Fresh Meat....16x7x7

[roadinspector]

Progress has been put on hold for a few days. Heat wave is kicking my butt. It was 107 today. Temp forcast is 108 tomorrow.
Earnest

[roadinspector]

It was 75 deg this morning so I was able to get some work done. I finished insulating my ramp and started on removing the 3/8 plywood walls. I put some of the thin factory trim strips between the roof and the frame to help prevent heat transfer from the roof. What is your opinion on that? The strips will help and there isn't much room for anything else to fit. It was 100 deg by noon so I called it quites. Maybe I can get some more demo done tomorrow afternoon or evening. Nothing to really show with pictures yet. Most everybody knows the mess of demo work and has seen the guts of a bare CT.

Earnest

[roadinspector]

I finally got the 3\8 plywood out of the trailer. The aluminum in the corners turned into a challenge. They used what appeared to be torx T20 but it would not fit. T15 was too small. The internal teeth were sharp where a torx is blunt. I ended up using a small center punch. I would drive it in with a hammer and turn at the same time. This would loosen it enough to turn it with visegrips. I later found a m-3 allen wrench will bind in it enough I think it will work. Haven't tried it yet so I'm wondering if anyone has had this problem. Anyway, I got the floor cleaned and ready to epoxy paint. Humidity is supposed to drop by Thursday so I can get it done.

I removed 3 windows from my donor trailer. Sure glad I have this trailer to rob. Sure going to save some money having this.

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Earnest

[ksbiker]

Try a #2 Robertson (square head) I had problems with mine until if found out it is a double cut square drive that makes it look like a Torx.

[bigbendhiker]

Try a #2 Robertson (square head) I had problems with mine until if found out it is a double cut square drive that makes it look like a Torx.

I have a set of Kobalt (Lowes) bit drivers and mine also took a square head driver attachment to remove the screws. It works fine without stripping the heads of the screws.

[roadinspector]

Try a #2 Robertson (square head) I had problems with mine until if found out it is a double cut square drive that makes it look like a Torx.

I have a set of Kobalt (Lowes) bit drivers and mine also took a square head driver attachment to remove the screws. It works fine without stripping the heads of the screws.

BIG HELP! That makes complete sense now that I think about it. I ran across those once years ago but I've slept since then. I got a couple of square drive but I'll swing by Ace on the way home and pick up a couple #2 drivers to make sure. These got to be stainless screws so my drivers go before the screw does. They laugh at a chisels, punches and visegrips. Thanks again!!
Earnest

[roadinspector]

Update: i got the floor and ramp painted with the Rustoleum epoxy paint Friday morning early. Kinda trailer related but IS vacation related, I replaced the stator, rotor, voltage regulator, primary chain and adjuster on the bike after I painted the floor. Vacation isn't the same if the bike isn't running, besides it is my daily transportation. I think the epoxy paint will serve its purpose well and will know with time how it holds up on the road. I will be watching for cracking. Saturday I started insulating. I got the roof insulated and started on the walls. Now I will read more on window installation and get that going. I haven't ever done it before so I am very grateful for the post that goes into detail about this. I can tell there really isn't that much to it but as most folks, I am apprehensive about cutting holes in the side. No room for error, just room for a change in interior design if I get it in the wrong place.
Once again thanks everybody.

Earnest

[bc toys]

The main thing about window installs is cutting between the steel studs and not over cutting the corners. It good if you can make templete to mark the holes out use ten snips or angle grinder and go slow. Its also a good thing to install pop rivets in the trim threw the side of trailer don't want to be going down the road and see window go flying or run screws all the way threw walls. I have been keeping a eye on this build you are doing great job. Oh ya use a good sealant between the window and trailer.

