The Astroliner

[Atomic77]

Isn't that the truth?! She's easy on the eyes and has a deep skillset... I knew I made a good choice way before... but this project confirms it!


And she says thanks, KC...

[Atomic77]

Thanks guys. The filler I use (and its all I use) is 3M Premium Filler. ...

Thanks for the info Michael. Is it this stuff - http://www.westmarine.com/buy/3m--marine-premium-filler--P004_120_005_002?

I actually mis-spoke. I use 3M Platinum Filler 01171. There is also a Platinum Plus but it's not recommended for wood. The link you posted is for Marine use, which is designed for boat hulls that remain in constant submersion. It's super hard to sand and it's also about $200 per gal. TCP Global has the Platinum for around $45. (Still about double the price of a gallon of Bondo.) If you read the data sheets, you'll see one of the characteristics is "Adhesion Promoted Formulation." This is why we use it for wood on a regular basis.

Here's the 3M link:

http://3mspraysolutions.com/products/fi ... 01171.html

[KCStudly]

Nice to have eager and skilled help. Keep digging, she's looking good.

To be politically correct, "she's looking good" was in reference to the camper, but okay, I have to agree with you, they are both easy on the eyes!

[Atomic77]

Nice to have eager and skilled help. Keep digging, she's looking good.

To be politically correct, "she's looking good" was in reference to the camper, but okay, I have to agree with you, they are both easy on the eyes!

Actually I was able to differentiate between the skilled help, (Carrie) and she, (The Astroliner). But we accept any and all complements! Thanks KC!

[Atomic77]

I'm getting the body in good shape and ready for Filon. All the seams have been filled with epoxy and the rear has been primed and is ready to accept the glue. I got the license plate area finished and all four tail lights are fitted. It was such a nice day I decided to pull her out and take a few pictures. Next weekend we finish the Filon!

[dales133]

Wooohoooo she rides!
Bet that felt good!

[Atomic77]

Yeah it did...we didn't go far and she's light as a feather!

[KCStudly]

Really looking good and making progress. Keep that train a rollin'!

[Atomic77]

[daveesl77]

SHE IS BEAUTIFUL!!! Wow, I absolutely LOVE that shape! Sweet looking tow angle too. Brilliant, just brilliant!

dave

[Atomic77]

Thanks Dave

[capnTelescope]

Very nice, Michael.

[Atomic77]

Thanks for the kind votes of confidence... It's much appreciated for sure.

Well it was a really long weekend away from home again... but until I get her watertight, I am keeping her at my brothers shop. I'm so grateful he has the space in his shop to spare for now. And because of the drive I stay down there for the weekend, so I haven't had a weekend at home in months. Which technically means I haven't had a day off in months either! But it's really been worth it... I can really see the Astroliner becoming... the Astroliner. And it's actually pretty cool. All the little details that I have imagined in my head for so long... Are becoming realities and I find myself grinning sometimes as I work on her because I am watching this "thing" come to life. From a junked out pop-up camper that was a tomato stand in it's final years, (full of rotten tomatoes and a couple hundred black walnuts) to what it's becoming now. And if I can do it then anyone who sets their mind to it can do it as well!

Anyway...

Big weekend... I got the last of the epoxy finished up. She's glued up and sealed up. All the seams are epoxied and all 12 million or so of the staple heads are as well. Since I'm not using any kind of trim on the body, (where the roof meets the walls) I concentrated on the corner edge and did some filling and shaping in preparation for the Filon. Then once it's on, I will mold the Filon on the roof, to the Filon on the walls, for a smooth, finished look without an edge moulding. Basically the Filon on the entire body will become one piece. So...it's all ready for the Filon next weekend!!! I'm still up in the air for now about gluing the entire roof or just floating it... Big decision. From previous experiences I'v seen issues because of the glue or lack thereof, if it wasn't applied properly. In fact, notice most any RV out there that has Filon on it and look down the sides. They all look lumpy to me. So I'm probably leaning towards floating with a bead of urethane on the perimeter as Dale suggested. I'm going to epoxy and mold all the edges anyway. And with windows and roof fans, I'm sure there's plenty to hold it down. Decisions, decisions. So anyway, feel free to offer your wisdom on this one. I would like to hear your thoughts...

Filon = paint. Paint = windows and doors. Windows and doors = taking her home. Race season is almost here and then the project stops until fall! So the pressure is on for me to get it ready to pull home. I guess we're in the home stretch!

[Atomic77]

Come on Filon guys... I really want to hear your two cents before I make a final decision!

[dales133]

Wish I could be more help mate but I realy don't know to much about it