Pleasant Valley Rebuild-take 2

[Phillyboi]

Hi everyone! Well a year ago I let the fear get to me! But I am now ready to re-start this rebuild of a 2004 Pleasant Valley teardrop.

I saved the rear hatch, the doors and the roof vent. We also saved one of the sidewalls so we could use it to trace a profile.

The rest we tore up. And I have to tell you, what a piece of junk this thing was! No wonder they went out of business!

And I'm not talking agre-related issues. I'm talking plain old construction. The framing looked like it was cobbled together from whatever they had lying around!!!

Underneath the fiberglass roof???? Cardboard!!!!

Anyway enough griping!

Here we go! Trailer dimensions are 46.5"w x78" long.

Was going to go buy marine ply, but it was a two hour drive and nearly $100 per sheet! So I got some good quality 3/4" birch that I plan to waterproof the hell out of!

So anyone with any helpful hints???

One big question I have is how to finish the exterior. Gel coat? High quality auto paint? Or should I skin it in Pre-painted aluminum???

(I don't like that retro wood look on either the inside or outside. Sorry!

[AceMan]

Wishing the best on the rebuild. I guess one has to put the anger and disappointment aside and look towards the learning process of the rebuild. I am sure you will feel good when you have completed the project. Many people here will be glad to answer questions and give encouragement.

[Phillyboi]

Lol. Hope so!!!! I know I was pretty disappointed when I picked it up and after one trip from Cleveland to Philly and one trip to New England, the damn thing fell apart!

And, despite all the posts I read, this new one is going to be SOOOO freakin overbuilt, I could tow it behind a sub and the inside will stay dry!!! Lol.

Just a heads up though. One of the waterproofing solutions I was hoping would work was that new Never Wet stuff that rustoleum put out.

Bought some and sprayed it on some white AirMax's I just bought thinking it would help me keep them white!

After wearing these sneakers for just two days, it already started peeling off. I think I followed the directions pretty well!

Oh well. #nottoodurable

[Phillyboi]

Well we finished cleaning up the old frame and got it all painted up so it looks almost like new.

I wanted to get marine grade 3/4" plywood but I had to drive 2 hours just to get it and, with this being our first one and all, I figured the bigger risk was screwing up cutting the sides! Figured a local purchase might be better so I got some really nice 3/4" birch at Close's in Olean ny.

So a couple questions are on the table.

1). Has anyone tried that new Seal Once lifetime waterproofer for wood? Seems like good stuff. They say that it penetrates up to 3/8". And at about $65 per gallon, not really that expensive

2). I really want a modern look. Who knows, I might be able to sell one or two to some kids if it looks "cool" enough. Seems like the new thing for cars is stretch adhesive vinyl? Anyone try this yet?

3). The other debate is whether to keep the old "pleasant valley" side profile or to update it to the modernaire design I like better. The advantage to the pleasant valley design is that the rear hatch area isnt curved. How hard is that curves rear hatch to build?

Any help would be appreciated.