Restoring a 1955 bubble

[BB 55 Bubble]

I talked to the manufacture of the insulation. The best R value is achieved by a air void on each side of the insulation.

[marzboy]

Originally Posted by worldinchaos

I had the same issue- and after my friend helped me buck the rear streetside to replace the cruddy exploding olympics, I then proceeded to do 3/4" deep foam strips 2-3" wide, on all sides adjacent to metal ribs. I also filled the space between to make the air spaces no larger than 8"x12". This was then topped off with the reflectix bubble wrap, using spray adhesive and foil tape. Others can probably comment better, but my lesson learned was to use 1/2" deep strips next time , especially on the endcaps where there is less than a 1" gap in some places.

Just some food for thought.

Thanks i will! I have 2giant rolls of Prodex in my garage that are waiting on installation. Cant wait to get back at it. I planned on useing 1/4" strips of foam board. I just want to get this thing done and sealed before the first of the year.

[BB 55 Bubble]

Do not use spray adhesive for bonding. I called Loctite and inquired about using it when I read it on a previous post here. It will not stay bonded over time and will fail in the application of connecting foam, aluminum, and insulation.

[BB 55 Bubble]

End cap up. Getting there. 3/4 of the insulation done. I have. Burned through 18 tubes of calking. What the heck. It's only a small trailer I thought to my self. How much could I need. Famous last words.

Just got to dig that 70's sea-foam green paint. Just missing the dingle berries around the window. Dad said it was all the rage when he painted it.

[marzboy]

Originally Posted by BB 55 Bubble

End cap up. Getting there. 3/4 of the insulation done. I have. Burned through 18 tubes of calking. What the heck. It's only a small trailer I thought to my self. How much could I need. Famous last words.

Just got to dig that 70's sea-foam green paint. Just missing the dingle berries around the window. Dad said it was all the rage when he painted it.

Nice progress. Yes I have many famous last words like " We should get this wrapped up in a year honey" or " all I gotta do is a few rivets." Just got my end caps down, seems like they wont go back up so eaisly Advice?

[BB 55 Bubble]

Mine where tight. The foam is compressible. Myself and a neighbor first lined up a hole on the edge closest to the vent as close to the center as possible. Then with some massage along the left and right on the same side I did 2 on each side. The ones along the bottom were the toughest. With both of us pushing in the direction it was needed I was able to line up the hole. It was a struggle but after those rivets it was a lot easier. I then placed 2 above the front window. Lining up the holes was paramount in my brain. Any questions just fire on back.

[marzboy]

Originally Posted by BB 55 Bubble

Mine where tight. The foam is compressible. Myself and a neighbor first lined up a hole on the edge closest to the vent as close to the center as possible. Then with some massage along the left and r on the same side I did 2 on each side. The ones along the bottom were the toughest. With both of us pushing in the direction it was needed I was able to line up the hole. It was a struggle but after those rivets it was a lot easier. I then placed 2 above the front window. Lining up the holes was paramount in my brain. Any questions just fire on back.

So do you feel that it was more of a problem because of the thickness of the foam strips?

[BB 55 Bubble]

No. I think that after a shell off it is due to small differences in the shell positioning. I just placed the major roof panel in yesterday. It was even more difficult than the end caps. As far as I can tell the foam was easy to compress in and make fit. I tested this theory and found I can compress by hand the foam down to 1/2 it's original size. So.... I think that it is the shell that is different. I did note that when I finally gave up an a perfect line up that the holes where very closes an I drilled them out. I switched from 1/8 inch rivets to the next size up.

[marzboy]

Originally Posted by BB 55 Bubble

No. I think that after a shell off it is due to small differences in the shell positioning. I just placed the major roof panel in yesterday. It was even more difficult than the end caps. As far as I can tell the foam was easy to compress in and make fit. I tested this theory and found I can compress by hand the foam down to 1/2 it's original size. So.... I think that it is the shell that is different. I did note that when I finally gave up an a perfect line up that the holes where very closes an I drilled them out. I switched from 1/8 inch rivets to the next size up.

Thanks I am trying to plan a head to the next project so this helps a lot!

[BB 55 Bubble]

Paint is done. Thank god, that sucked. It looks good though. I also got most of the lights up.

[BB 55 Bubble]

Just got the electrical all done. Praise the maker that I had an contractor that helped me. A sparkey I am NOT!

[the544man]

Nice work on your bubble. Keep posting pictures. I've got a 1956 bubble over the hill from you near Salem, Oregon. So I look forward to seeing you and your project complete at a beautiful Oregon campsite in the future. Keep up the good work Cheers. Ted