starfire truck camper

[Kevin Ede]

Hello
New to this site I have built 3 scratch built campers and trailer over the years using wood and fiberglass but now i got this very old star fire 2 shell that I plan to rebuild but need some advice on some areas

1 whats the best way to bond wooden frame work to the shell before glassing over it? was thinking ether epoxy or fiberglass thickened to glue it down before glassing over

2 we have 3 new gallons of solignum marine paint from other projects after sanding the gel coat was planning on using this any experience with this paint any good for this application ? and suggestions on primer if need can dont say anything on it about primer

[Jon in AZ]

Are you by chance left-handed?...

The aging software platform used by this forum apparently cannot read the orientation of pictures taken from mobile devices, so to post directly from your device and appear right-side up, you need to hold the device in landscape mode with the home button on the right.

I'll leave the technical fiberglass questions to others more experienced and only say it looks like a fun project!

[FRED SMAILES]

Use resin and matt as a glue and something to hold it with a bit of pressure without squeezing out the resin.
Dont think resin likes to stick to epoxy so maybe stick to polyester. The tv has been hanging off that for years with no issue.
https://www.fiberglassrv.com/forums/...2&d=1377273820
https://www.fiberglassrv.com/forums/...3&d=1377273820
https://www.fiberglassrv.com/forums/...4&d=1377273820

[Darwin Maring]

Yes - Make sure your epoxy or resin will adhere to what you have B 4 going all in.

[rlong]

Do yourself a favor and read up on West System epoxies, go to the website and note they have written articles and books on repairing fiberglass. Their original and primary focus is boats (think small wood crafts up to BIG $100,000+ custom builds) BUT many have found it great for RV, and all sorts of other builds and repairs! There are different products and methodologies for different applications.

Gflex for example is great when you acknowledge there is probably going to be some (micro) movement where traditional fiberglass and or epoxy might eventually crack.

The fiberglass resin system may have a place in your building as well (and is cheaper) I used the West System on a somewhat vintage sailboat restore quite a few years back (and am a master carpenter) but now use it in repairs where other products would fail me. For example repairing minor rot etc.

Bob in CO

[thrifty bill]

Be sure to include some vertical supports/cabinets to help support the roof.

This will make a very nice pickup camper!

[Kevin Ede]

thanks everyone
Actually i'm left hand lol
Will use traditional fiberglass and matt as we have 10 liters of fiberglass resin on hand . I will be a complete new internal frame roof walls ...ect plan to use 2 inch insulation since its on hand yes maybe its over kill
ill keep progress and pictures coming

[FRED SMAILES]

Think I'm gonna enjoy following!!
Fred

[Kevin Ede]

lets see if these pictures work
hears the paint i have on hand hopfully i can use it any advice

[Kevin Ede]

the big hole in the i plan to fill

[Kevin Ede]

Originally Posted by rlong

Do yourself a favor and read up on West System epoxies, go to the website and note they have written articles and books on repairing fiberglass. Their original and primary focus is boats (think small wood crafts up to BIG $100,000+ custom builds) BUT many have found it great for RV, and all sorts of other builds and repairs! There are different products and methodologies for different applications.

Gflex for example is great when you acknowledge there is probably going to be some (micro) movement where traditional fiberglass and or epoxy might eventually crack.

The fiberglass resin system may have a place in your building as well (and is cheaper) I used the West System on a somewhat vintage sailboat restore quite a few years back (and am a master carpenter) but now use it in repairs where other products would fail me. For example repairing minor rot etc.

Bob in CO

thanks ill be checking them out

[FRED SMAILES]

Hey Kevin, have you thought about using a part of a fiberglass something else like,, a truck box cover, maybe an old canopy roof, glas shower stall? Just cut out the right size piece and glas in the edges.
That is a COOL truck camper!
Fred
Edit, the paint will probably work, I used boat paint on my boler looks decent. Certainly not body shop quality but decent

[Kevin Ede]

Originally Posted by FRED SMAILES

Hey Kevin, have you thought about using a part of a fiberglass something else like,, a truck box cover, maybe an old canopy roof, glas shower stall? Just cut out the right size piece and glas in the edges.
That is a COOL truck camper!
Fred

Hey Fred its funny you say this there was a fiberglass wall cover part on the interior how ever i dont have a full set so was thinking about cutting up this part to use. the ceiling part as well needs to come out so i can reinforce the roof i am planning to probably redo the interior with wood or other materials so i got lots of fiberglass sheet like material i could salvage for the shell repairs. should hopfully get a good start on this in the next few days to really come up with a plan.

[FRED SMAILES]

Have you got lots a truck to carry it?
I like truck campers but then they would probably need a F250 but thats all I would need a 250 for.
But when you have Cool like yours,, b worth it!
Fred

[Jon in AZ]

I think I spied an F250 diesel parked next to it in several pictures. Should do the trick!

As I looked at the now right-side-up pictures I couldn't help noticing the raked profile. May be hard to get a good seal on the back door, but it sure looks cool!

[Kevin Ede]

You guys are right on the F250

[FRED SMAILES]

Originally Posted by Kevin Ede

You guys are right on the F250

Right on, focusing on the camper never even seen the truck let alone it's a 250

[Berthaduniverse]

I'm left-handed and I have dyslexia, and I am sure you are from Down-Unda... ;-)

[Kevin Ede]

Hey guys
Looking for recommendations for gluing in new plywood floor i will be fiberglass around the edges but for the bottom to the shell i was thinking maybe liquid nails ? something that has more working time vs fiberglass resin and matt.

[Doug Arthurs]

Great looking project cant wait to see the progress pics.