Finally Starting The Rebuild !!

[Isaac]

Wow....Fiberglassin' sure is fun! Most of the holes that I wanted to fill are filled.
The roof vent has been closed, the floors are all solid, and now I'm starting to fill
the corners of the window openings to accept curved windows. The light "cups" have been recessed.
A little more finish work on them and I'll be satisfied.

In order for me to get to the underside of this thing, I want to remove the body from the frame
and lay the body on its side. Anybody done this? I'm thinking maybe some supports from side to side(which will be up and down when turned 90 degrees). Any idea on how much an empty egg shell weighs?

Some pics of the progress.......

Hey Brian,
How did you get the ceilings so clean?? The ensolite on mine doesn't want to come off! It's grabbing on for dear life!!

[Brian Scott]

When I got it, it had been sitting for quite some time. I don't know if moisture was a contributing factor, but it was leaking, damp and moldy inside for years. It peeled off very cleanly on most of the interior. There are a few spots(mostly behind the kitchen area) that will need a bit more work to get it clean.

[Cam A]

In order for me to get to the underside of this thing, I want to remove the body from the frame
and lay the body on its side. Anybody done this? I'm thinking maybe some supports from side to side(which will be up and down when turned 90 degrees). Any idea on how much an empty egg shell weighs?

I dunno about laying on it's side, Brian. The shell is designed for vertical loads; even with braces, the weight would be on the curved sides. If possible, I would jack it up, drop the frame, and keep the shell vertical.

[Brian Scott]

I now have curved window openings.

[Pamela S.]

Thanks so much for sharing the photos. I'm sure I'll learn a lot from your work. We're hoping to find a small egg in another year or so and I imagine we'll be doing a lot of renovations, too. It's exciting to see the progress you're making. Did you use marine grade plywood for the new floor?

[Brian Scott]

There is really no need to spend the extra $$$ for marine grade ply. All that makes marine different from AC plywood is that the marine grade has all the small voids in the inner layers filled. Otherwise they are the same.

[JEAN-L]

Hi Brian
Looking real good!..
It's nice to see an other American Boler.
How do you do such a nice fiberglass work?
You're changing the side windows
Are the old windows for sale.
WE are looking for a side small window
for our American Boler .Let me know
Keep up that real nice fiberglass work.
Hope you keep on posting pictures of your project for us. Jean-L

[Brian Scott]

Jean,

Did you get my message? You can have the two side windows for free if you want to come get 'em.

[FRED SMAILES]

I too am very impressed with your glass work.
I have done some of what your up to and have
a couple of ideas for you.
The side marker lights are frenched, did the same
as you on the tail light housing and added a polished
aluminum ring on the light, also closed the body
in around the frame which really cleans up appearance.
The most obvious change is the wheelwells, a little
change here can set it apart nicely.
Keep the posts coming, can watch someone
do a good job all day!
Fred

[Steve Hilby]

I too am very impressed with your glass work.
I have done some of what your up to and have
a couple of ideas for you.
The side marker lights are frenched, did the same
as you on the tail light housing and added a polished
aluminum ring on the light, also closed the body
in around the frame which really cleans up appearance.
The most obvious change is the wheelwells, a little
change here can set it apart nicely.
Keep the posts coming, can watch someone
do a good job all day!
Fred

Wow, I love the lip around the wheelwell! How did you do that--build it up with Bondo, or wood, and then fiberglass over it?

[Pamela S.]

Donna D., I don't remember seeing anything on Scamp's website about selling empty trailers. Do you know about how much they charge for them? Do they come with a finished floor and walls? Thanks.

[FRED SMAILES]

Wow, I love the lip around the wheelwell! How did you do that--build it up with Bondo, or wood, and then fiberglass over it?

Thanks , really it would be simple for you with the talent you have already displayed.
Normal prep of the area, shape the opening, I tried to match the wheel oprnings of
the car I towed with. Then used 2 sided tape and cardboard to create the lip height
and wraped it in glass, a bit of bondo to smooth it out, paint.
It's been in use for several years with no cracking, the volume inside the glass
actually makes the panel stronger.
Fred

[Donna D.]

Donna D., I don't remember seeing anything on Scamp's website about selling empty trailers. Do you know about how much they charge for them? Do they come with a finished floor and walls? Thanks.

Pamela, I only know about it because we had a member that bought one. It had been used on a construction site. His name was Dan Landt and we lost all the pictures in the Hack. I did find the topic:
Scamp 16' Modifications If you're interested in a "Blank Slate" trailer, you should talk to someone directly at Scamp.

[Brian Scott]

Today was the day for what my friend calls the "Saucer Separation".
The body is lighter than I thought it'd be.

I finally got a good look at my crack today also.

[Frederick L. Simson]

Today was the day for what my friend calls the "Saucer Separation".

Saucer Separation

[Brian Scott]

Just got the trailer frame back from the welder. I had 1 1/2" angle iron welded the entire length
of the frame as well as the crack repaired and some plates added at the "failure points".

The welder suggested I seriously consider replacing the axle. His reasoning was that when he lifted up on the frame, the suspension should have dropped a bit. I don't know if this sounds right as
the frame has no weight on it(well, not much) and the torsion arm is in the unsprung position.
If I bounce on top of the axle, there seems to be some movement. This is definitely the original axle.
Being over 35 years old, should I replace? Or, is there any possibility that it's still usable and safe?

If I do need to replace it, I want to keep the leading arm setup that is there now.
I don't want to add any more height.
Does Dexter still make this leading arm configuration?

Any input or pics of your installs/replacements would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Brian

[FRED SMAILES]

Hi Brian, By the look of the second pic your syspension is in about the same condition
as mine. A little tough! I just make sure the bearings have grease and aren't loose.
I think your torsion bar is tired but if it's not falling out and maintains toe-in while
going down the road your only problem would be ride. With no travel the bumps place
a lot more load on the frame and body structure. I haven't seen any posts that discuss
a replacement of the leading arm setup. Anyone else?
Fred

[Brian Scott]

It seems to be functioning O.K.. I just dont want one of those arms coming off on the road.
I am just not experienced in this area at all....I'll wait to see if others have any thoughts.

[Steve Hilby]

If I do need to replace it, I want to keep the leading arm setup that is there now.
I don't want to add any more height.
Does Dexter still make this leading arm configuration?

No. Dexter only makes trailing arm axles now.

Go visit their website, take a look around.

http://www.dexteraxle.com/products___literature

[Roy in TO]

(Isaac posted on Mar 26 2008, 02:57 PM) Hey Brian, What is that indentation along the kitchen side fender?
mine doesn't have that.

I'm not sure. I acquired this trailer full of junk and most of the innards missing.
I've seen pictures of Bolers with what looks to be a heater in that location. Though
I've never seen one in person and don't know if it's slim enough to fit in that spot in the
kitchen cabinet.

Maybe someone else knows for sure?

That is it exactly Brian.

It is great to find another Boler American owner, we are a rare breed.