry about matching, since I plan to paint the whole thing.

I have noticed issues posted on this site with regards to the doors. Mine is slightly off center as well, and appears to be a little low. Upon looking at the hinge locations, it almost looks like the hinges were mounted to the door about 1/2" too low at the factory. I think if the hinge was at least lined up evenly on the door, there would be more of a positive seal. I may have to consider refinishing the door, and remounting.



And here are some pics of the gel coat issues. Fairly significant and expansive in some areas...



It will probably be about 2 weeks until I see her again...I plan to start cleaning the inside at that point, to see how it looks in there. I can say, that it doesn't appear there are any major issues with the window seals or the roof vent. I do think the belly band issue could be leading to water penetration - is this possible?



Almost forgot!!! I just HAD to plug in 110v to see if the camper would do anything. To my surprise, not only did she not blow up, the light over the sink came on, and I switched on the ol' Hotpoint A/C unit. Ice cold air - BOOM!!!!

Enjoy the rest of your Sunday!!!

Greg and Robin


Greg and Robin
1975 Trillium 1300
2013 Dodge Durango

Sent from my iPhone using Fiberglass RV

[Bob Miller]

Looking Good,

I had a similar problem with hinges on a different RV, that of the hinge pin holes wearing. Here's what I did for a permanent fix

1. I made a metal fixture to bolt a hinge to with both halves in the correct (straight position, and then removed the original pin.

2. The hinges I was fixing had 5/16" pins so I very slowly and carefully opened up the holes to 7/16" in, using 3 larger and larger drills. Use a NEW drill for the last pass so it doesn't go oversize.

3. I drilled and tapped a hole in the side of the upper part to take a 8-32 setscrew.

4. I drilled and tapped a hole in the middle part of the hinge to take a 1/8" grease fitting

5. I inserted a new piece of 7/16" drill rod for the new pin, locked it in place with the set screw and lubed it with the grease fitting.... DONE.....

Good Luck

[Don ravinerat]

Well Greg you've got your work cut out for you. I can't offer you any advice as I just brought my 1975 Trillium home last night. Mine was dirty but not near as bad as yours. I'll be following your rebuild/Reno for helpful hints. I finally know what Elephant material is but waiting to see Rat Fur. Mine has cleaned up pretty good on the outside. I am taking step by step photos. Looking forward to seeing more. And I have to figure how to post pictures.

[Carol H]

Originally Posted by wglyons

I do think the belly band issue could be leading to water penetration - is this possible?

It has been my understanding that Trillium joins the upper and lower trailer sections together on the inside using fiberglass - that way the belly band can be removed without an issue. Having said that though if there are cracks on the inside fiberglass then yes it could leak at the belly band.


There is a thread called 76 Trillium Belly Bank Leak Fix that may be of some help to you. Lots of comments on it by some folks who know far more than I about how the Trillium is put together.

[Mike Magee]

If you have separation at the belly band joint, then yes, water can get in through that. It will need to be re-joined, probably by fiberglassing over the joint.

[Gardnpondr]

Originally Posted by wglyons

I've heard of support before, but this is amazing...thank you all so very much!!!

Here's a few more pics...the 4th photo is what some of the exterior is covered with...

Attachment 77288
Attachment 77289
Attachment 77290
Attachment 77291


Sent from my iPhone using Fiberglass RV

Oh my gosh that's almost what ours looked like about a month ago on that 4th pic. She had stuff growing on her too. It was BAD. It took us like 4-5 times washing to get it all off. Once you get the mess off with a couple washes, then you have to scrub with a hand brush to get the embedded stuff off that's under it. BUT WELL worth the effort in the finished product! You can probably see mine in the mold and mildew thread that's on here. You can see all my post which aren't a whole lot so you can see the before and after pix. It's been really fun working on her. I told everybody she was the ugly duckling right now but she was going to be named Classy 85.
Not many Bigfoot's in our neck of the woods either so that's also another fun thing.




Here is mine..... you can't see the moss stuff but it's there. It was thick on it. I have some close ups and you can see it on those. http://www.fiberglassrv.com/forums/f...tml#post517579

post # 16

[David Tilston]

How is it going Greg? I am anxious to hear how the restoration is going.

[Gardnpondr]

Yeah I've been wondering to. We've done a little on ours but we really need to get really busy on it so we can go camping!