It Started as a Kitchen Reno- Project Boler

[Renae Kersey]

This is incredible.

[Ian G.]

Originally Posted by Renae Kersey

This is incredible.

Thank you for your kind words Renae.
On Friday I delivered the Boler to have the exterior fixed up and painted.
I know where my skills are, this is the only part of this project where I will actually have someone else do the work ... I have a real appreciation for the skills of a good auto body journeyman.

The work should be complete in a couple of weeks, although I told them there is no hurry so take as long as it takes. I won't be using the trailer until next spring, considering it is snowing and blowing right now, everything is white and cold.

I will post more pictures as soon as I get it home.

[Glennrose]

Hi Ian, I look forward to seeing the result of the refinishing of the exterior. Your weather sounds quite unappealing. I've always found that a nice red is more warming in the winter!

[Ian G.]

Originally Posted by Glennrose

Hi Ian, I look forward to seeing the result of the refinishing of the exterior. Your weather sounds quite unappealing. I've always found that a nice red is more warming in the winter!

I like your thinking, we usually pair our wine with food, but your idea of pairing wine with the weather .... awesome

[Ian G.]

I will start by answering the obvious question NO we are not doing the bodywork outside in the snow and frigid temperatures!!!
We simply moved it outside to blow off the dust and clean the shop.

First part of the bodywork is complete, any damage, holes, patches have been repaired, filled and board sanded.



Not one rivet left. all the components are connected with brackets or blocking fiberglassed to the shell. This weekend the primer will be applied along with a guide coat, it is then board sanded again and any minor imperfections are repaired.



I know several members have Frenched in the tail light housings, I love the look and really looking forward to the results.

[SouthwestOregon201]

I am really interested in seeing this finished unit. My camping space this summer at Bandon is next to you, so be prepared to have a neighbor/visitor this summer.

My unit is a cleanup Hunter Compact I, but it may someday get a more detailed remodel. Inspiration from units like this may tip me over the edge.

Dave Heffner
Roseburg, Oregon

[Glennrose]

Hi Ian, the prep work looks awesome! Good job. I have to admit that it is tough to see the snow and cold though. Great to have a project like that to give you something to look forward to enjoying in the Spring.

[peterh]

Good on the board sanding. We tried that on our Surfside, and found the natural line for the street-side shell were just naturally too wavy (grrrr), so the patches show up a bit. The front, back, and curb-side repairs came out looking sharp, though.

[Ian G.]

Originally Posted by SouthwestOregon201

I am really interested in seeing this finished unit. My camping space this summer at Bandon is next to you, so be prepared to have a neighbor/visitor this summer.

My unit is a cleanup Hunter Compact I, but it may someday get a more detailed remodel. Inspiration from units like this may tip me over the edge.

Dave Heffner
Roseburg, Oregon

Thank you Dave
I am really looking forward to Bandon this summer.
That may turn out to be the first trip of the year for our Boler.

Originally Posted by Glennrose

Hi Ian, the prep work looks awesome! Good job. I have to admit that it is tough to see the snow and cold though. Great to have a project like that to give you something to look forward to enjoying in the Spring.

Thank you.
Yes the snow is inevitable here, we complain a little but it doesn't stop us from working on projects.

Originally Posted by peterh

Good on the board sanding. We tried that on our Surfside, and found the natural line for the street-side shell were just naturally too wavy (grrrr), so the patches show up a bit. The front, back, and curb-side repairs came out looking sharp, though.

So far so good with the board sanding ... will it be perfect? NO, but it should be worth the extra effort.

[Steve Hammel]

Looks great can't wait to see the finished project!!

[Ian G.]

Originally Posted by Steve Hammel

Looks great can't wait to see the finished project!!

Thanks Steve.
As a teaser here is a paint chip of the color for the lower half.
The upper will be pure bright white.

[Donna D.]

I love yellow. Yellow makes me happy. Reminds me of sunshine which we need here in the Pacific NorthWET

[Ian G.]

While I wait patiently for the outside of the Boler to be painted, I decided to rebuild the windows.
I am fully disassembling the side windows, cleaning and replacing any parts and seals that are damaged or worn.
Then polishing all that pretty aluminum before reassembly and installation back into the trailer.

Here is the start, I have not had any problems with the windows, but this is the ideal time for maintenance.


Just need to undo a few screws.


The frame needs to be separated to remove the cross shaft


Lots of bits and pieces. Now everything gets cleaned up and then polished.

[Ian G.]

Started cleaning and polishing window parts today.
I am polishing using Sasal and sewn buffing wheels and buffing compounds.
On surfaces with some marks or scratches I am using Black, then brown, and finally white diamond bars. But most of the aluminum has a fairly good mill finish and I am able to go directly to the white diamond bar.

Here is an example of a before and after item, the torque bar operator for the side window.

[Clayton]

Wow, that floorplan looks amazing! Can't wait to see more pics.

[francene]

Super job here! Innovative layout, expertly done.
The sliding wine rack makes good use of the corner storage area.

It's surprising and puzzling that the original trailer frame was not more thoroughly welded. Makes you wonder what other 'shortcuts' the manufacturer hid from view. Nice job on your new frame!

Best,
Fran
Compact II '74

[Ian G.]

Thank you for the words of encouragement

A couple more bits get polished.
The top picture is the window torque rod half polished
The second picture is the side activators, one polished and one original.

[Ian G.]

Not sure whether to call this a wrapped Christmas gift or Santa's new sleigh.

Brought the newly painted Boler home, To protect the new paint from the snow, ice gravel and road salt we wrapped it in stretch plastic packing wrap.

Ready to hit the road

[Ian G.]

Unwrapping my early Christmas gift (to myself).

[Ian G.]

The New Paint job
Look close, there is not a single pop rivet left




The Frenched in tail lights