1971 Boler Custom renovation—Let the fun begin!

[Robert Johans]

For some time Bolers had plywood floors 'glassed to the shell, and mounted directly to the frame. (Later models feature a full "bathtub" fiberglass bottom.)

Our floor was completely shot and all of it had to be cut out. Here you can see the replacement for the rear mounted to the frame in place. I used 3/4" Oak hardwood plywood for stability. Every raw surface, edge and bolt hole has been coated with resin The underside has an added layer of fiberglass to help protect it from possible damage caused by road debris.

All the new floor panels have been 'glassed along the edges to the shell on both the top and the bottom.

[Robert Johans]

Here's a fun item for those of you that appreciate the details...

The taillight design of this 1971 Boler predates the iconic, deep-recessed look of later Bolers. In those days (as Scamp does still today), the manufacturer simply surface-mounted those ubiquitous "birthday cake"-style taillight housings and lenses.

But I don't like them much. I really like the look (and functionality) of a 7" schoolbus LED taillight. In fact, I have a pair mounted on my own '88 Scamp. But for this Boler project I wanted a more custom set-up, so I found a way to recess the lights into the shell for an almost flush look.

I "re-purposed" a galvanized, heating duct ring found at the hardware store as a trim ring around my LEDs. It took some head-scratching to engineer a mounting system, but I think the results are great.

[francene]

Originally Posted by Robert Johans

I "re-purposed" a galvanized, heating duct ring found at the hardware store as a trim ring around my LEDs.

Wow, Robert, great idea! It worked out really well. Nice!

Fran
74 Compact II

[LukeP]

Originally Posted by Robert Johans

However, I've found some much more attractive vents for external access.

Robert, what venting options did you find - or are you able to share since this is someone elses?

[DannyH]

Look'n great Robert. I'm glad your doing this and not me. I like the layout. Keep the photo's coming.

[Robert Johans]

Originally Posted by LukeP

Robert, what venting options did you find - or are you able to share since this is someone elses?

Well, the vents I had in mind look like these. Flush mounted, and very clean. But dang, can't find my source at the moment. (Maybe someone reading will recognize them and help us out.)


BTW, the owners of my new Boler project decided to buy an 12V-only Engel reefer that requires no outside venting... Even cleaner!

[Sam and Jess]

Originally Posted by Robert Johans

Well, the vents I had in mind look like these. Flush mounted, and very clean. But dang, can't find my source at the moment. (Maybe someone reading will recognize them and help us out.)

Funny you mentioned these, I was looking at them yesterday.

Amazon.com: RV Refrigerator Vent Door: Automotive

[LukeP]

thanks for the pic Robert, and link S&J! I like them a lot, are the panels themselves plastic or metal? I'm wondering about painting them.

[Sam and Jess]

Originally Posted by LukeP

thanks for the pic Robert, and link S&J! I like them a lot, are the panels themselves plastic or metal? I'm wondering about painting them.

If I recall, other websites had them listed as plastic... but I am not 100% sure. I am planning on buying two, one for my fridge and one for my A/C unit and I am planning on painting them to match our Boler. There are plastic paints which I think will work for a primer and then I will use the enamel over that (fingers crossed).

[John McDonald]

The larger one in the picture looks exactly like the one on my trailer and it is plastic.

[mtnfam]

Originally Posted by Sam and Jess

Funny you mentioned these, I was looking at them yesterday.

Amazon.com: RV Refrigerator Vent Door: Automotive

I see the small ones, but cannot seem to find a larger one. I'm looking to modernize the vents on my 13' Boler.

[Robert Johans]

Here's a couple options:

NEW RV REFRIGERATOR PANEL VENT HATCH COVER DOOR on eBay!

Norcold Refrigerator Vent Door, Plastic, 13-3/4" X 21-1/2" Cutout, Polar White




And for a useful installation guide, check this:

Venting

[LukeP]

Originally Posted by Sam and Jess

If I recall, other websites had them listed as plastic... but I am not 100% sure. I am planning on buying two, one for my fridge and one for my A/C unit and I am planning on painting them to match our Boler. There are plastic paints which I think will work for a primer and then I will use the enamel over that (fingers crossed).

Sam&Jess, I wondered if you had any luck with painting these vents yet? Or anybody else for that matter?

[Robert Johans]

I've been staying busy working out the details for the exterior, including: new paint, new frame (with spare mount), and a variety of components that mount to or through the shell. Windows go in after the new interior wall covering is installed, but you'll get the idea.

This Boler has made a remarkable recovery, given its shape when it arrived in February. (Check the beginning of this thread to see shots of its original condition.)

[Robert Johans]

Here are some shots for those of you that are interested in the details...

[francene]

Beautiful work, Robert! Looks like new. You had a pretty beat up body on that Boler before, but you can't tell that now.
Do you do your own exterior painting?

Fran
compact II '74

[DannyH]

What a clean looking machine! Great paint color and finish on the outside. The hatches look fantastic. Nice job.

[ken h]

WOW Looks great !

Are those outside speakers, very cool.

[Robert Johans]

Thanks!

No, I have a professional handle the painting. I insist on great results and I know my limitations. Currently, my shop is not big enough to include a paint booth.

Yes, the client asked for a sound system that included exterior speakers (I'm sure they will use them in a considerate and respectful fashion), and an iPod dock.

I am extremely pleased with the new frame. I think the silver color looks great with the sage green body, and the many "metallic" details. The new Dexter axle features electric brakes, and the 15" alloy rims sport radial tires. Crank-style levelers are welded under the rear frame members.

There's a ShurFlo vent/fan up top, and a custom bag-style awning from Shademaster on the curbside. I was able to coax the Suburban 6 gallon water heater into a position, and it's access door into a shape, to keep the install tight to the curve of the body and as discreet as possible. The 30amp shore power connection may accommodate more juice than required, but the chrome hardware sure looks cool!

Now it's on to the interior...

[Sam and Jess]

Awww, did the maple leaf idea get nixed? I loved the modern scale of that graphic -- enough to make me wish I were Canadian!

-- Jess