Work In Progress - '75 Boler 13

[Randy D.]

I had thought it was ready for the trash but gave it a last chance and finally worked out a way to get it cleaned, assembled and actually working again. Note the typical bent corner caused by the door swinging all the way into the trailer body while the window was open. The rubber from around the opening is missing and the seal around the frame is not in good shape but I decided to make do until I can get replacements. I used some glazing gasket both around the glass and the oval frame in the hope that it will be water tight until I can get the proper seals. I had to fill the top row of holes with epoxy since they had been drilled out beyond the screw size I am using. Also added a new nylon screen, the beading fit well under the folded metal edge except in the two spots where the crank attaches.

[Gerda, H]

What a beauty, very nice done!

[Maxine C.]

Originally Posted by Randy D.

The tail lights, bumper and exposed frame are Tremclad gloss black. The body is marine enamel. I was told that they are virtually identical formulas.

Great job!

[Randy D.]

I had the bed set up the other day and shot a couple of pics. Also completed the installation of the door window. I mentioned before that I had to fill the top row of holes with epoxy due to their size and once it hardened I was able to put the new screws in. I actually tried the bed out the other day when my vehicle was in for repairs for the full day and I was stuck without transportaion. Took a short nap out of boredom. I bought new foam last year and chose the middle option in terms of firmness. Glad I did as they are firm but comforatble, any firmer would be too much.

[Randy D.]

I bought a can of clear spray enamel and used the whole thing on the table top to protect the logo. The small pictures don't do it justice, it looks pretty darned good.

[Randy D.]

I have never done any metal work and I surprised myself a bit with this. I didn't like the tiny door latch stop which I assume was factory made and decided to try to duplicate the shape in something a little larger. The only piece of metal I could find for this was a standard electrical box cover that I cut down a bit with a jigsaw. Using a bench vise and a hammer I managed to duplicate the shape pretty well (twice actually, I wrecked the first one using a bench grinder one time too many). There are three screws through the lip of the door as shown in one of the photos and three more that go into the closet. It isn't pretty but should be a little more secure than the old one.

[Vickie B.]

Amazing---I'll have to put that in my "notebook"! Keep the ideas coming!

[Randy D.]

With the latch stop in place I added the foam weather strip that I purchased from Scamp and finished the door istallation. The fit is a little too tight and will require some tweaking but the door closes and locks. I do see some body distortion on the bottom hinge side but I have not seen many Bolers with a perfect door fit. Today I was wondering how many hours must have been spent messing with Boler doors over the years. I bet it would add up to the annual productivity numbers of many medium sized countries.

[Randy D.]

The auto repair I mentioned above resulted in a bill for $1,399.67 so I am now officially out of money for the time being. I have five more major items to address on the Boler but they are going to have to wait for a bit because they all cost a little too much.
Water tank replacement.
Welding - coupler removed and replaced with the new one I have, battery tray added and safety chains attached.
Cupboard door latches - haven't figured out what to use but none of them are cheap.
Fantastic fan purchase.
Wheel bearings - might be able to do this one if they don't require replacement. Maybe I can borrow some grease from the mechanic that repaired my Escape.
Tomorrow I am going to move the trailer out of the heated bay it has been in for the past three months and squeeze it into a garage. I am way past the point of overstaying my welcome although it has never been mentioned (its my son's place after all, so is the garage). I hope to take pictures of the maiden voyage although the temperature is going to be -22C, significantly warmer than today, however. Anyone else longing for summer?

[Robert Johans]

Originally Posted by Randy D.

With the latch stop in place I added the foam weather strip that I purchased from Scamp and finished the door istallation. The fit is a little too tight and will require some tweaking but the door closes and locks. I do see some body distortion on the bottom hinge side but I have not seen many Bolers with a perfect door fit. Today I was wondering how many hours must have been spent messing with Boler doors over the years. I bet it would add up to the annual productivity numbers of many medium sized countries.

Randy,
The 71 Boler currently in my shop has the "grab and twist" door handle style similar to Scamps. Yours has the flush-mount, pull style that I prefer. Any idea where I can find one like yours, and do you think it would work as a replacement?

