I have seen the C channel, and it is Grand!!!

[Bullit]

I began to post in the members intro section and now feel that I have progressed to a more appropriate forum to continue in. I have working sporadically on a 71 Caravel that my family has owned since..... 76. It was left neglected for about 30+ years. I flat bedded it to its current location and have been tinkering with it since. After reading many posts here, i have sort of already decided it was going to need the "full Monty". I owe many thanks to the folks here who have shared their experiences.... too many to list.

All that said, today I took off a few of the interior panels and found the C Channel. In all I have read, no one mentioned how great the C Channel was for color ting all of the critter sh.... stuff that has accumulated over the last 40+ years. What joy to discover the rank black tar that awaited my all my efforts.

I have included a bunch of pics, some that were in my initial intro but more on the progress so far. I will continue to read all the great advice and experience I have found here and will ask plenty questions. The entire operation though daunting is eased by the e experiences of those that have traveled this road before. Thanks again.... and again

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[J. Morgan]

Did that trailer fishtail when you towed it? I am thinking it was a little back heavy maybe.....

All in all that trailer looks pretty decent from what I can see of it.

[Bullit]

Absolutely, fishtailed over 50 mph. It was actually about 6 inches wider then the flatbed. It would not fit past the fenders. I made an extension from a section of treated 10x2. Was a little worried about it but it 6 hours later it did not move at all and arrived safe

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[Bullit]

What is the best way to dispose of the LP in my tanks. Oddly enough, I had made sure the valves were closed and the powers was off and sorta thought that there was no way there. Oils be anything left in the tanks after 30 years. I was wrong one tank feels about half full and the other feels like it should be over flowing. Can I bring them to the local Fire Dept? Will I be able to get the tanks back when empty.... I was thinking they might make good AS style bird house...

[Shacksman]

Originally Posted by Bullit

What is the best way to dispose of the LP in my tanks. Oddly enough, I had made sure the valves were closed and the powers was off and sorta thought that there was no way there. Oils be anything left in the tanks after 30 years. I was wrong one tank feels about half full and the other feels like it should be over flowing. Can I bring them to the local Fire Dept? Will I be able to get the tanks back when empty.... I was thinking they might make good AS style bird house...

Propane never goes bad, use it in a BBQ.

[Bullit]

Worked on removing more of the interior today. Will work on the bathroom tomorrow.

[RM66caravel]

In the one area where you have an escape hatch in the floor you may need to do a little frame work. But so far you are doing awesome!
Cliff

[Bullit]

Thanks, I will pull the bathroom in the extra few days and see what the back looks like. I have seen some pretty significant frame rust from the outside, so I sorta know what to expect.

[Bullit]

Pulled the bathroom and black tank today.

All the interior furniture is out. My wife saw the progress and was surprised how much smaller the interior looks. Will start pulling skins tomorrow

As expected there was ROT under the bathroom. May not get the full story until I drop the pan.

[RM66caravel]

Remember to do the CSI thing with the camera and no only post what you feel is pertinent hold the rest for later reference! You are doing great and moving really fast! I missed a few shots and yes that is gonna suck later! I have my trailer frame and floor back on its tires and on Saturday I am gonna try to get it under the shell!
Cliff

[Bullit]

More work today. Removed furnace, hot water tank and more interior panels. Will probably have the rest out tomorrow. Then I will tackle the front and rear interior caps. Still not sure how they fit out the door.

[RM66caravel]

They do fit but take your time point first (lower corner) lean it and swing it around. If I can do it you can!
Cliff

[Bullit]

Cliff
Did you remove and manage the end caps on your own. If not how much help did it take. Some description of the process would be great

[RM66caravel]

It was gonna be me and the wife but I am not that patient so I did it myself I got the front corner out the door then I got outside and guided it through the door with no damage at all! The hard part was taking it to the storage unit (driving at 30 in a 55) you can do it just take your time and remember curb corner out the door first so that the door is not in the way.
Cliff

[Bullit]

Rgr tht. Thanks, probably going to give the front a try tomorrow

[Bullit]

Cliff
Thanks for the advice. Both end caps are down and out in one piece. Rear end cap is huge, old and way more flexible than I am. Braced it up after removal. Your post was very helpful and at the very least encouraging. Reading other members experiences continues to inspire


As for progress, Removing the last piece of ceiling skin and both end caps revealed the web of electrical wiring that Will also need to be replaced. How much detail will I need to keep track of if it will all be replaced?



Finally, I have continued to find and clean up the remains of a habitrail like mouse community behind the skins. There has also been extensive cleaning of many Mouse Maplethorpe masterpieces it all cleans up really well but 40 years "stuff" really builds up. Thanks again everyone's postings, they really help

[RM66caravel]

Awesome job! As for the wires remember you have three circuits 1. Trailer which include brakes, running, brake and backup lights which you really don't need to modify that just clean it up and replace and questionable wires. 2. AC which should all be copper and this is one place you may need to improve like adding gfi outlets more outlets or reroute if anything you wish to move! 3. DC circuits which need to be updated so do yourself a favor and look at how things are currently run and when you put it back copy. Any questions post them when you get to that point.
Cliff

[RM66caravel]

Oh yes I would replace the mouse hotel with prodex they don't seem to like it as much!

[Bullit]

Thought I would post a pic of the slow progress of polishing. It's getting cold so waterproofing may have to wait. There is plenty to do inside, refinishing letters and rear lights. May build some gantry' sand think about A/C and vent removal. Little steps is still progress


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[ukulele2010]

Wow, that is a beautiful polishing job. If it were me, I'd call it done - but I'm wimpy that way...