New member - Old Scamp

[JenT]

I have the Scamp that my grandfather assembled to take to the 1974 World's Fair. I am starting to take things apart and have a few questions.
1. I have the plastic interior with the taping. The interior is okay and I can re-tape it but has anyone had success painting it?
2. Do you really need the supports at the side that hold up the upper cupboards?
3. What is the biggest mistake made when trying to remodel a fiberglass trailer?

[Donna D.]

Hi Jen, welcome to FiberglassRV. We're glad you're here

Way cool, you own a Scamp with some terrific family history. I'm sure you'll make a ton more memories with it.

Yes, folks have painted the ensolite. Is there something wrong with the insulation in your Scamp? Usually folks paint, because it's torn and they've had to patch it... then the color doesn't match. If yours is in good condition, a good cleaning may all it needs.

Yes, supporting the roof is always a good thing. If you don't like the look of the supports, we have suggestions. What's the look you're going for?

The biggest mistake? I'd have to say, folks jump in with both feet when the trailer doesn't need anything but a good cleanup. They spend money and time and effort, BUT don't use it. It's not about being perfect, just perfect for you.

[Cathy P.]

Welcome Jen and I envy the history that has come with your Scamp. I would break down the work that needs to be done by making a list. You have to be careful not to let any project end up overwhelming you or you might start to not be so happy with the project. I have seen a lot of unfinished projects because the people burn out. If you really enjoy camping, try to do a minimum at a time so that you can actually enjoy the trailer.

[Thomas G.]

IMHO - Number one priority is to make it safe. New tires, pack wheel bearings, check hitch and frame integrity, running lights working properly. Number two is make it dry inside and repair any water / structural damage. Number 3 is functionality - electrical, gas and water systems working properly.


Last - appearance, aesthetics, and convenience.

[Jackie R]

I removed the tape on mine, used silicone to fill the gaps, smoothed everything out, cleaned the walls and painted. With the paint it is easy to wipe down, no moisture, and looks great.

I dislike the tape intensely, discolors and looks shabby.......I painted mine two years ago and never had an issue.

Good luck on the restoration.

[JenT]

Well I decided to caulk and paint and it looks great. I want to get the next coat on the fiberglass and then I'll have photos.

[jkm127]

Originally Posted by JenT

Well I decided to caulk and paint and it looks great. I want to get the next coat on the fiberglass and then I'll have photos.

Would love to see the pics.

[Bob Miller]

It sounds like you are already painting the outside. If not, two topics to check out are:
1. Using ZEP wet look wax. It works miracles on old fiberglass and is 1853 times easier than painting.
2. If you gotta paint there is a lot of info on Google about the "Roll and Tip" technique for a smooth looking finish. And there are the neverending discussions between using Interlux Brightside Marine paint (the good stuff) that's $$$$$, vs. Everything else, but mostly Rustoleum Marine Paint., about $$ (easiest to buy on Amazon.com)

The "Bigest Mistake" I see is that owners get a project trailer all torn apart and don't have the skills, $$$ or interest to put it back together again. As a result, empty shell projects trailers are not uncommon in the for sale ads.

And... if you remove those supports between the counter and the upper cabinets you should expect to start seeing the upper cabinets getting closer to the counters after a few trips. In short, ya need em'.

[JenT]

Thanks for the advice. I have painted the ensolite and the fiberglass on the inside. The outside will be a project for another year. I come from a family of sailors so I did roll and tip my 'sailboat with wheels'. I didn't go for the $$$ paint (though we have used it with great success on a few hull projects) but did use Penetrol in the paint and it looks good. I would strongly recommend the Penetrol, I forgot it on one batch and could tell the difference.

The trailer was painted once before so I don't think I can restore the outside but if I save up maybe I can convince my husband to spray it next year...

As far as the supports, I am going to have to find something new to use because I have put a varnished wooden counter on top of the fiberglass one and the old support will be too long now. I am using brushed nickel hardware so I am thinking something in the bath department...

[Donna D.]

Originally Posted by JenT

.... I have put a varnished wooden counter on top of the fiberglass one and the old support will be too long now. I am using brushed nickel hardware so I am thinking something in the bath department...

I bet whatever you come up with will be totally cool! and you will post pictures, won't you

[JenT]

I will try to take pictures tomorrow. I can't believe how much it has improved in the month I have been working on it!

[JenT]

Okay, here are some pictures. I have to add a little more caulk to a couple seams on the ensolite but I am happy with the results. I have to put the new curtain hangers in and the counter still needs the holes cut out to put the new stainless sink and the old (repainted) cook top in. I can't wait to get some more done soon.

I think with everyone's help here I know what to order to get the windows going again. And I still have to figure out what to support the upper cupboard with but I'll figure it out.

The doors and drawer fronts are matching light plywood like the counter and have yellow paint to hide the plys. I hope to put them in soon.

[Donna D.]

Cool pictures!! Jen, if you need rebuild info about the tilt out windows, see this great thread with part numbers, etc.: http://www.fiberglassrv.com/forums/f...ows-42049.html

[Sue and Henry]

That looks great! I love the bench fabric. Please post a shot when you have the curtains up.

[courtney]

Love the counter! Can you walk me through how you did it?

[Steve Hammel]

A couple of links to previous threads on this topic.
http://www.fiberglassrv.com/forums/f...ded-50454.html

http://www.fiberglassrv.com/forums/f...and-35800.html

[Roger C H]

Believe me, manufacturers don't put something in a trailer unless it is needed.

What you are looking for is the upright part of a stair assembly, called a baluster. I just happened to see some at Home Depot yesterday while looking at something else.

Search Results for*Baluster*at The Home Depot

There does seem to be a large and interesting selection.

Naturally, you are free to go to another store, Lowe's etc. YMMV

Good luck.

[JenT]

I hadn't thought of the closet department as a potential source of a support. That would be a good place to start. I might use wood if I can't find anything else. I want a retro sort of look but I am using brushed nickel hardware.

As far as the counter top, it was pretty straightforward. We used a "blonde wood" plywood from Lowes for about $30. There was enough to do all the doors and the counter. We bought a 4 foot piece of light colored poplar 1x4 and ripped it to 2x1 inches. We cut a 45 on the edges and glued and clamped them on the plywood. Unfortunately the counter is wider at the back so we had to route out (we actually used the table saw) the 2x1 on the back to accommodate the greater width of the fiberglass at the back of the counter. I am getting excited to put the sink and the repainted cook top in and see how it all looks!

[StacyJayT]

Would you please share the paint job info on the fiberglass? It looks great. I have some dents in mine so was going to try to use Bondo, then paint. Thanks!

[JenT]

Well we got some of the doors hung and we are starting to see what it will look like. I have to do some work on the drawers so they aren't done yet but this gives an idea. I am hoping to put the floor in tomorrow.