Another '55 FC

[kaneable]

Well here is the final update on the status of the frame-off restoration of my ’55 Flying Cloud. It left the shop this week ready for the season. This will be the first time this trailer has seen the road since 1963.

The last several weeks have been spent refinishing the wood, building new cabinets to accommodate the new refrigerator, installing a new stainless steel shower pan and aluminum shower, running the plumbing, and overall finishing touches. Also had to install the new fresh water and grey water tanks, run the plumbing for those, and then close up the underbelly. Lastly had to run the gas lines to the hot water heater, the refrigerator and the stove (was refurbished over the winter).

Encountered a small problem when the delaminated wood was used as templates for the cabinets. The new refrigerator requires a deeper cabinet than the old electric refrigerator and venting created a small depth issue above. Rather than making new sides plates, it was decided to simply extend them into the centerline a bit to accommodate the new refrigerator. The only problem was that the upper edge was positioned further than the ceiling skin, creating a larger gap than planned for. But hardly noticeable.

Fabric and upholstery is also back. The red modern/rocket ranch fabric is a good fit for the style and blends well with the other colors. Draperies were also completed and installed.

Another bugger of a problem was installation of the new shower shell. We chose to have the shell made off-site by a sheet metal company who used a unique seam along all of the joints to make them essentially waterproof. Clearly the older style joints for the aluminum walls was just not good enough as this was a location of the wood floor that had the most obvious water damage. I opted for an 8-inch tall shower pan made from stainless steel. The black water tank sits on top of the shower pan so in the unlikely event there is a leak, everything will be contained. I also chose to try to hide as much of the PEX plumbing lines as possible with shrouds and an enclosure below the sink.

So nothing more to do than show the final pictures. If you have any questions about how we addressed an issue, let us know. Otherwise enjoy the pictures.

[ddstech]

Wow.

[RankAm]

Kaneable, could you please post more photos of your wet bath? I am very curious as to the layout of the space.

Good work!

Hank

[Lily&Me]

Looks really nice.

Congratulations on a job well done.


Maggie

[Overlander & Sea]

Wow! Looks great! Thank you for posting this thread. Did you also restore the windows and screens?

I purchased a '55 Flying Cloud a few weeks and it needs a total restoration like the one you just did. Your information will be very helpful because, like you, I would like the original floor plan and the original stove.

Thanks again!

[AirSeattle]

Stunning, light filled, tastefully so. Enjoy.

[rumrunner]

Looks great! As i am my own crew (with a little help on occasion) mine will take a bit longer but I hope it turns out as well. Enjoy
tim

[Landshark]

Originally Posted by hjlairf

Kaneable, could you please post more photos of your wet bath? I am very curious as to the layout of the space.

Good work!

Hank

X2 on the great work! It is stunning: materials, finishes, design, all of it, just beautiful.

We also have a 55 FC, and haven't started on it yet, so would REALLY REALLY appreciate anything you can post/send on your shower stall: plans? materials used where? etc. ANYTHING, please.

Did I see correctly that you are in Utah? We're just north of you in Idaho, if you come this way we can offer parking with water and electric in exchange for a tour!

Hope you enjoy your gorgeous baby.

Vivian

[Landshark]

Oops. Sorry-you're in another state; it's Rumrunner who is in Utah. The invitation is open to Rumrunner, too!

Vivian

[kaneable]

Originally Posted by Overlander & Sea

Wow! Looks great! Thank you for posting this thread. Did you also restore the windows and screens?

I purchased a '55 Flying Cloud a few weeks and it needs a total restoration like the one you just did. Your information will be very helpful because, like you, I would like the original floor plan and the original stove.

Thanks again!

Rick:
We did do all of the windows. Every one was taken off, glass removed, polished, and then received new gaskets. The old screens were taken out and replaced with new. Stretching the screens took a bit of effort and I noticed I have some Wild strands flying about where the screen was cut for the window regulator. I was thinking earlier there had to be a better way to capture the screen with a gusset of some sort. I will look through our photo documentation and see if we have some shots of how the screens were redone. There was a point when things were just too busy and the camera was forgotten.

Barry

[rumrunner]

Landshark, When my FC is road worthy I would be very glad to accept your offer. If I can be of any help in answering questions please feel free to ask at any time.
tim
Caliban and Cerberus? My greek is a bit rusty. Ill have to look that up
tim

[54breadloaf]

Barry, I'm impressed with all of your hard work and results. I'm doing a shell off resto on a '54 flying cloud. I'm doing the belly skins now after replacing the subfloor and painting the frame. If you have any pics of the rear skin where it joins the outer shell in front of the rear bumper, I'd love to see them. I don't have a reference since my skins were gone when I got my trailer. Tim, if you're reading this...same question. Thanks guys, keep up the good effort!
JT

[gregori1000]

Incredible

[kaneable]

I dont have any pictures that have already been taken. However, I can go to the storage shed if I can get in, and take some pics. Recollection is that it looks very similar to what you are doing. The tabs cuts for the trailer frame rails were cut off and sealed with a highly viscous silicone caulk.