[DTCOOPER]

When cutting the hole for my exterior receptacle, I found teh plasma cutter is a dream come true.. I originalyl wasn't going to install any windows, due to me being reluctant to cut the skin with a saw.. But the plasma set on about 15 amps, makes as smooth of a cut as my steady hands will allow ! I now plan to install a small porthole window on each side up pretty high. (To avoid peeping toms. LOL)

[roadinspector]

The main thing about window installs is cutting between the steel studs and not over cutting the corners. It good if you can make templete to mark the holes out use ten snips or angle grinder and go slow. Its also a good thing to install pop rivets in the trim threw the side of trailer don't want to be going down the road and see window go flying or run screws all the way threw walls. I have been keeping a eye on this build you are doing great job. Oh ya use a good sealant between the window and trailer.

bctoys,
My trailer is not one of the better built rigs. The studs are on 24" not 16" as prefered. Two of my windows are 24" and will fit between the z studs. The only trimming on the stud is I need to do is remove the interior portion z that the 3/8 plywood attaches to. Are you saying It would be better to shift the window one way or the other and remove a portion of a stud? Then frame it out or would the way I got it directly between two studs be better. That seems better to me but you have more experience with this than me. I have 3/4" selftapping stainless screws to attach the windows to the frame. I also have RV Butyl Tape for the sealer. It has worked well in the RVs I have been around for almost 30 yrs. It was used on the windows I just removed from my donor trailer & it was still plyable and doing its job. Hadn't thought about tinsnips. THANKS. I was going to use my saber saw. I like that idea better.

When cutting the hole for my exterior receptacle, I found teh plasma cutter is a dream come true.. I originalyl wasn't going to install any windows, due to me being reluctant to cut the skin with a saw.. But the plasma set on about 15 amps, makes as smooth of a cut as my steady hands will allow ! I now plan to install a small porthole window on each side up pretty high. (To avoid peeping toms. LOL)

DTCOOPER,
A plasma cutter would be nice to have. I run a po-man operation here. As far as peeping toms go, I really feel sorry for someone that is desperate enough to peek in on an old man that has a .45 1911 on his belt or under his pillow and a saiga shotgun in the corner.
Earnest

[roadinspector]

Well I cut a 24"x35" hole in the side of my CT. The window actually fit the hole! It has been 100+ lately. The build is going slow. Hopefull tomorrow I can get the window installed after work. Depends on the temp. Thanks guys for all the info & assistance.

Earnest

[roadinspector]

I will try to make time to get some pictures posted sometime this weekend. So far the CT is now insulated, windows in, and the floor painted. Hopefully I can get a lot of work done this weekend. I will be putting up 1X4 length ways down the roof to support the insulation and give something better to attach my ceiling material to at a later date. Put the plywood walls back in, install the 110-12v converter, breaker box/fuse panel, lights and a switch that I pulled out of my donor trailer. It will be in a temp location for this trip. I am scheduled for vacation in two weeks and just want it to have some basics. I will still have lots to do later when I have more time. I will be using an oil bath radiant heater if the nights get cold. It won't be getting warm enough to need an AC unit. Thanks for everyones help from all the CTs that are here. Whether you commented or not, I learned something from everyone.

Earnest

[roadinspector]

Finally got some up loaded.
Epoxy floor.
Windows installed
Insulation completed and walls going back in.
Electric port installed.

Tommorow I will install 1x4 supports for the ceiling insulation and run my electric.

Earnest

[roadinspector]

I finished my walls and got the 1x4s installed on the ceiling this afternoon. I didn't get the electric ran but it shouldn't take long (famous last words) since it is basic for this trip. No need for battery install yet, camping area has electric. I am using the 110-12v converter & breaker/fuse box out of my donor trailer. Wiring needs for this trip is just 3 110 outlets, 1 for converter, 1 for refrigerator and another to keep the wife happy. I am using 12v lighting. 1 exterior and 2 double and 1 single bulb interior. I am basing my build around what I can rob from my donor trailer. It may not be 100% the way I prefer. But I have to keep my building OCD in check and remember I am on a serious budget and use what I have to work with. It will serve our purpose very well and be comfortable.

It was a good weekend. I'm tard!! Gonna have to go back to work tomorrow to get some rest.
Earnest

[Smartin436]

Lookin Good!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!