Nebraska Barn Find - 1946 Sportsman

[Gage]

I might add that to do it right it's going to take some time so don't get in a hurry and set a finish date and then start taking short cuts to meet that date. And it's all right to step away from it for a few weeks at a time if you don't think you’re getting anywhere. You've gotten some good advice from those that know. So take notes and run with it. And don't be afraid to ask one of us a question or two.

[mezmo]

By all means restore it ! You'll be living out the ultimate
dream of a vintage trailer enthusiast to do so. A complete trailer
barn find ! Rob's resto is proof enough that you have that kind
of diamond in the rough. "Repolish" it back to its beauty.

Cheers,
Norm/mezmo

[Todah Tear]

Great fine! She's a beaut!

Todah

[atahoekid]

I am so glad to hear that you've decided to clean it up and restore it. I've been looking for a project too. Unfortunately, I have one big obstacle. If I find one, I have no where to restore it. My driveway needs to stay clear, since I can't park on the street, my garage isn't big enough and I can't get something like that to my back yard. Good Luck on it and I will be looking on in envy. Cheers!

[cryptojones]

I am so glad to hear that you've decided to clean it up and restore it. I've been looking for a project too. Unfortunately, I have one big obstacle. If I find one, I have no where to restore it. My driveway needs to stay clear, since I can't park on the street, my garage isn't big enough and I can't get something like that to my back yard. Good Luck on it and I will be looking on in envy. Cheers!

Funny you should say that. My garage is big enough to build a teardrop, but not big enough to even house the Sportsman. My plan is to find a large storage area or hanger to use.

[cryptojones]

I might add that to do it right it's going to take some time so don't get in a hurry and set a finish date and then start taking short cuts to meet that date. And it's all right to step away from it for a few weeks at a time if you don't think you’re getting anywhere. You've gotten some good advice from those that know. So take notes and run with it. And don't be afraid to ask one of us a question or two.

I agree. My biggest concern is I have ZERO experience in sheet metals (or any metals for that matter.) All of my experience is in Wood, Foam, Fiberglass and Resins. My first thought was just to make it fiberglass, but after seeing how AMAZING Rob's build is, I want to keep it as original as possible.

[48Rob]

I agree. My biggest concern is I have ZERO experience in sheet metals (or any metals for that matter.) All of my experience is in Wood, Foam, Fiberglass and Resins. My first thought was just to make it fiberglass, but after seeing how AMAZING Rob's build is, I want to keep it as original as possible.

You'll be glad to know; there is no complicated metal work involved!

All the siding is simple flat sheets screwed together. The roof panels are flat sheets rivited together, and attached to the roof framing with some nails and screws.

Polishing is quite a chore, but not complicated.

Rob

[cryptojones]

I agree. My biggest concern is I have ZERO experience in sheet metals (or any metals for that matter.) All of my experience is in Wood, Foam, Fiberglass and Resins. My first thought was just to make it fiberglass, but after seeing how AMAZING Rob's build is, I want to keep it as original as possible.

You'll be glad to know; there is no complicated metal work involved!

All the siding is simple flat sheets screwed together. The roof panels are flat sheets rivited together, and attached to the roof framing with some nails and screws.

Polishing is quite a chore, but not complicated.

Rob

Is that the original metal on your restore? It looks SOOOO shiney. There are pretty big gashes in mine. I wonder if it would be worth it to just take the pieces in to a metal shop and get new ones cut.

[dmb90260]

Is that the original metal on your restore? It looks SOOOO shiney. There are pretty big gashes in mine. I wonder if it would be worth it to just take the pieces in to a metal shop and get new ones cut.

If you are going that route I believe you can find metal siding that is "pre-polished" Naturally it will carry a premium price too.

[cryptojones]

Is that the original metal on your restore? It looks SOOOO shiney. There are pretty big gashes in mine. I wonder if it would be worth it to just take the pieces in to a metal shop and get new ones cut.

If you are going that route I believe you can find metal siding that is "pre-polished" Naturally it will carry a premium price too.

My boss says there are plenty of shops around here that can restore metal cheaply. I like the idea of keeping as many original parts as possible.

[48Rob]

Yes, it is the original aluminum.

It has some dings and deep scratches in it, that are visible, but I was going for original exterior.

New metal would be really nice if you can afford it, though the old windows and trim might look bad against the new, and before you know it, you'll have a fortune in it.

If you have shops locally that will polish the siding for you inexpensively, that would be the route to go.
I'm capable, but I'll never polish another one, it is just too much effort.

Rob

[cryptojones]

Yes, it is the original aluminum.

It has some dings and deep scratches in it, that are visible, but I was going for original exterior.

New metal would be really nice if you can afford it, though the old windows and trim might look bad against the new, and before you know it, you'll have a fortune in it.

If you have shops locally that will polish the siding for you inexpensively, that would be the route to go.
I'm capable, but I'll never polish another one, it is just too much effort.

Rob

Just as a test I took a dremmel and polishing compiund and in no time at all the skin looked amazing!!

[Junkboy999]

he heheh. boy, that's gonna take a long time. Reminds me of Homer Simpson cutting his while lawn with a weed wacker.


Great find BTW GL looks like a fun project.

[pchast]

goon excuse to buy a 7" variable speed buffer.



Its a good project when you can buy a new tool!

[SuperShady1]

RESTORE ....RESTORE!!!!