Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 


Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 03-20-2014, 11:18 PM   #121
3 Rivet Member
 
Cardinal283's Avatar
 
1963 26' Overlander
Dallas , Texas
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 243
It's been a few months since I've done any work on the armadillo, and yesterday I started phase 2. Replacing some damaged exterior skin, start the electrical, and insulation. To start I removed the last of the interior skin. The PO had replaced the ceiling with galvanized steel panels. I had seen indications that there was a fire in the trailer at one point and I assumed that the steel ceiling was to cover up the damage. Here's what the ceiling looked like: Click image for larger version

Name:	image-1152439207.jpg
Views:	234
Size:	424.7 KB
ID:	207944 After removing the steel panels (dang those are heavy!) here's what I found underneath: Click image for larger version

Name:	image-1180038908.jpg
Views:	198
Size:	557.9 KB
ID:	207945 Click image for larger version

Name:	image-2444124287.jpg
Views:	181
Size:	522.8 KB
ID:	207946 Looks like there was a fire in the vicinity of the old fridge.. I removed all the old fiberglass and the aluminum appears to be ok. On the street side I am deleting the rear most side window which is where the shower will go, keeping the middle window in its current location, making the upper front side window slightly shorter in length to accommodate where the kitchen counter inside will end, and deleting the lower front side window to allow the U shaped couch to fit there. All the windows were already broken out except for the upper front side window. It is a jalousie window and I can't stand it. It leaks like crazy and the wind blows right through it. Plus it's just not attractive in my opinion. I'll be fabricating windows to replace all the windows eventually. But that's not going to be part of phase 2. Here's some pics of the removal. Click image for larger version

Name:	image-2266355609.jpg
Views:	187
Size:	442.8 KB
ID:	207947 Click image for larger version

Name:	image-5689811.jpg
Views:	181
Size:	518.5 KB
ID:	207948 Click image for larger version

Name:	image-483868711.jpg
Views:	167
Size:	521.1 KB
ID:	207949 Click image for larger version

Name:	image-730110450.jpg
Views:	173
Size:	500.3 KB
ID:	207950 New skin is on it's way and should be here tomorrow. I'll be replacing the banana wraps as well while I have it this far apart. I also am exploring building a split AC unit from a window unit. I know an AC guy and talked to him about it and he's fascinated by the idea of trying this. It's a 12,000 BTU unit. The evaporator core would be built into the ceiling and have a duct that runs the length of the trailer and hugs the ceiling. The condenser core and compressor would be under the kitchen counter and have an air intake from the belly and exhaust out the street side of the trailer. I'm curious if anyone knows if this has been attempted yet or not.
Cardinal283 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-21-2014, 03:50 AM   #122
Rivet Master
 
RM66caravel's Avatar
 
1966 17' Caravel
Newport , North Carolina
Join Date: Jan 2013
Posts: 1,291
I agree that sounds interesting but then again so does the project in general I can not wait to see the end result. Keep up the good work.
Cliff
__________________
Gotta get busy! Have a great day! Now where did I put those revits?
RM66caravel is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-24-2014, 09:07 PM   #123
3 Rivet Member
 
Cardinal283's Avatar
 
1963 26' Overlander
Dallas , Texas
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 243
I got a good start on the belly pan replacement today. I got the front street side wrap on. I went with 5052 H-32 .025. Also fabricated some new U channels for this side. It seems like I'm building this thing backwards and backtracking over ground that I already covered earlier on. I see why everyone does a shell off restoration instead of doing it this way! **hindsight** Either way it's a good learning experience.



Click image for larger version

Name:	image-1981744358.jpg
Views:	165
Size:	511.7 KB
ID:	208237


I made a big sheet metal dispenser out of the box that my aluminum was shipped in. I kinda think I need to call Guinness World Records and see if this breaks the record for "world's largest foil box". : D


