1966 Caravel Stewardship Questions

[docflyboy]

Peter- I don't think you'll get close to 15 gallons above the floor. Do you think it's possible that you could have a second tank below your current black tank that sits below your floor surround and above the plywood floor. I think if you can rig a grey water tank that sits below your bathroom sink, you might be fine for a 2-3 night camp. Trying to get 5 nights without fabbing up a subfoor grey water tank will be a challenge. Trailer looks good. Your grandpa I'm sure is proud of you. Jerry

[Peter417]

My thought was that the tank could be extended all the way to the wheel well. How many gallons do you think could be above the floor?

[docflyboy]

Peter your rear SS bulkhead has to rest on something, so I'll assume you will have it free floating in the back and I'll do roughly the same for the forward one. I'll do some measuring tomorrow evening when I'm getting mine ready for my linoleum installer and send you the dimensions and then you can turn cubic inches to gallons. Jerry

[Peter417]

Here is the tank that vts used to carry.



With the missing corner that tank should hold about 12.3 gallons. Without the corner it is 11.5. If that same tank is increased from 30 inches 40 inches then it comes to nearly 16.5 gallons before the corner is removed.

I guess a framed structure could surround the tank through he bulkhead and allow the bulkhead to attach to the framing? I am just thinking out loud here.

[Lance M]

Peter,
Not sure if you've read Shari's (Rob too) restoration thread but it is well worth the read.
https://www.airforums.com/forums/f91...irl-31084.html

Custom made tanks from All-Rite Mfg.
https://www.all-rite.com/custom-hold...anks-1452.html

[Peter417]

Originally Posted by Lance M

Peter,
Not sure if you've read Shari's (Rob too) restoration thread but it is well worth the read.
https://www.airforums.com/forums/f91...irl-31084.html

Custom made tanks from All-Rite Mfg.
https://www.all-rite.com/custom-hold...anks-1452.html

Thanks Lance, this will be my weekend entertainment.

[Peter417]

Does any one have a recommendation for a roller shade (or other option) for the curb side window? Something around 24 high and 18 wide.

[Lance M]

These are nice-
https://www.zarcor.com/rv_products/o...ades/index.php

[ALUMINUMINUM]

https://www.airforums.com/forums/f45...nt-111812.html


After seven years with this application, I have no regrets. They have prevailed through some very rugged travel. Can detail if interested.

I have been enjoying the small space solutions in all the concurrent Caravel threads.

There's a lot of satisfaction in making your own puzzle pieces fit close to the way you imagined. Doesn't have to be perfect, just excellent...

best to all...

[docflyboy]

Nice Micro blinds. Do you need any anti-chaffe material on the back side of the screen frame to keep from abrading the metal blind, or is it a plastic blind?

[ALUMINUMINUM]

Hello, thank you,

The blinds are aluminum. I don't know what coating they use to paint blinds. Could be electrostatic, single stage urethane, rustoleum... It's not anodizing. It doesn't chip or wear.

There's no chafing. The screen material that the trailer came to me with was grey fiberglass. The blinds glide along the grey fiberglass screens in a seemingly friction-less manner. Maybe they won't work with aluminum, copper/bronze, stainless screen.

The last images in the above link, are after re-screening with "Invisible Screens". While the blinds glide just as well, and the screens are indeed invisible, the "Invisible" mesh doesn't have the durability that some might require in a trailer.

It's nice to have the blinds out of the way. Windows closed, the blinds are down and slats adjusted to whatever degree necessary. If the windows are open, the blinds are pulled up.

It's a viable compromise worth considering.

An unforeseen advantage... Having the blinds outside the screens greatly facilitates bug hunting and swatting.

[David F]

I installed micro blinds in my Caravel and love them. Hands down, the best solution IMHO. I used silver blinds.

[Flostream66]

Originally Posted by ALUMINUMINUM

Hello, thank you,

The last images in the above link, are after re-screening with "Invisible Screens". While the blinds glide just as well, and the screens are indeed invisible, the "Invisible" mesh doesn't have the durability that some might require in a trailer.

Aluminuminum [wow, say that after a glass of wine!) - thanks for your instructive posts on the windows. I also took a moment to look at your restoration - what a beautiful job. I have decided to go old school and install curtains in my 1966 Caravel, except for the OceanAir shade I an installing in the shower area. I like that it rolls up into an aluminum case that is waterproof and evokes the feel of the original plastic shade cover.

I do though want/need to replace my screens and wondered where you sourced your "Invisible Screens" - sorry to hijack the thread, Peter417, but it seemed like a moment to inquire. Thanks, Al........!

[ALUMINUMINUM]

https://www.metroscreenworks.com/rol...een-all-types/

[Peter417]

I love the microblind idea. There is so much potential there. I found a set for the galley window for 30 bucks. I will give it a shot.

[Peter417]

While taking the dog to the emergency vet in KC I got the call that the axle had come in. Almost to the day of when Collin said it would be here. I was kind of relieved that that it was not going to be here. I have been fretting over whether to replace it before the rally at buffalo point. I really don't want to miss it. I think I have officially decided to try to get it done before the trip.

I have the jackstands set on the frame about halfway back. Does this seem alright? Everything seems pretty steady.











I guess before I go any further I need to make sure I understand the shock modification. I plan to cut off the existing mounts and reuse them. Before I weld on the mounts how can I be sure nothing will bind up. The mount goes to the front of the wheel well right?

[Peter417]

Like this?

[steinVT]

Looks about right. I think I had about 1/4" of clearance between the shock and the end of the axle tube - Mark

[Peter417]

The picture is helpful thank you. What process did you go through before you welded the old mounts on? Also what angle are your axles?

Originally Posted by steinVT

Looks about right. I think I had about 1/4" of clearance between the shock and the end of the axle tube - Mark
Attachment 381557
Attachment 381556

[steinVT]

I put one end of the shock on the axle mount, put the loose mount in the other end, compressed the shock about a 1/2", made sure there was clearance to the end of the axle pivot and welded it in place. I actually had to previously replace the axle mounting plates so I had good material to weld to.

My axles have a 32 degree down angle. That was Colin Hyde's recommendation and I am happy with the result. - Mark