Wanderlust Build Thread - Updates after two years!

[parnold]

That picture window is going to be awesome!! I'm not gonna lie.... I'm jealous!

36.00 on ebay! I still can't believe the deal I got on the windows and hatches.


I just picked up this "First-Up" from Wally World for 97.00.



I don't know if you can see it in this picture, but the top is vented.



My tarp leaks, and we're expecting rain so I put it up over my build. The frame is heavy, and it feels like it will last for years if it isn't blown away. I have it well anchored on all four corners.

[absolutsnwbrdr]

Tell you what Paul - Wallyworld camping gear is pretty inexpensive but it still seems to last a long while! I have tents from there that are probably going on 7 or 8 seasons with minimal wear! I'll probably be getting one of these First-ups too! Let me know how you like it in a few weeks!

[parnold]

One other side note on the First-Up. I had my son help, but it is doable with only one person, you just have to walk around it and stretch out the frame a little at a time. You would have to put it up where you want it though, I don't think one person could safely move it. I'd be afraid of the frame twisting if I tried to move it by myself.

As you can see, the tear can be easily moved under the canopy once it is up. The legs have three height adjustment, and I have mine set on the lowest setting, without running back outside, I think the other two are at 6 inch intervals. I'm 5'9" and at the lowest setting, I barely ducked to get under it.

[parnold]

Today the weather was perfect, and I had a helper.. got quite a bit done.

Started putting the skin on.....


The front curve went very well, I had actually had the panel strapped all night long so it had a pre curve to it. I had a little more trouble with the back panel, since the radius was much smaller, had to use the old "hot" towel trick.


I had the same small radius above the hatch opening, so soaked the towel again...


Some of the very outer layer was damaged, but the panel did not split, I was able to sand this off and make it relatively smooth.


And the first coat of polyester resin applied.


the back view.....


Tomorrow before Easter dinner I will get out the body filler and fill the screw holes and imperfections. I decided that the body filler would adhere better to the polyester resin than the wood. Then a light sanding and 2nd coat of resin. I almost wish I didn't have to go to the family gathering tomorrow.

[John T. Hodgen]

Paul..that's looking great I think on my next one instead of the cheap luan, I'll go with the subfloor luan, the kind with the pattern on the back. I believe its alittle thicker and better quality. I have a few issues with some delaminating but I'll try to fix that. Moisture and luan just seems to cause problems. I can't wait to see those windows and hatch cover in!!
Til later by the fire--John T & Linda

[Miriam C.]

Good job! I think you might be camping soon!

[Rlowell]

Paul, You are coming right along!!!! Thanks for sharing your build with us. We look forward to further results...Great job.
Rod

P.S. Happy Easter Everyone.

[DasBaldGuy]

...And the first coat of polyester resin applied...

Nice (and fast) work! I'll be watching this one for updates on the PolyResin. I too plan to do the entire exterior surface of mine in Poly Resin.

Rock on!

[parnold]

I spent 7 hours today working on the tear, about 2 applying body filler to fill all the screw holes, 5 hours of sanding, sanding, sanding, sanding......



by the way.. sanding is not fun!

After the sanding about another hour putting on second coat of polyester resin. I'm using a 4" foam roller so it lays with a somewhat eggshell finish.



I will give the entire tear another light sanding, hopefully tomorrow, and one or two more coats of resin. The can says you can put it on up to 1/4" thick. That would be about 10 coats or more using a roller. It's taking me two batches of resin to do the whole trailer. The resin starts setting up before I can do the whole thing.

Luckily, I have a painters scale, so I'm able to measure the ratio (2%) with extreme accuracy.

I can almost smell the first campfire! (or is that my neighbor's wood burner?)

[parnold]

By the way, I really would like to thank everyone for the words of encouragement, and all the compliments! It really helps to keep the enthusiasm up!!!!!!

[Ageless]

Parnold; put the resin in the fridge. It will take longer to set-up

[John T. Hodgen]

Sooooo Paul,
Looking great With all the work that you did today was you still able to get in the family gathering? I like how its coming along!!!
Til later by the fire--John T. & Linda

[parnold]

With all the work that you did today was you still able to get in the family gathering?

I spent a very nice afternoon at my brother's home. Got to see all the little kiddies (my brother and sister are both grandparents), and even used my brother's computer to log into mikenchell.com to show off my build...

[Rlowell]

With all the work that you did today was you still able to get in the family gathering?

I spent a very nice afternoon at my brother's home. Got to see all the little kiddies (my brother and sister are both grandparents), and even used my brother's computer to log into mikenchell.com to show off my build...

Keep up the good work there Paul!
Looking real good from the "O" town
Rod

[absolutsnwbrdr]

Looks like its a race to the finish for us Paul! Its really looking great! I'm getting almost excited to see yours finished as I am my own!