1973 LoveBug Love-in

[ann cody]

Hey do you have plans that a person can buy from you?
Ann

[GerryL]

Thanks for showing that. Having done a couple of whatI would call "restomods" on vehicles some years ago, I always found it neat to look at before and after photos and I can understand the amount of work involved. I'm curious, did you log the man-hours involved in a job like that? I always wish I did.

[idiotsniff]

thanks for the model number on those windows robert,

[bomni]

Beautiful Interior!! Can I ask about your lighting? Are the pot lights and small reading lights 12v?

[Robert Johans]

Ann: Yes, your cabinets can be removed and your rivet holes filled. I use an automotive-grade epoxy adhesive to glue wood "anchor" blocks to key areas of my shell. To these (and the floor) I attach my cabinets. Sorry, all of my work is custom. No "plans" per se to share.

GerryL: Of course I keep track of my hours, given that I typically build these projects for other folks and bill for my time.

Bomni: Yes, all lighting is 12V. In fact, I try to keep all electrical items in the cabin on 12V power.

[DannyH]

Robert, great remodel. Very clean and functional, with beautiful wood work. Nice job. I like the curtain rod in back

[Donna D.]

I've been privledged to seeing Robert's work firsthand at a couple of gatherings in Oregon. He and DannyH... both, have done wonderful, wonderful work... I'm LUSTING for that curtain rod!..... NO RIVETS to hang curtains... gotta love that

[Pam Garlow]

Originally Posted by Camilla

I love it! Where did the neato cooktop come from? Wish you were closer to me and I was rich!

Camilla, Thats a SMEV stovetop/sink combo, but I think they are owned by Dometic now. You can get them sometimes on ebay, and also by searching for smev cooktop. They're not cheap.

So, Robert Johans, Lets pretend that some lovely jillionaire lady has a Uhaul in need of some customization (see the 'if I won the lottery' posting ). What is the usual timeframe for one of your creations? btw she tips very well....

[idiotsniff]

Robert, can you tell me what you used for a Bed in this build? and where a good place to get that stainless you used for the back splash? how thick is that stuff and do you have to ask for something specific wherever you get that stuff?

thanks,

Joel

[Robert Johans]

Pam, You're correct... Dometic now owns the SMEV line of products. Unfortunately, they do not yet sell everything one can find in Europe and offer only a couple options through dealers.

As to rebuilds, everything depends on the necessary repairs. New frame? Extensive body work and paint? New subfloor? New insulation and wall covering? All new furniture/cabinets? Each step obviously takes it own time.


Joel, the "bed" is a custom-cut (to fit the bed platform and match the arc'ing walls) piece of 2" memory foam laminated to standard 2" foam. I buy my stainless from a local sheet metal shop. Nothing exotic, just the lightest/thinnest gauge available.

[idiotsniff]

Robert: thanks for getting back on the bed, so its only 4" thich then? it looks like 6" or more in the photos? please let me know, it looks super comfy.

thanks for the info on the stainless, I'll have to see who can supply some stainless then locally when the time comes. do you have any idea on the gauge of metal you used? I don't want to go to thin that it warps easily or pulls in with rivets or something.

thanks again,


Joel

[Robin G]

Robert, as always great work!


Joel, Recently I saw stainless at Lowes............ Of course they are now caring it, many are using it for their back splashes in there homes. So it's more excessable.

[ann cody]

Originally Posted by idiotsniff

Robert: thanks for getting back on the bed, so its only 4" thich then? it looks like 6" or more in the photos? please let me know, it looks super comfy.

thanks for the info on the stainless, I'll have to see who can supply some stainless then locally when the time comes. do you have any idea on the gauge of metal you used? I don't want to go to thin that it warps easily or pulls in with rivets or something.

thanks again,

Joel

Hey guys. Does anybody know where I can get a lock hinge for my cupboard doors. Something small
Ann

[Lil M.]

Robert,
Simply amazing! Another beautiful job! I've spent much time on your website looking at the high quality and attention to detail in each one of your builds.
The only thing I think I might be able to come close to recreating in my trailer is that little clock on the upper kitchen cupboard door on the Scamp.
Thanks for all the inspiration.
BTW I, too, love the continuous curtain rod.
Take care,
Lil M.

[Shanos]

This renovation is another example of your amazing work Robert!

We had the good fortune of visiting Robert in November to see the restored 1971 Boler in person. Robert was exceptionally generous with his time and information. Anyone considering having Robert restore their trailer would not be disappointed!!

Robert, I was wondering if you could please provide anymore details about the 12V/solar power system for this trailer? i.e. the components required, how many watts the solar panel is, the size of battery, etc. We are in the process of choosing the electrical fixtures for our Boler which will include 12 V LED lighting and the same Engel fridge that you used in the '71 Boler. I'm wondering if a solar panel will allow us to use the fridge on 12V without frequently running the car to re-charge the battery.

Thanks for all the knowledge and experience that you've shared!

Shannon and Maureen

[melissab]

Robert, how big is that bed? When Scamp does the larger bed you are left with a much smaller closet yet it looks like you still have a regular closet even with the bigger bed. Scamp's bed is 54".

Thanks!

Melissa

[Robert Johans]

Thanks for the kind words, Shannon and Maureen!

I must be honest and say that the solar power requirements were defined by the client and the components put together by the guys at AM Solar in Springfield, OR (541 726 1091, Welcome to AM Solar_Your RV Solar Specialists since 1987). All I had to do was follow instructions with the install.

That said, the 100 watt stand-alone panel and the recharging/monitoring system perform beautifully, providing total (with sun of course) daily recharging of the two 6 volt on-board batteries. The LoveBug is ALL 12v inside, and the client can boondock for as long as the sunny days hold out... No need for ANY car connection for recharging.

[Robert Johans]

Melissa,
The LoveBug bed is 60" wide, which does reduce the size of the vertical cabinet by about 6".

[melissab]

Thanks, Robert. How did you get a 60" wide bed with only losing 6" of closet space? Scamp removes 10" of closet and only gives you a 54" bed.

Thanks again!

[Shanos]

Thanks for your reply Robert. Would you mind sharing the approximate cost of the solar system?

Also, unrelated to the electrical system, it looks like you install the insulation/"rat fur" covering to the inside before installing the cabinetry. Is that right? Do you cut out the insulation to install your cleats? Many details to think about!!!

Thanks again Robert,
Shannon