[QUOTE=Robert Johans;325932]Cat, may I refer you to this link? Perhaps you will find something of interest.
Robert dear Robert, you are what I have been looking for. I viewed the thread and now I think I'll go shoot myself. What beautiful work. I hope that you will be kind enough to give me some tips. I don't need all of the beauty inside, at this point I just want a safe shell to camp in. Im not even sure if I can do electric right now, don't "need" that or water for now. just want to camp. I do want to raise the ground clearance because of the places that I enjoy camping.
When I got this little guy (my first camper) I just wanted to go camping. The PO represented it as sound, we did inspect but really didn't know what we were doing "duh". He may not have been aware of the issues. If you pulled on paved roads and didn't look you might not.
I mostly boondock as I have been a tent camper. My health is declining and I needed to simplify the process. lol, NOT cry out loud is more like it. I guess you have seen some of my posts "I'm in a mess" limited resources so trying to do things a little at a time. It is looking more and more like the "little" surprises I have found under the rear dinette are going to cause big problems.
Upon further inspection of the underside I have found that the plywood floor under the tongue end has mashed and broken a groove where it meets the trailer frame. And I'm pretty sure the trailer frame will need some reinforcement allong with axel replacement and mods to lift clearance. Also planning to add
brakes. I anticipated the frame and
axle work. Hoping for less than 1k for that. My prime destination is in the Western Carolina Mountains so thought the
brakes should be done while I'm at it.
Had planned to fool around with the configuration inside, do some fiberglass repair, and eventually
paint. I don't need pretty just function. Replace old screens, maybe reseat
windows. This floor thing has me boggled.
As you, in your infinite wisdom on the subject, know - the
Love Bug isn't very prevalent so information on construction and order of deconstruction has been limited. I feel that I must remove the shell in order to do a proper repair on the floor.
I you will help me understand these things before I get into the middle of it I will be forever grateful. Trying to count the cost and decide how much I can just live with. (for now)
1. Must I remove all of the cabinets,
windows, etc to lift the shell?
2. What is the best way to lift the shell and how is it attached to the trailer?
3. Since I am cant do the the weld work myself, what is the best way to instruct the craftsman who will be doing the work. Taking it to a shop that only works on trailers, not necessarily campers, just trailers. Getting estimate before we decide.
4. Will you please pray for me!
Thank you for posting your link, I see that you get swamped with admirers, hope you can find the time for one more.
Cathy