Fixing "Mr Ugly"

[Claire J]

I bought a 1968 flat top boler last week. I don't have pictures yet but I will post. I'm having trouble knowing what to do next! I know what I want to do with the little details like upholstery, cabinets and apliances and flooring, but the big things I want to make sure I do in the correct order.
I spent a few hours scrapping the 4/5 layers of paint of the bottom. Big flakes were coming off when I bought it so I thought it would be easy, Ha! no way. I used paint stripper in a small area, it worked but also it eats away the gel coat. Luckily I only did a tiny area. Guess I need to look for something else or a different way of doing it. I called a sandblasting guy but he said he thought that would wreck it. It's so thick, don't know what to do. I'm going to have it painted by a professional or try the $50 tremclad idea.

So Any suggestions. Tips? Would a heat gun work? HELP!!! Thanks

[Donna D.]

Claire, I have NO experience with this product, but was mentioned on one of the other fiberglass forums. I understand it works as advertised, but takes longer to bubble up the paint than what is described in the literature. The important thing, is it's safe for fiberglass:
RemovALL 610 Marine

I guess it depends on how much work you want to put into it and what your expectations are. Some would think a 1968 Boler needs to be "original." It's your trailer, your decision. If it were me, and it's not, I'd remove as much as I could, sand and prep then roll on Durabak Truck Bedliner. Read this topic for a fantastic Boler "restoration," and be sure to check out the picture links: http://www.fiberglassrv.com/board/index.ph...c=30915&hl=

However, if you've got $1,000 to spend on paint, I've got another idea

[Raya]

I know of people who have used Franmar's Soy Strip on fiberglass gelcoat - they were happy with it (they removed many layers of paint).

Raya

[Claire J]

Thanks so much for the name of the stripper and liner. Hope that works. I'm torn what to do with the interior/exterior, keeping it original or making it the way I really want to. I think i'll do a little of both. I had originaly wanted to get new windows, but decided those should be kept original. They are in good shape, I'm going to get them re sealed.
The door is really odd. I have my grandparent boler 1971 boler also at my house (they bought it new) and my door is finished very differently, also has a odd lock.
The vent is also on the opposite end of the trailer.

Has original lino floor and the green cushions, which are in good shape but I just dont like!!! I'll keep the cushons in storage and I plan on putting in Tarkett fibre floor, I have this in my house in areas and it's great. YOu don't glue it down. The backing is vinyl so I'll lay it down over the original.

The upper cabinets have a light coat of paint that I will remove, also the cabinet doors and table were also painted. I think I can remove as it's scratching off. So they either will be original or maple (what I really want!)

Interior has no and I think never did have insulation, I think that's my biggest headache.

I only paid $800 so I don't mind putting some money into it.

This is a great site, I've been on it for dozens of hours this week!!!!

[Claire J]

Donna, would love to hear your paint job idea!!

[Pam Garlow]

Is "Mr Ugly" the name of your FlatTop B ? I hope he will he graduate to something more complementary once he gets prettier?

[Claire J]

Thats what my son calls it. Compared to the boler we have been using thats been in the family since new and kept pristine, my kids were a bit shocked at this one. They dont see the vision I do!!!!

[Robin G]

Clarie, Congrats! Your projects sound like you will have just the right trailer for your families camping pleasure. And yes we would love to see pictures.


FYI, if the foam from your cushions is saveable by all means reuse it. New foam is expensive. I have washed cushion foam before in our lg front loader, then just prop up to dry, gets rid of all the years of scents. Some have washed in the bathtub as well. If washing in a washing machine you have to have a front loading and cram and slam to get it in. The cushion covers are washable as well, but completely understand not likeing the typical manufacture cushion covers of yesteryear........................ Best of luck on all your projects.