[Roland H]

Randy this is the second time I have viewed all you postings and I know it will not be the last. Thanks again for all your effort and time in getting this info on the forum. Well done!!
Roland

[Randy D.]

Originally Posted by Robert Johans

Randy,
The 71 Boler currently in my shop has the "grab and twist" door handle style similar to Scamps. Yours has the flush-mount, pull style that I prefer. Any idea where I can find one like yours, and do you think it would work as a replacement?

Mine is the Bargman L-400 that is apparently quite hard to find now. I was lucky enough to be looking for parts and stumbled upon an ebay seller (an rv dealer if I remember correctly) who had found three or four on a shelf and put them up for sale. That was almost a year ago now so I have no idea where one would find them now. The hole in the door is obviously going to be much larger for this type but if the core of your door is the same as, or similar to mine, I see no reason why it wouldn't work. Here is a picture I took when I was priming the inside of the door. I can get the exact dimensions for the hole since I have not sealed the lock with butyl yet and have to pop it out again. The hole has a frame around it inside the skin that could easily be made from 2x4 stock like I did for the door window.
There is a Bargman L-66 with keys listed right now on ebay for $300.00 so obviously people know those are rare too.

[Randy D.]

The trailer is now safely tucked away in a garage with my son's Boler for company. It tows nicely and I really felt like I should just keep going but it is still very cold here.
Thanks to everyone who has posted comments and encouragement so far and thanks to all those who have shared their ideas and experiences on this forum. I hope to have updates on the final few items in the near future.

[Randy D.]

Originally Posted by Robert Johans

Randy,
The 71 Boler currently in my shop has the "grab and twist" door handle style similar to Scamps. Yours has the flush-mount, pull style that I prefer. Any idea where I can find one like yours, and do you think it would work as a replacement?

Oops. Forgot to upload the picture. Here it is.

[Greg H]

Originally Posted by Randy D.

Mine is the Bargman L-400 that is apparently quite hard to find now. I was lucky enough to be looking for parts and stumbled upon an ebay seller (an rv dealer if I remember correctly) who had found three or four on a shelf and put them up for sale. That was almost a year ago now so I have no idea where one would find them now. The hole in the door is obviously going to be much larger for this type but if the core of your door is the same as, or similar to mine, I see no reason why it wouldn't work. Here is a picture I took when I was priming the inside of the door. I can get the exact dimensions for the hole since I have not sealed the lock with butyl yet and have to pop it out again. The hole has a frame around it inside the skin that could easily be made from 2x4 stock like I did for the door window.
There is a Bargman L-66 with keys listed right now on ebay for $300.00 so obviously people know those are rare too.

I saw a 400 on E bay about a week ago, the guy was a parts dealer and I believe he said that may be the last 400 to be found. go mto E bay motors then parts , other vehicles, Rv's, exterior that should get you in the neighborhood.

[Robert Johans]

Ah, the infamous Bargman L 400! Does anyone have experience With the 300, or others of the same ilk?

[Borden]

Really like the workmanship

[Randy D.]

I was going through all the photos on my camera today and found some from last year when I was about to clean the side windows. I had decided some time ago that I neglected to take these so when I found them I thought I should post them here. I broke one of the panes of glass shortly after these were taken. I have to admit that I have not even visited my Boler since I moved it a month ago. There was another foot of snow on the ground here today but the sun was shining which led to thoughts of finishing the job.

[Donna D.]

Originally Posted by Robert Johans

Ah, the infamous Bargman L 400! Does anyone have experience With the 300, or others of the same ilk?

Robert, I think the Bargman L-300 is square, where the L-400 is retangular. Someone would need to verify that. All I know, is if I had a Boler and was going to paint and didn't mind a fiberglass repair ... changing the door lockset to something other than the ellusive L-400 would be at the top of the list!

[Yamaha_gurl]

Your project is one of the reasons I bought my first Boler...I love what you've done with it, very inspirational