1974 Perris Pacer Renovation

[Fredomatic]

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[Fredomatic]

The fun has begun! My family and I have been camping with our Pacer for 6 years. It came to us with no fridge, no running water, no cook top. Just a sleeper on wheels. That's all changed. It's gutted, the frame is being rebuilt and I'm repairing the cracked egg.







Today I sanded around the damaged spots and the holes that are getting Bondo. Not necessarily fun but Hey, I'm fixing the Pacer! The big hole is on the front and will get fiberglass. Thanks to all who have posted their repair adventures before me. With your help, I think I'm moving in the right direction.


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[alan H]

I also own a Perris pacer
While mine is in very condition I always wanted to check the bolts that attach the shell to the frame one is a 1981 (?)..... Can you tell me where and how many bolts were used



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[Fredomatic]

Alan
I think there are about 20 bolts on my trailer. I think about 12 of mine were original as those were the most rusted and bent. I cut the heads off of all the rusted ones from the underside then pushed them through after lifting the body.

[Fredomatic]

I'm thinking ahead about re-anodizing the belly band. Has anyone done this? If so, is it costly? Most people just paint but...
Thanks!
Fred

[Fredomatic]

I recruited dad for fiberglass repair yesterday. Not easy but not as difficult as I thought it might be.


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[Fredomatic]

Even Ruby got in on cleaning of the ooga booga left over after the windows were removed.


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[Fredomatic]

After weeks of applying and sanding Bondo I transitioned to window clean up today. After removing the old butyl tape I started cleaned off all the years of grime with a my trusty green scouring pads.

Question - What is the best way to finish the aluminum window frames? Metal wire wheel or possibly a cloth polishing wheel?




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[ratty3]

Looking good Fred

After removing the black paint that covered our frames (icky job), we did ours by hand, rotating between a very fine grit sandpaper and the "green sponge," they have a nice brushed finish look to them. I imagine it depends how "finished" the look you're going for is. When we reinstalled the windows, the butyl tape squished out and got all over the frames, had to give a few more light cleanings anyway once installed.

We were surprised to find that the aluminum window frames were nice quality, not just a "punched out" thin aluminum frame. As you can see in the picture, the frames look good with the belly band.

Are you changing out the rubber moldings, tracks etc... on all the windows?

[Fredomatic]

Thanks Steph
I'll keep at it with the green scrubbies. The baked on dirt is almost gone. I'll change to a finer pad for the last go round before I re-seal the corners. I noticed the small window doesn't drain well so I plan to add a few more weep holes in the bottom as well.
Say hello to Paul for me.
Fred

[Fredomatic]

I'm picking up the renovation story where I left off. I'm further along now but I'm going to try to keep everything together as a continuous thread. Life happens and it stepped in and re-routed my life schedule for almost two years. Wow. Now I'm back in the saddle, renovating the Perris Valley, and enjoying being crafty again.

[Fredomatic]

If working with fiberglass and bondo wasn't a personal test, try dealing with the frustration of a deceitful frame builder. This set me back 6 months. In the end, I'm just happy I didn't loose the Pacer in the process. With the help of Dereck and Will at Happier Camper, I was connected with a Real frame builder who followed through on his word. He even arranged for the re-paint.

[Fredomatic]

Don't try this at home!

[Fredomatic]

I like where this is going!

[Fredomatic]

A new color for a new beginning...

[Borrego Dave]

Looking good Fred, I like the longer A frame, that should work well.

[likeair2me]

I like where this is going too! Thanks for posting pictures.

[Fredomatic]

I waffled between a restoration and renovation. One serious look at at my kitchenette told me I was ready for an update. No going back now. Bigger drawers and new faces. Let's do this!

[Fredomatic]

I like carpentry but working with fiberglass cabinets can be a little tricky. Any imperfections just show I'm human. Jen's got her varnishing skills down! It's great to have Ruby's help especially as she's the only one who can fit inside the closet.


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[Fredomatic]

In keeping with the 70's theme we landed on Cork flooring. I love the natural pattern and soft but firm feel. It's easy to cut with a jig saw and doesn't require adhesive. Surprisingly the lower level of the Pacer was mostly square and only required a few cardboard templates to match the angles.