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Old 03-31-2014, 09:12 PM   #1
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1968 20' Globetrotter
Grants Pass , Oregon
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Posts: 58
'68 Globetrotter... NEWBIE.

I bought a '68 Globetrotter (20') a few months ago and have been silently gleaning crazy intel and "know-how" from this site... Thank you.
When I bought my Airstream, Tonto, it had the proverbial issues (Floor rot in several places, electrical issues, windows shimmied-up with plexiglass, etc).
Having never owned a trailer but totally enamored with the allure of an Airstream (we can ALL relate, I'm certain), I decided to gut and refurbish my ride.
Here's what I have done, so far:
Removed entire interior (including all bathroom items, kitchen stuff, water heater, and furnace).
Removed tiled floor to reveal sub-floor rot in the bathroom, doorway, and in front of street side wheel well.
Removed all copper plumbing and replaced with Pex (installed 2 manifolds, one for hot and one for cold water).
Installed new 120v-in shore power (created cool placement where street-side furnace pipe went through inner/outer skin).
Sealed all leaks and removed all floor rot; outriggers, frame, etc were all in really good shape! Rust proofed and installed new sealed 3/4" subfloor.
I left the opening in front of the street side wheel well for the battery. I rust proofed all metal and sealed sealed subflooring in the area. I fabricated a sheet metal compartment for my battery to sit in. Installed a ground strap to the frame and battery post. I have vented the battery box through the belly pan and sealed the entire unit. This area has access via an access compartment door.
Installed several new 120v "drops" (bypassed aluminum wire inside walls).
Have new power inverter I will run, in lieu of Univolt set-up.
Removed both front and rear upper window channels, curb side (door) window channel, as well as both street-side upper window channels (5 total).
I am installing an "instant", tank less water heater (Propane) and a water filter system right after the holding tank and city water inlet (so every drop of water is filtered).
In addition, I just built an "outdoor shower unit" inside the bumper. This unit has hot/cold controls with a pull out wand... My main thoughts are for washing the dog, filling a big pot for boiling, rinsing feet, etc without having to go inside Tonto.
I will upload photos of before/after/during... um, as soon as I figure out the easiest most efficient way possible.
Thank you for your insight and I look forward to learning as I go.
Cheers!
Ruck
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Old 03-31-2014, 09:28 PM   #2
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1968 20' Globetrotter
Grants Pass , Oregon
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Pics...

Here are some before and after shots...
Ruck
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Old 03-31-2014, 09:40 PM   #3
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Grants Pass , Oregon
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A few extra items...

I installed flooring (Armstrong product called vinyl plank). Very cool stuff and pretty easy to do.
Removed the hideous Mark IV air conditioning unit and installed a fantastic fan in the front roof and will remove AS vent (in the rear) and install a fantastic fan there, too.
I will not re-install the goucho and bed; instead I am going to build a u-shaped dinette (drawing attached) that will serve as "the hub", as well as a drop down table to make an (almost) queen-sized bed... I think I can do it, just have to re-install the bathroom before I get too hot and heavy into the front.
I found an awesome fridge/freezer combo that will replace the Dometic stock set-up... it's a bigger unit, but I'll make it work.
Oh, and I painted the tanks a deep red, just to break-up all that aluminum.
Ruck
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Old 03-31-2014, 11:45 PM   #4
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Here are some more pictures of the Shore Power fab work, as well as the bathroom interior pieces (in paint). I fiberglassed the weak areas from behind and filled front holes/cracks with resin to give rigidity (Previous owner had literally filled gaping holes with white caulking to the tune of maybe two handfuls when all was removed!). I also glassed-in two wood pieces on the rear surround (under rear window), that will give my water filter and cold water manifold a sturdy, out of the way, place to mount... A fresh coat of single-stage paint (for fiberglass boats) does wonders. I will let these pieces cure, then hit the sink and shower base with a coat of high gloss to really set it off. I will refurbish the original green striped pieces (fixed as best I can, of course) and I think the facelift will be just what the doctor ordered.
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Old 03-31-2014, 11:53 PM   #5
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I have been busy on Tonto...

