Lifting roof XPStream - Almost Finished!

[OP827]

It was tough on mine. 9' tall and 7.5' wide. I did it off of laders

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Your paint job was obviously much more challenging. My roof is only 2-3 feet high and not as wide as yours. Did you put ladders over the roof to have support and to reach the middle, how did you sequence the spraying to help with wet edge, or you just put down enough material and then cut and buff?

I basically sprayed to the center nice and wet and then went around to the other side to pick it back up. Then I sanded and buffed it. Yours will be much easier. I also adjusted the fan on the gun to a straighter spray in order to reach. Once you get to laying it down you'll see what I mean.

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So you "pushed to the middle and then jumped to the other side and "pulled" the coating towards yourself? Did you go the full length of the roof? I am afraid to rub the side of the roof and damage the clear in that case. I know what you mean about changing the fan from flat to round, the gun starts to shot much longer distance, but should be moving really fast to avoid runs. Thanks for the pointers Michael.

[Atomic77]

Yep you'll get it. If you can do the panels you can do the rest. I believe in you

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[OP827]

Thanks Michael!

Yep you'll get it. If you can do the panels you can do the rest. I believe in you

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[OP827]

Did a base coat on the main body today, but ran out of paint to get a good complete coverage, so will have to wait until next week when the paint is mixed for me. Also need to get some air drying gadgets for my compressor as I got water in the spray fan. An old water separator on the compressor plus disposable filter on the gun did not work as good as I hoped. Good news is I feel more confident now that I can do the whole paint job myself. Happy building!

[OP827]

Added an aftercooler (Ford F-150 AC condenser from auto recycle) between pump and tank to my air compressor. The setup is looking somewhat crude as I used wood and screws, but it does work like a champ and it only took me a day to build. I was really surprised how effective it is and very happy to say goodbye to water condensate in my air lines, spray gun and other air tools. I found the idea on the web, it makes a huge difference for a spray painting.
Compressed air is cool and dry now. Getting ready to paint, looking for a good weather.

[OP827]

I finished coating main body and roof last weekend on Saturday. Then it rained overnight and all next day. The front and sides are looking good, the roof top is ok, it is coated and protected so I will call it good enough for the first time ever I did two stage automotive painting. There were some bugs stuck to the clear coat and I learned that it is best not to touch them until the clear coat has hardened. In the end, it is a trailer, not a show room car. Next is side walls finish which I will decide on design paint once I fit everything back on the main body. I like how sharp the flat black trim color looks with the gloss white color together. Cheers.

[Nodrog]

OP- That is turning out beautiful! I can't see the few little bugs from here! Verry nice! -- Nodrog

[Philip]

Looking good.

[twisted lines]

I like how sharp the flat black trim color looks with the gloss white color together. Cheers.

Me too! looking forward to assembled pictures

[OP827]

Thanks guys. Here are the assembled pictures.
There was a thick evening dew and dust on the clear coat so it looks a little bit better in reality than on these pictures.
Installed LED lights, door locks, front window and walls (no pictures yet).
Things left to do:
- 12vdc and 120vac internal wiring,
- some interior finishes,
- windows stays, latches, bug screens,
- cushions, mattress, and of course curtains.

[Atomic77]

I have enjoyed this build from the start! It's an interesting build with fine craftsmanship! I knew you could do the paint. Looks great!

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[OP827]

I have enjoyed this build from the start! It's an interesting build with fine craftsmanship! I knew you could do the paint. Looks great!
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Thank you Michael!

[joshuag]

This is such a wonderful build! Thanks for sharing it

[OP827]

This is such a wonderful build! Thanks for sharing it

Thank you, Joshua! All the best with your version of foldable travel machine and I am interested to see your design and build process!

[OP827]

I am still searching for windows stays and latch solution for my homemade windows.
I did not like the stays I purchased due to their bulkiness. The purchased stays did not fit within the window cavity and protruded inside creating some issues with folding design.

Below is one of my fabricated prototypes. I started with my smallest window to see how it works.
Window stay is a sliding t-bolt with a flat bar retainer on the side. Window can be fixed in any position by sliding and turning the knob to tighten the t-bolt.
Seems to work and relatively simple to make out of flat and angle aluminium. Did not need a metal milling machinery, a table saw and a router with some jigs can cut aluminium without issues.
The window is hinged with two small hinges on top, window stay is on the side and turn latches on each lower corner. Window screen will be fixed inside by Velcro or magnets, to be removable for opening and closing the window.
Let me know what you think of it or if you have other or better ideas to share.



EDIT 10-Jan-2020:
Finished making window stays. Picture below is a manufactured window stay on the left vs homemade one on the right. Plan to install them tomorrow. More pictures later.