Click image for larger version

Name:	image-1638661173.jpg
Views:	167
Size:	538.2 KB
ID:	208238



Tomorrow I'll put on the side pieces. I'm kinda up against a deadline to get this done tomorrow. The next day we are expecting a BIG rain! This is going to be interesting. I don't have replacement windows for the Armadillo yet, so I'm thinking I'll just reskin the entire street side. I'll come back and cut holes for the windows later when I have them. I plan on making them from scratch so I can make them any size I want.
Cardinal283 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-25-2014, 07:30 AM   #124
Rivet Master
 
truckasaurus's Avatar
 
1960 33' Custom
Athens , Georgia
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,373
Images: 25
the aluminum foil dispenser box is pure genius
__________________
1960 Sovereign 33' Pacific Railroad Custom
truckasaurus is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-26-2014, 04:16 AM   #125
4 Rivet Member
 
Gaël's Avatar
 
1960 26' Overlander
Wervicq-Sud , FRANCE
Join Date: Dec 2007
Posts: 296
Images: 12
What a great job !
Gaël is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-26-2014, 09:02 AM   #126
3 Rivet Member
 
Cardinal283's Avatar
 
1963 26' Overlander
Dallas , Texas
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 243
Looks like the Armadillo didn't get water right before the rain hit this morning. Just barely got it tarped this morning. Luckily being a roofing contractor I had a spare 60'x40' tarp laying around. I think I could have fit 3 Armadillos under there!! But regardless I did make some good progress yesterday.

Yesterday's progress:


Click image for larger version

Name:	image-395516813.jpg
Views:	159
Size:	433.7 KB
ID:	208324


And now the Armadillo slumbers in its blue cocoon until the downpour ceases only to emerge as a beautiful.... Oh wait. It's going to look just like it did when I tarped it. Darn. I should have named it the butterfly and maybe it would be totally done when it emerges. Haha.



Click image for larger version

Name:	image-3177930064.jpg
Views:	174
Size:	505.5 KB
ID:	208325
Cardinal283 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-27-2014, 07:41 PM   #127
Rivet Master
 
65CV's Avatar
 
1959 26' Overlander
Western , Massachusetts
Join Date: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,468
Images: 6
Don't let a nasty wind move that tarp back and forth. The gouges will be painful when and if you polish.

Man, I'd love your spring weather.
65CV is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-27-2014, 09:48 PM   #128
3 Rivet Member
 
Cardinal283's Avatar
 
1963 26' Overlander
Dallas , Texas
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 243
Quote:
Originally Posted by 65CV View Post
Don't let a nasty wind move that tarp back and forth. The gouges will be painful when and if you polish. Man, I'd love your spring weather.
g

I was worried about that. But luckily there was no wind. It's already 80 degrees here!
Cardinal283 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-28-2014, 11:27 AM   #129
3 Rivet Member
 
Cardinal283's Avatar
 
1963 26' Overlander
Dallas , Texas
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 243
This morning was an interesting experience. I needed the U channel where it bends from the side around to the front toward the hold down plate. The old one kinda "fell apart" when I got frustrated and quit working it out slowly in favor of yanking it out. Remembering Vernon's post about making a curved U channel I took a shot at it. The old one was .60-.65 aluminum, or somewhere in that neighborhood. The local shop didn't have any. The next size up was .80. :/ kinda heavy but I'd rather go heavier than lighter and suffer a failure here while driving down the highway. After an hour or so of snipping, cussing, measuring, trimming, cussing, drilling, riveting, cussing, measuring, drilling, riveting, cussing. I have a what I call my curved U channel "A la Vernon". Thanks for the post!
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	image-916799107.jpg
Views:	150
Size:	572.5 KB
ID:	208406   Click image for larger version

Name:	image-555748987.jpg
Views:	147
Size:	588.3 KB
ID:	208407  

Cardinal283 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-30-2014, 11:41 PM   #130
3 Rivet Member
 
Cardinal283's Avatar
 
1963 26' Overlander
Dallas , Texas
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 243
It's been a while since I've posted but I've been working on the armadillo a little here and there. I've got the skin replaced on the street side. I'll cut the holes for the windows when I fabric at them.

Click image for larger version

Name:	image-3645567899.jpg
Views:	176
Size:	512.4 KB
ID:	210988

I've started working on the skin on the curb side. And I'm re-skinning the door. I'm getting rid of the door in door in favor of a solid single piece of aluminum for a more sleek look. Also planning on getting rid of the suicide door in favor of a normal door.