More pics (because we ALL love photos of progress).
Additional pics of the bathroom pieces, shore power, and the outside "shower" I am installing inside the rear bumper... more to follow.
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Old 04-01-2014, 08:57 AM   #6
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Nice work.

What kind of paint did you use on the plastic pieces? What primer? Any adhesion problems? Did you have to repair any cracks?

Dark colors can contribute to propane tanks heating up enough in the sun to cause the relief valve to open. Something to be aware of. I've heard that some places won't fill them. I have some that are a lighter shade of orange and haven't had a problem.
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Old 04-01-2014, 01:47 PM   #7
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1968 20' Globetrotter
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Jammer View Post
Nice work.

What kind of paint did you use on the plastic pieces? What primer? Any adhesion problems? Did you have to repair any cracks?

Dark colors can contribute to propane tanks heating up enough in the sun to cause the relief valve to open. Something to be aware of. I've heard that some places won't fill them. I have some that are a lighter shade of orange and haven't had a problem.

I thank you for the kind words.
Both primer and paint are called Imron Industrial Finishes (Dupont product). I removed every piece of the bathroom; reinforced most flimsy weak points from behind (fiberglass) and filled all cracks with resin on the front. These pieces we in pretty rough shape, but turned-out pretty sweet after a little (lot of) TLC...

Sanded with 80 grit to smooth/scuff surface. No adhesion problems.

I read about tank colors and heat concerns, so I may re-address the tank color. More to follow.
Ruck
DuPont™ Imron® polyurethane enamel
DuPont™ Imron® polyurethane enamel
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Old 04-01-2014, 06:17 PM   #8
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1962 19' Globetrotter
Winchester , Ontario
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Another Globester!

SWEET!
You have been busy Ruck. Good job. Wish we had less snow so I could dig in to my baby too.
Have to make room in the garage for all the interior bits but it has been so cold.
Welcome, keep up the awesome work on Tonto, and keep posting pics, love them.
Leonie
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Old 04-01-2014, 07:39 PM   #9
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1968 20' Globetrotter
Grants Pass , Oregon
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Originally Posted by flygrrl View Post
SWEET!
You have been busy Ruck. Good job. Wish we had less snow so I could dig in to my baby too.
Have to make room in the garage for all the interior bits but it has been so cold.
Welcome, keep up the awesome work on Tonto, and keep posting pics, love them.
Leonie

Thank you. Still a LOT to do, but it's definitely fun going... Are you re-doing your interior?
Ruck
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Old 05-17-2014, 11:41 PM   #10
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Do you have any floor plans of a 68 GT you can share. I just bought one and starting to plan my restoration. Mine is in good original condition😄
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Old 06-09-2014, 10:21 AM   #11
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I'm really curious about your outdoor shower. Would love to see the finished product and how you incorporated it into the rear bumper.

Thanks
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Old 07-01-2014, 08:16 AM   #12
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1968 20' Globetrotter
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Do you have any floor plans of a 68 GT you can share. I just bought one and starting to plan my restoration. Mine is in good original condition😄
I am straying a bit from the standard AS floor plans, so mine probably won't help you too much. You can find the basic outlay of floor plans in the AS manuals (I even have a 70ish manual that is roughly the same... I think).
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Old 07-01-2014, 08:17 AM   #13
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I'm really curious about your outdoor shower. Would love to see the finished product and how you incorporated it into the rear bumper.

Thanks
Thank you for the note.
I will upload pics when project is completed.
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Old 01-12-2015, 09:31 PM   #14
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'68 Globetrotter... NEWBIE.

Ruck, Wish you lived nearby. Haven't met a local AS person to take a look at my plans. I'm going to resurface my end caps too. Remember now I saw your post months ago when I started my research on how to do my GT. Sorry about the Ducks tonight.

