"Whetzeldorf" compact camper

[prohandyman]

After seeing a huge amount of interest in the Metzendorf, we have decided to build a similar design, same size, and similar amenities. Starting with a used pop-up frame, we will cut and re-weld as neccesary to approximate the Metzendorf design. The springs will be leaf as with the original, but with modern 5 bolt hubs, as 6 bolt would be too difficult to find. The Metz is 76" wide, 98" long (body), 76" from ground to top height, has a drop floor, front kitchen, 48" wide bed, birch cabinets, all gas appliances, and 110 volt power. Although the windows won't be exact copies, the overall appearance will be close. All aluminum exterior over ply walls and stick built roof with vent. The following pics show the demolition of the pretty rotten 1994 Rockwood pop-up, which has given the owners a good amount of use. It will supply the title, frame, mattresses, power converter, roof vent, LP furnace, Ice box, sink, outlets, lights, step, plywood for floor, gas lines, curtains, spare tire and a few minor items.


teardown started...................................................................... teardown complete

[prohandyman]

Here we have cut the frame to size, re-welded the drop floor area, and laid the floor on temporarily and ready to cut to size. The drop floor opening has been welded in and ready to be boxed. Plastic fender wells also re-used from pop-up. Plywood is also from the pop-up, and was the platform the mattresses laid on.

[Martiangod]

Good start, and LOTS of parts from the PT.
Should be a great project to follow

[prohandyman]

Walls mocked up


Step welded back in


Floors primed for paint

[PcHistorian]

interior shots of originals
http://www.tincantourists.com/wiki/doku.php?id=metzendorf#models

[PcHistorian]

I just saw a page of RV'ers who bought some originals and want restoration help. so I sent them here, figuring we build from scratch. someone here might want to help or do the restoration.
http://www.rvusa.com/forum/vbulletin/sh ... mper/page2

[prohandyman]

Latest progress... Door in is
Furnace
Bed
Drop floor

[PcHistorian]

please excuse my great ignorance, but the purpose of the drop floor? (easier to pull your pants up? I know I wish for a few more inches height in mine... )

All looks fantastic. I hope I get to meet it on the road some time.
:-)

[prohandyman]

Yes I assume it is just for a little more head room. It is the same as the '57 Metzendorf.

[droid_ca]

are you following some sort of plan as that is a cool looking profile from what I can see of it

[PcHistorian]

what holds the floor of the drop floor in place? is there a 2x12 or something that is the bottom of the drop floor? Are the walls of that drop floor 1x12's? I hope you have that a bit wider than your foot is long. People are advising me to build in dormers next time I open the roof. So that's something I am curious about with your drop floor. Extra sub-structures.

How long do you figure to take with the electrical and plumbing stuff? Weather is breaking early, although it is going back down to the 40's early next week. You've probably got a day or two before it gets cold again, too cold to paint outside.

Oh, and that looks like an awful lot of heater for something so tiny. Are you insulating much?

[prohandyman]

No plan, other than the '57 Metz I have as a template. I am calling it a modern version of the Metz. Obviously things like windows, doors, some hardware, etc. are not exact copies. This one will not have water or cooking amenities. Most of the small campers I have rebuilt for customers have had the water and stove items removed. It seems most people do not want to prepare food in them. We sorta agree as we use our teardrop more than the other 4 campers we own.
As far as the drop floor, I boxed in the opening with frame material, welded angle iron "legs" in each corner for the drop, angle iron horizontally along the bottom edges, then attached 3/4" ply as a floor, 1/2" ply as sides, painted and under-coated the whole affair. It is approx. 1" above the bottom of the axle for clearance. I think the dimensions are something like 21" x 36". The electrical won't take long, wired the converter and furnace yesterday, and a couple of circuits for the fridge and outlets. Cabinets are now framed.


'57 Metz cabinets

You can see the cabinets and the stove/fridge. Deleted the stove cabinet and moved the fridge under front cabinets. The furnace in this one is under the closet with the mirrored door on the right.

Yes furnace is a little big...12,000 btu I think. It came from the donor pop-up, so they are sized a little bigger for the canvas sides. But it has a thermostat so it can be set for whatever temp you like. Currently deciding on where to put the a/c. maybe under the bed with a drip tray for condensate.

[Martiangod]

Trailers lookin great so far
Profile looks good

[prohandyman]

Latest pic of interior. Cabinet done and painted, counter-top next. Did a similar technique to the early Scotty's with splatter paint.

[prohandyman]

Interior coming along. Painted, ceiling in, lights, Trying to decide on this countertop...had some left over from another build.


Stove positioned on side, as it was on the donor pop-up, for outside cooking. It slides on a bracket, and the hose has a quick-connect so it can be removed for transport.