Teardrops n Tiny Travel Trailers

I'd like to get this door apart to put fresh skin and a new window in it... i've taken all the screws out that I can see but I can't get it apart. Is it glued? Do I just pull it apart and try not to bend the framing of it???

Thanks in advance for your tips.

Tam

p.s. this door is to my 1972 Compact Jr.

Tam,

Yes the skin is usually held on with glue, make that really strong glue! I bent my alum frame when I pulled my skin. Next time I will probably just rebuild the entire door and just use a jig saw to cut the inner diameter out so as not to risk damaging the alum frame. The frames are hard to find and or get shipped.

Good Luck

Heath

The glue is most likely older "horse glue" not the new contact adhesive. Try a heat gun in one corner, this may loosen the glue enough to lift the metal.

Another option, try using a long metal scraper like the ones windshield repair people use to get under the window trim and cut the glue with. It looks like a long spatula but very thin with a sharp leading edge.

I would try the methods that Tom mentioned...but to add in the release of the aluminum set the door on its side and try to get mineral spirits between the layers...this stuff will break down most glues and release the grip so it should peel easily

The trick is having patience waiting for the mineral spirit to do its job...good luck.

In the early 70's some laminating type construction was done with 2 part adhesives, you might want to try a heat gun on the trim and see if that loosens it.

I just realized all the answers I got on this question! (was at the cabin without internet at the time!)

Will give this a little more attention when I get home from New England. REALLY want to save the frame and just rebuild the guts.

thanks for the help!

Tam

Tam,

I have a 1972 Compact Jr. that I am putting back together. Although my door is off at the moment, I have'nt looked at it that close yet. You might try the fiberglass RV forum (if you have not already been there). There are several Compact Jr. owners there, that have restored, or in the process of restoring their trailer. You might find a wider, more specific audience for your question. Good luck!

http://www.fiberglassrv.com/

Before


A lot further along than this picture. First coat paint! Floor, and windows mounted.

That is so cool Cliff!

Can you post a pic of the trailer frame/chassis. I'd like to see what it looks like when you get it out from under the trailer.

Can't wait to get to painting mine. Really need to re-arch the roof. Lot's of ways to do it on the Fiberglass forum. (i'm there too, but more involved in this forum)

Are you going to keep yours when done?

thanks!

tam

Frame after metal surgery, and primered.



Top reinforced with arched square tube, epoxied with fiberglass. Kept the arch on the top real nice! This should help prevent water puddles on the top.

Logo decals printed from donated artwork.


See more interior photos here.

Cliff,

You do nice work!

Rob

Rob,
Thanks for the confidence. I can't really say that I have done much yet. I feel it's all in my head. I would like to think that I know what to do, when it comes time to do it. Any little part that I have done is because I read what everyone else does, and then I copy it. ha ha. Especially on your Yuka forum. Most of my time is spent watching others like yourself do fabulous work. That's the trick right? Find someone who knows what to do then copy their skills, or at least try.

That's the trick right? Find someone who knows what to do then copy their skills, or at least try.

Yes Cliff, none of us are born with these skills.

Watch and learn from those who have learned, and if you have enough interest, and you practice and continue to consult with those who teach, one day soon a young person will come to you and ask; how do I...

You may not feel as if you've done "much", but what you've done shows you're trying hard to do it right, with no short cuts, and that deserves recognition!

Rob

Cliff...... U R SO AWESOME!

thanks so much for the pictures! you wouldn't happen to have any extra vinyl stickers wouldya?

OF COURSE I will pay ya.

i really appreciate the pics of your roof repair. do you have a roof vent to contend with? I'm considering removing my roof vent and patching in the hole, as this will be much easier to deal with re-arching the roof. (i think)

thanks again!

tam

I had to search for an old post for the info.
**********
I don't have logo plates on mine, and did have stickers made. I posted the contact info in a couple other threads if any one wanted to have the stickers made. They may still have the template file. Two stickers cost me under $20.

Jacks Print and Design
310-254-6658
info[at]jackprintandesign.com
Los Angeles, CA

Ask for Eric. Eric is familiar with the www.fiberglassrv.com forum. If you rather use your own printer with die cut capabilities, I think I can supply the PDF artwork. I only needed one sticker, but ordered one extra in case I wanted to put it on both sides. I think originally it was only on the street side.

Tam,

Did you order your logos yet?