I've started the wiring. With my marine background I had to go with tinned copper wire for all the 12 volt systems. I've also started some of the insulation. I can't wait to get the AC up and running. It's starting to get hot in there!

The tear drop side marker lights have been replaced and so have the taillights. Originally the Armadillo had the wedding cake lights but I was told by the gals at vintage trailer supply that those were unavailable, so I went with a more generic lens they had in stock.

Click image for larger version

Name:	image-1173399052.jpg
Views:	170
Size:	446.3 KB
ID:	210989



Click image for larger version

Name:	image-3182227717.jpg
Views:	161
Size:	412.1 KB
ID:	210990

Can't wait to start buffing her out!
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	image-2818048973.jpg
Views:	132
Size:	481.4 KB
ID:	210991  
Cardinal283 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-21-2015, 09:33 AM   #131
3 Rivet Member
 
Cardinal283's Avatar
 
1963 26' Overlander
Dallas , Texas
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 243
It's been approx a year since I've touched the Armadillo. I've been away in PA for work. She wintered at my son's step dad's place. Very kind of him to offer to let me keep it there. I had recently finished real inning the outside of the door when I parked it and hadn't gotten around to putting a door handle in yet. It was wired shut from the inside which meant that someone, usually my son, had to crawl through the luggage compartment hatch to open the door from inside. I had an L-100 knob but hate the look. I wanted an L-66 or something that looks like the old refrigerator door levers. No luck. So I settled on something that would blend in instead of sticking out. Picked this up at Out of Doors Mart for what I considered to be fairly cheap. Seems very well made and sturdy too. Click image for larger version

Name:	image-2792083905.jpg
Views:	157
Size:	404.5 KB
ID:	236752

It looks crooked in the pic because I hadn't secured it yet. It's just sitting in the hole. Guess I was a little too eager then forgot to snap a new pic after it was done.
Cardinal283 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-12-2015, 02:07 PM   #132
3 Rivet Member
 
Cardinal283's Avatar
 
1963 26' Overlander
Dallas , Texas
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 243
Removed the front window which was just a house window and pieces of wood on the edges to fill in the gaps. Fabricating a new window frame. Then to get glass cut to fit.

While I have the old frame out I need to clean the crud that the PO used to "seal" the old window frame. It's some brittle stuff that almost has a sandy texture to it. Short of getting a non abrasive grinding disc after it I'm not really sure how to remove it. Of course that route would put scratches in the skin and I'd like to avoid that. Any suggestions? Click image for larger version

Name:	ImageUploadedByAirstream Forums1434139540.073416.jpg
Views:	133
Size:	121.4 KB
ID:	240513Click image for larger version

Name:	ImageUploadedByAirstream Forums1434139562.972154.jpg
Views:	144
Size:	103.6 KB
ID:	240514Click image for larger version

Name:	ImageUploadedByAirstream Forums1434139584.172932.jpg
Views:	137
Size:	94.9 KB
ID:	240515Click image for larger version

Name:	ImageUploadedByAirstream Forums1434139629.172210.jpg
Views:	140
Size:	110.2 KB
ID:	240516
Cardinal283 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-16-2015, 07:21 PM   #133
Rivet Master
 
65CV's Avatar
 
1959 26' Overlander
Western , Massachusetts
Join Date: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,468
Images: 6
"While I have the old frame out I need to clean the crud that the PO used to "seal" the old window frame. It's some brittle stuff that almost has a sandy texture to it. Short of getting a non abrasive grinding disc after it I'm not really sure how to remove it. Of course that route would put scratches in the skin and I'd like to avoid that. Any suggestions? "

I assume you've used the usual stuff like the orange stripper from the big box stores, acetone and mineral spirits. Sometimes the orange stuff will work well after a day covered in butcher paper or saran wrap for 24 hours.

Other suggestions:
De-Solve-It - if it's silicone based
3M Adhesive Remover - if it is oil based
Heat gun (real one, not a hair dryer)

Good luck.
Let us know what works.

