Just got a '54 Cruiser- replacing floor

[TxBxSx]

Awesome, I'll check it out.

Also, it looks like your trailer came with the vinyl covered interior panels and I was wondering what you did to prep for paint, what type of paint/primer you used and how well its holding up. I keep finding myself referencing your build as I progress through mine. Much thanks for sharing your work.

[tinman54]

Originally Posted by TxBxSx

Awesome, I'll check it out.

Also, it looks like your trailer came with the vinyl covered interior panels and I was wondering what you did to prep for paint, what type of paint/primer you used and how well its holding up. I keep finding myself referencing your build as I progress through mine. Much thanks for sharing your work.

No vinyl in mine, I don't think that came along till the 70's, just zolitone and a couple coats of latex over that. After a good wash we primed everything then used a heavy duty enamel paint from our local hardware store.
Good luck with your project!
Doug

[tinman54]

We finally ordered our new awning from Marti's Vintage Trailer Awnings, Marti was great to talk to and she sent us out samples of the colors that interested us. I also found quite a few recommendations for her work here on the forums and her prices seem very reasonable. We decided on brown vintage fancy,Trailer Awning Fabric | Marti's Trailer Awnings can't wait to set it up for the first time!

[tinman54]

Haven't been on here in a while and not getting enough miles in the Cruiser. We did get Marti's awning this spring and got it test fitted. It fits very well and very happy with the price and quality. We still continue to work on little things in Nellie, I don't expect that will ever change.






We did not plan any road time this spring so we could be home to welcome our first Granddaughter, We are having lots of fun with our new little Airstreamer!

Also picked up some new aluminum, Not an Airstream but it followed me home anyway,a 1940's Kumfort Koach.

[pbearsailor]

Good stuff Doug!!

-steve

[tinman54]

We had a great time in the Cruiser this summer, about 20 nights spent in her and around 1800 miles. She has towed very well with no on the road issues. Three problems since getting her on the road last year:

1. Since I kept the original axel and installed new brake parts to it the brakes would lock up when backing. So I had to take things apart and grind down the arm that holds the magnet.

2. Roof vent over the bed in back wants to keep leaking but not always???

3. Had to replace the city water inlet/check valve. The check valve fell apart.

Nothing to serious and more importantly nothing kept us from camping!!

Still gets quite a bit of attention wherever we stop and it is always fun meeting new people!

I feel really pushed to get back on the road for a couple more weekends this year before the snow fly's.

[2333]

Are you awning poles wooden? If not, the color makes it look more vintage.
Trailer looks incredible.

[pbearsailor]

Nice Doug!

Our ancient trailers can be pretty darned reliable, can't they?

-steve

[tinman54]

Originally Posted by 2333

Are you awning poles wooden? If not, the color makes it look more vintage.
Trailer looks incredible.

Thanks Craig and Steve
Craig the poles are aluminum( nothing better than aluminum) I did think about making them from wood but didn't want to store the long poles.

I got the orange pole idea from Steve and then found them at REI REI Adjustable Tarp Pole - Single at REI.com

And they collapse to 2ft for storage.

[tinman54]

We are looking forward to our fast approaching camping season and starting to add a few more things to Nellie. The first addition this year is a new heater so we keep a little warmer when boon docking. Sometimes that perfect spot doesn't have any electric hookups, so far we have just used a small electric space heater. I looked at this little heater for a while and finally decided to try it out.
I liked that the venting was just a 1" stainless pipe and that it could go out through the original furnace vent so no extra vents out the roof.

[FC7039]

You might want to fabricate some screening for the vent

[tinman54]

Originally Posted by FC7039

You might want to fabricate some screening for the vent

Just looking for the right screen, I want something a little bigger then window screen and I'm sure I have something, just need to dig it out of my collection of good stuff

[pbearsailor]

I think you'll like it, Doug!

I'm heading north through Oregon right now and this is the first time I've been plugged in since the end of November. My Dickinson has gotten a lot of use. It's great to have heat without the use of electrical power.

-steve

[tinman54]

Originally Posted by pbearsailor

I think you'll like it, Doug!

I'm heading north through Oregon right now and this is the first time I've been plugged in since the end of November. My Dickinson has gotten a lot of use. It's great to have heat without the use of electrical power.

-steve

I wish we were going through Oregon with you Steve! We are heading to Arkansas and the Ozarks in a few weeks. I thought about a Dickinson but it was quite a bit more$$ and took up a little more space. Thinking that may be our trip in 2015, maybe we can catch up to you out there?
Doug

[pbearsailor]

Originally Posted by tinman54

I wish we were going through Oregon with you Steve! Thinking that may be our trip in 2015, maybe we can catch up to you out there?
Doug

Come on out! To me the best time out here is after Labor Day. Summer good too, but lots of full campgrounds. Usually stays pretty dry till the rain switch gets turned on in November.

-Steve

[tinman54]

After our last trip around Lake Superior we decided the bathroom/shower floor was pretty cold on bare feet! So I made a cedar floor over the stainless.

[desertair27]

Originally Posted by tinman54

After our last trip around Lake Superior we decided the bathroom/shower floor was pretty cold on bare feet! So I made a cedar floor over the stainless.

Dang! That looks great. What an awesome piece of work your bathroom is especially the cedar floor.

[tinman54]

Originally Posted by desertair27

Dang! That looks great. What an awesome piece of work your bathroom is especially the cedar floor.

Thanks, after this cold Wisconsin winter we are so looking forward to getting the cruiser out!!! Just a few weeks to go and we are on the road!

[tinman54]

The front bench was just long enough for me to lay down but a little narrow for sleeping. so I made an extension with a piano hinge and a piece of 1/8" aluminum. Now the grandkids can sleep over

[BradS]

You sure seem to stay busy improving Nellie. Jennifer told me we get to see you guys soon. I'm looking forward to it I'm curious about your new heater and all your other improvements. I love the shower floor. It's beautiful