Go Seehawks!
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Old 01-12-2015, 10:43 PM   #15
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UUggghhhh... Ducks. Cannot play undisciplined football and just expect the other team to hand a championship to them! That's what happens when a team plays "not to lose", instead of "playing to win".
I appreciate'cha looking at my progress... I have a TON of pics to upload, since my last post. I should probably get to that, huh? I'd love to take a look at what'cha got or to lend a hand/feedback where I can.
What plans, ma'am? Can you send them to me, via email? If so: Jonrucker@hotmail.com
I WILL have my AS ready by this spring! I had been balancing four projects over this past year ('62 Lincoln Continental Convertible, '71 Ford F100 pick-up, '70 Volvo Penta lake boat, and my '68 Globetrotter), but have now dedicated ALL my time to the AS.
Wish me luck...
Ruck
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Old 01-12-2015, 11:20 PM   #16
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Progress pics, coming right up...
For this first set, I took off the old Airstream plate (removed front and back), cleaned really good with soap and water, then dried. Took painter's tape (the yellow is REALLY sticky, so thought this would be the best for what I was trying to accomplish) and covered all areas I wanted to "show through" with aluminum (i.e. "Airstream" letters and thin border). Used a straight edge and cut through, leaving the tape. Painted entire tag in three coats of blue. I am not a purist and could care less if the "color" is a PERFECT match, or not. It is a GOOD, CLEAN look and really pops...
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Old 01-12-2015, 11:55 PM   #17
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I removed that tired, old Dometic (with a freezer that could hold a pack of hot dogs and not much more) and installed a newer RV 'fridge I found on Craigslist. A nice set-up the runs on propane (I wont hook-up), 12v, and 120v. I took out the door panels, painted the trim sage green (my highlight color) and inserted stainless steel for the door panels.
Also, I installed a small microwave and stripped/painted the same color combo.
**When I re-wired the 120v circuits, I intentionally created three stand-alone circuits: 1. A/C, 2. Microwave, and 3. Fridge.**
On the entry wall I mounted my brand new electrical center, complete with hard-wired WHOLE TRAILER surge protection. This unit is actually pretty cool because it tells me the input voltage, and how much current (amps) my trailer is drawing at a glance... Also, gives visual errors if input wiring is deficient (poor ground, reverse polarity, etc).
Above the control center I installed a panel of six toggles (one will be for my porch light, one for the water pump, and another for the interior under cabinet lights. Any suggestions for the other two?)
I built a sturdy foundation for the sink and stove; stove will have a small cabinet under it.
Also, since I installed an instant water heater in the bathroom closet (same wall as stove), I installed a t-connector on the propane input line and plumbed-in a Humphrey gas light. I loved the "vintagey look" of the original AS Power center, so I gutted the internals (except the light, 12v & 120v outlets) and have hidden storage... just in case.
I found a couple fellas on this forum who had extra cabinets parts they weren't using; I built upper cabinets (over stove top and above/around microwave) and think they'll look really cool when all's said and done.
Ruck
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Old 02-04-2015, 09:41 AM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Rucksta View Post
On the entry wall I mounted my brand new electrical center, complete with hard-wired WHOLE TRAILER surge protection. This unit is actually pretty cool because it tells me the input voltage, and how much current (amps) my trailer is drawing at a glance... Also, gives visual errors if input wiring is deficient (poor ground, reverse polarity, etc).
What is the info on the electrical center? Our univolt and command center may need upgrading.... or should I say definitely need upgrading.

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Old 02-04-2015, 12:35 PM   #19
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1968 20' Globetrotter
Grants Pass , Oregon
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I installed this power converter with distribution panel: WFCO 35 AMP POWER CONVERTER CHARGER WITH DISTRIBUTION PANEL
It is a TOTAL upgrade for the 120v and 12v systems... Smart controller for battery trickle charge. In addition, I also installed a PI Surge Protector: EMS-HW30C
Probably overkill, but it makes me feel better about it.
Ruck
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Old 02-04-2015, 01:41 PM   #20
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1955 22' Safari
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How does that power center compare with this one?
Inteli-Power 4045

I used it in my last trailer (64 Bambi II) and was planning to use another in my 55 FC but yours is cheaper and perhaps more versatile. How diffcult to install? Good instructions?
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