Stay dry down there! Look like Texas is getting all the rain these days.
65CV is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-16-2015, 10:15 PM   #134
Rivet Master
 
desertair27's Avatar
 
1957 22' Caravanner
1960 26' Overlander
1963 24' Tradewind
El Paso , Texas
Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 945
Images: 32
I've seen liquid nails look like that after a few years of baking in the sun. I think they recommend Vaseline to soften the sealant and then a wooden stick to scrape off the nastiness.
Good luck!
desertair27 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-16-2015, 11:21 PM   #135
3 Rivet Member
 
Cardinal283's Avatar
 
1963 26' Overlander
Dallas , Texas
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 243
Actually I posted the question as a separate post and got some great advice. Mimiandrews said to use a heat gun and a cow hoof. I forgot my heat gun when I went out the AS but I did bring a cow hoof with me and it worked like a champ! It took the dry sandy looking stuff right off with minimal scraping and it didn't even scratch the aluminum. Basically it's like a giant fingernail. It didn't do so well with the silicone. It took the bulk of it off and took it down to a super thin layer that was stuck to the aluminum. A little silicone remover will get that off though. I was beyond impressed with the hoof!

I went ahead and replaced the front panel since it had holes where the rivets holding it to the tie down plate had pulled through. It was held in place previously with some pop rivets through the hold down plate. It worked to move the trailer around a little but not ideal. Should be good now. Click image for larger version

Name:	ImageUploadedByAirstream Forums1434518379.869593.jpg
Views:	167
Size:	104.1 KB
ID:	240900

Still working on the window. Should be done in the next week or so.
Cardinal283 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-16-2015, 11:29 PM   #136
3 Rivet Member
 
Cardinal283's Avatar
 
1963 26' Overlander
Dallas , Texas
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 243
And yes! It's been horribly wet here! Lakes are overfilled. Rivers are over flowing their banks. Some places are flooded. Luckily not in my immediate area. But we know how to handle that problem here in Texas. Click image for larger version

Name:	ImageUploadedByAirstream Forums1434518959.575836.jpg
Views:	162
Size:	160.3 KB
ID:	240901
Cardinal283 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-22-2015, 06:12 AM   #137
3 Rivet Member
 
Cardinal283's Avatar
 
1963 26' Overlander
Dallas , Texas
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 243
This has been quite the undertaking and big learning curve but I'm close to having a brand new window in the front of the Armadillo. It took a couple tries to build a suitable widow frame that looks good. There's a couple issues that I don't like about it still but I've got to go back on the road and those will have to be addressed when I get back. In the meantime here's what it looks like so far. Click image for larger version

Name:	ImageUploadedByAirstream Forums1437567085.405807.jpg
Views:	129
Size:	108.3 KB
ID:	243616 Overall it's a way better design than the original.
Cardinal283 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-04-2015, 08:21 AM   #138
3 Rivet Member
 
Cardinal283's Avatar
 
1963 26' Overlander
Dallas , Texas
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 243
Finally got the new front window put in. So much better looking than the old one. It was just a house window that wasn't the right size, two pieces of wood to take up the extra space, and a ton of sealant in an unsuccessful attempt to seal it. Now on to replacing the leaky rear window!Click image for larger version

Name:	ImageUploadedByAirstream Forums1443968401.116992.jpg
Views:	116
Size:	111.0 KB
ID:	249584Click image for larger version

Name:	ImageUploadedByAirstream Forums1443968426.747327.jpg
Views:	125
Size:	97.4 KB
ID:	249585Click image for larger version

Name:	ImageUploadedByAirstream Forums1443968462.100852.jpg
Views:	116
Size:	98.6 KB
ID:	249586
Cardinal283 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-05-2015, 05:01 AM   #139
Rivet Master
 
65CV's Avatar
 
1959 26' Overlander
Western , Massachusetts
Join Date: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,468
Images: 6
Looks like it was well worth the effort. Hopefully the rear one is a LOT easier!
65CV is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-05-2015, 11:00 PM   #140
3 Rivet Member
 
Cardinal283's Avatar
 
1963 26' Overlander
Dallas , Texas
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 243
It'll be much easier. And less expensive! I made all the mistakes on the front window. Haha.
Cardinal283 is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
1963, 1963 overlander


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off



Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Airstream, Inc. or any of its affiliates. Airstream is a registered trademark of Airstream Inc. All rights reserved. Airstream trademark used under license to Social Knowledge LLC.



All times are GMT -6. The time now is 02:02 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.