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vanster · 01-04-2013, 04:06 PM

Our Caravel is now almost gutted
Now for the fun part

We are now making a complete interior from cardboard
Then we will have an idea of where to put in water tanks and electrical etc

RM66caravel · 05-27-2013, 02:25 AM

So are you any farther on the redo? getting ready to pop the shell off on our 66.

vanster · 05-28-2013, 04:01 PM

We were just about to dive into it about 45 days ago. Then we decided to go to the Vintage Trailer workshop in New Mexico first. Had we not gone I think we would have made some huge costly mistakes.
We worked on it all this weekend. Got the belly pan half way off along with the the rub rails, built a support structure inside for the lift off.
and discovered a broken crossmember in the frame. Not a big deal.
I think we should have the shell off in a few weeks. Just other stuff to do.

We have changed the interior design a number of times. It's seems slow at the moment but I think we will catch up soon. This weekend we have to go to San Diego and on our way back we are going to stop by Area 63 and chat with Uvey.
We need to order tanks to go under floor. Also I am going to hang the spare tire under the floor as well. I understand that there are captive nuts in place just for a tire rack.

vanster · 08-12-2013, 01:56 PM

We are back into charging ahead with our shell off project
We have removed the under panels and all of the insulation. We found one broken outrigger and one broken frame weld. The frame all in all appears to be in good shape.
We left the C channel inplace and we used Cleko's to keep the C channel attached to the shell.
We will be using the old belly pan as a template for the new one
Next is to lift the shell off and pull out the frame. I am going to media blast the frame and re weld. Paint with POR 15, Build a spare tire rack and install a water tank over the axle then put the floor on then the shell back on.
We need to take out the windows before we take the shell off
Any tips for this?

RM66caravel · 08-13-2013, 01:23 PM

You did an awesome job of removing the belly pan mine was ripped so the removal did not go so well. I have the flipping yoke ready to use and will be doing the frame soon!
Cliff

vanster · 08-27-2013, 10:32 AM

This weekend we got the shell off and now the fun begins. Need to get the frame sorted, order a water tank to place in the center. Weld a bracket for the spare tire. Frame needs to be re-welded in spots only one broken out rigger.
The plywood floor had more rot than originally thought. ( note we took the windows out before we took the shell off)
Next step is to clean the frame and paint it with POR 15. I'm going to use grey rather than black. Make a new floor using marine ply. The plan is to take it to a marmoleum shop where they can layout the material roll it with their equipment and heat seal the seams. This could be a DIY but it's really important to do this step correctly.
Then to put the frame back under the shell and replace the windows

RM66caravel · 08-28-2013, 12:47 PM

I did not remove any windows and left the c channel on the floor braced the shell then lifted the shell off soon I hope to be putting the shell back on! Our belly pan was in too bad of shape to use as a temp plate and mine has no room for a water tank under the floor are you mounting it inside the trailer? Yours looks awesome so far! Great job.
Cliff

vanster · 08-29-2013, 10:30 AM

This weekend we are going to clean up the frame and paint it with POR 15
Then we have to figure out where to put the water tank. I am going to put the tank below the floor. The problem is that the water tank needs to be 6 to 8 inches in depth I am told. Maybe I will have to put in just in front of the axle.
I don't know if we had to take out the windows or not but the curved Corning windows are about $600 each if you can find a replacement.
Then I need to weld in a bracket for the spare tire

Onwards!

vanster · 08-29-2013, 10:34 AM

I left the C channel in as well. It seems to be in good shape. Now we are thinking of a cork floor covering

65CV · 08-29-2013, 10:47 AM

Looking good!

We fit a grey tank above the axle and I think I calculated it to be about 24 gallons. See Post 52 onward in this thread. I think the stainless cost us $165.

RM66caravel · 08-29-2013, 03:08 PM

I like your idea but for now I will stick with the blue beast. I understand about the windows and when we lifted the shell we had them open to reduce the stress. I removed the outrigger that the welder put on and was getting ready to weld on the one I made when mother nature said break time with a down pour! Right now time is not on my side with work and watching the grandchildren! Gotta make more time or demand it! Hopefully the weather will cooperate.
Cliff

Dingo Girl · 03-05-2020, 04:49 PM

Cliff did you ever finish the Caravel?

vanster · 03-06-2020, 02:29 PM

We have finished yet but we are closer. We put 4000 miles on it last year. Everything inside works. The counter top is Corian

vanster · 03-06-2020, 02:31 PM

I meant to say we are not finished yet but it's usable. Everything works, we have hot water, stove, Isotherm refer, Natures head toilet, outdoor shower, solar. I will take better pics.
Thanks for asking

**Stefrobrts** · 03-06-2020, 04:39 PM

I would love to see more of the inside. I love to see alternate layouts people have designed.

Dingo Girl · 03-07-2020, 03:14 PM

Excellent news Cliff.. Mine is done except to finish water heater installation..
Nice you got some miles on it. 😊

Foiled Again · 03-07-2020, 06:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dingo Girl

Excellent news Cliff.. Mine is done except to finish water heater installation..
Nice you got some miles on it. [emoji4]

Is one ever Really finished? Bet you will have 10 little "to do" items within a month. My toilet paper roll keeps falling off the holder. I know the size of both tissue and T.P. sheets has been trimmed down a tiny bit at a time by the sneaky manufacturers, and I should replace what I have with a hook style holder.

vanster · 03-08-2020, 01:10 PM

We still need to add more lighting and an inside shower. We have plumbed it for a shower and a small sink.

Dingo Girl · 03-10-2020, 09:11 AM

I put in an outdoor shower..
You are right it will never be "done". I'm already thinking of things i could change /improve on.

Landshark · 05-04-2020, 05:22 PM

I don't even have mine from the restorer yet and I am already planning changes!

The Caravel is so small; I think it would be easy to have several "wardrobes" for it: different themes, or color combos. So I 'm thinking of an African theme: I have the fabric, dishes, etc. Also a Mickey Mouse theme: have the dishes, silverware, bath towels, etc. Or just a couple of different color schemes. Should be easy to do with such a tiny trailer, right? Especially during this non-traveling period?

What do you think?

Vivian