Maintenance & Restoration

markbergen1 · 10-06-2010, 08:23 AM

Hi all, I have a few finishing touches but pretty much here it is! Now that it is done I all ready know it will be too small for us. I have more pics if any one is interested. The finish is an automotive paint and clear and the interior cushions have been re done with marine vinyl and all new foam. I had a two tone vinyl concept design done with the cushion backs using a copper color v insert. We repainted the interior with a combo of auto paint and marine enamel. New flooring and electrical. New stove and fridge. The fridge is 110v, picked up at a local chain retailer. Fits real well and less costly that an ice box. Anyway now that this is done and the season is over we will consider selling. I think the next one will be an Airstream. Mark in Saskatoon

markbergen1 · 10-06-2010, 08:27 AM

A few more interior pics.

Peter_Crowl · 10-06-2010, 08:31 AM

Stunning!

Raya · 10-06-2010, 11:45 AM

Ooh, that's a flat top? Rare! It would be fun to see photos of the roof and the inside ceiling, just 'cause they are unusual.

Raya

markbergen1 · 10-06-2010, 12:08 PM

Wow, thanks for your comment. I had no idea that the roof was different. It has no insulation inside. I suspect it is old because it also had no serial number. Only one Boler name tag remained above the electrical on the exterior.
Thanks Mark

Raya · 10-06-2010, 01:59 PM

Hi Mark,

The flat-roofed Bolers were only made for a limited time and were the first Bolers made. I'm not sure for how long or how many, but I would guess 50 or so and all in the 1960s? They also did not have insulation, as you have noted. I've heard of a few other differences, like frame/bumper, entry door hinges, etc.

The newer ones still have the same flat roof at the sides, but there is a more rounded, center "ridge" that is about three feet wide and runs front to back. I would guess it adds about 3" of headroom in the center, but I'm not looking at my Boler right now.

Edited to add: Just found this on Boler life - not sure how accurate it is as there is no source, but here it is. This would indicate that you have a 1968, and maybe one of the first 40 (although supposedly they all had the Ensolite added, and plus someone could have removed it).

The initial 40 units had a bare shell, however due to condensation problems he recalled them and used, Ensolite, a product manufactured for airplane cockpits to insulate the trailers. He convinced them to shave the stock 2" thick material down to 3/16", it had to be cut into sections to fit the curves of the shell. He used 3M double sided tape to cover the seams, the sticky surface on the outside of the tape was rubbed with talcum powder.

The first 100 units manufactured in 1968 had flat roofs, then the arched roof was introduced to extend the head room.

In the second year about 150 units were produced in a new facility in Winnipeg, Manitoba, 400 to 500 units were manufactured in 1970.

Also, here is a thread on a flat-roofed Boler (#99) that goes into some more detail, if you are interested. I see you have the original style door hinges on yours too. I wonder what number it is!?

Boler # 099 - 1969 flat roof

CindyL · 10-06-2010, 02:40 PM

That is very sharp! Why not use a tent too? I would hate to have made such a classy camper and then immediately get rid of it.

Of course, this is CindyL speaking who traded her 13' Burro for a 16' UHaul within a year and a half of acquiring it. However, our Burro redo was not as classy looking at your Boler redo.

CindyL

markbergen1 · 10-06-2010, 04:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CindyL

That is very sharp! Why not use a tent too? I would hate to have made such a classy camper and then immediately get rid of it.

Of course, this is CindyL speaking who traded her 13' Burro for a 16' UHaul within a year and a half of acquiring it. However, our Burro redo was not as classy looking at your Boler redo.

CindyL

Yes you have a point. I really should give this more of a chance. Also I am not sure if I could get back the investment....
Plus it's so easy to tow...

markbergen1 · 10-06-2010, 04:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raya L.

Hi Mark,

The flat-roofed Bolers were only made for a limited time and were the first Bolers made. I'm not sure for how long or how many, but I would guess 50 or so and all in the 1960s? They also did not have insulation, as you have noted. I've heard of a few other differences, like frame/bumper, entry door hinges, etc.

The newer ones still have the same flat roof at the sides, but there is a more rounded, center "ridge" that is about three feet wide and runs front to back. I would guess it adds about 3" of headroom in the center, but I'm not looking at my Boler right now.

Edited to add: Just found this on Boler life - not sure how accurate it is as there is no source, but here it is. This would indicate that you have a 1968, and maybe one of the first 40 (although supposedly they all had the Ensolite added, and plus someone could have removed it).

The initial 40 units had a bare shell, however due to condensation problems he recalled them and used, Ensolite, a product manufactured for airplane cockpits to insulate the trailers. He convinced them to shave the stock 2" thick material down to 3/16", it had to be cut into sections to fit the curves of the shell. He used 3M double sided tape to cover the seams, the sticky surface on the outside of the tape was rubbed with talcum powder.

The first 100 units manufactured in 1968 had flat roofs, then the arched roof was introduced to extend the head room.

In the second year about 150 units were produced in a new facility in Winnipeg, Manitoba, 400 to 500 units were manufactured in 1970.

Also, here is a thread on a flat-roofed Boler (#99) that goes into some more detail, if you are interested. I see you have the original style door hinges on yours too. I wonder what number it is!?

Boler # 099 - 1969 flat roof

The link isn't working for me so I'll look the hard way! Thanks very much for your comments! As I was working on this people would drop by and talk about these units. One guy was surprised that my water tank was under the table bench seat. The frame at the front also seems to be higher under the front bench.

Phil Underwood · 10-06-2010, 05:16 PM

looks great !

Raya · 10-06-2010, 05:16 PM

Mark,

I don't know why, but the link appended my name onto the end of it, and even though I edited it off, it seems to be clinging. So, if you go to the link, then just go up to the address bar and take "raya" off the end, then reload, you should get to it.

Raya