The Crab Needs A New Shell--Any Ideas?

[Podunkfla]

What about this stuff?

http://www.denverfabrics.com/Merchant2/ ... t_Count=13

It says not for marine applications, but it says automotive. I'm so confused.

Jim in Savannah used the diamond plate vinyl, but that wouldn't go with my TD at all.

JIM WHERE DID YOU BUY THAT STUFF SO I CAN LOOK FOR SIMILAR?

Hey Ira... Something else you might consider is wood grained Formica (or other brands of high pressure laminates). Darker colors will fade some but it does hold up quite well outdoors. A lot better than varnished wood anyway.

[Ira]

What about this stuff?

http://www.denverfabrics.com/Merchant2/ ... t_Count=13

It says not for marine applications, but it says automotive. I'm so confused.

Jim in Savannah used the diamond plate vinyl, but that wouldn't go with my TD at all.

JIM WHERE DID YOU BUY THAT STUFF SO I CAN LOOK FOR SIMILAR?

Hey Ira... Something else you might consider is wood grained Formica (or other brands of high pressure laminates). Darker colors will fade some but it does hold up quite well outdoors. A lot better than varnished wood anyway.

Formica for outdoors? Is that a different grade I would buy?

That's enticing, since Formica has so many cool pattterns.

Tell me MORE!!!

Not expensive, either.

[elmo]

Hmmmm...... yes...tell us more!!!

[Ira]

Hmmmm...... yes...tell us more!!!

Gee, too bad you're going to have to deal with the adhering to Durabak issue, whereas I DON'T.

Just busting your chops--I'm gonna have the same aggaravations trying to adhere it to a varnished surface.

I say we just both use horsehoe nails for good adherance to our effed up substrates.

[elmo]

Hmmmm...... yes...tell us more!!!

Gee, too bad you're going to have to deal with the adhering to Durabak issue, whereas I DON'T.

Just busting your chops--I'm gonna have the same aggaravations trying to adhere it to a varnished surface.

I say we just both use horsehoe nails for good adherance to our effed up substrates.

So I will maybe have to use a little more glue...it will help with leaks later...with my luck with teardrops that should hold me off for a month or so!

[Podunkfla]

The Wilsonart laminate site says:
"Sunlight - Prolonged exposure to the direct rays of the sun may cause your Wilsonart® surface to fade or yellow. For this reason, Wilsonart® decorative laminates and metals are not recommended for use out of doors or in direct sunlight. Direct sunlight can also open laminate joins. Always ensure joins are not placed in direct sunlight or exposed to heat producing appliances such as kettles or frypans"

I few years ago I built a small utility trailer for hauling my tools... basic plywood box with a slightly curved top. I had some plastic laminate left over from restaurant jobs, so it was free. I glued it to the sides with some Henry's vinyl baseboard glue I also had left over. I covered the edges with aluminum counter top edging bedded in butyl rubber caulk. It held up very well for about 5 years and never leaked. the color faded a little bit over time, but not all that much. It was a golden oak colored Wilsonart and white on top. All I ever did was wax it like I did my truck. I sold it to another guy that does trim work on new houses... far as I know he still has it.

Today I would use PL Urethane caulk, but back then butyl rubber was what they used for van conversion windows and skylights... so I used it. I think as long as the edges are sealed well it will hold up well outdoors. They even make some cool metalic colors now that look like metal. I haven't tried them yet outdoors... but I've been thinking about it.

The three brands I use are Pionite, Wilsonart and Formica
(listed 123 in price I have found)

[Ira]

I think Wilsonart is the brand that HD carries, right? Down here anyway.

But what do you mean by this?

"It was a golden oak colored Wilsonart and white on top."

[Podunkfla]

I think Wilsonart is the brand that HD carries, right? Down here anyway.

But what do you mean by this?

"It was a golden oak colored Wilsonart and white on top."

Yeah, I think so... about $60. a sheet here... sometimes cheaper on sale.
The laminate I used on the sides looked like light golden oak wood. I used basic white laminate on the top.

[caseydog]

My experience with Formica and Wilsonart outdoors has not been good.

The auto/marine vinyl is excellent for outdoors. Just wipe some vinyl protectant on it from time-to-time, and it will last many years.

You lue it on the same way you glue down Formica.

I got it in the past from an Auto-Trim supply shop in Dallas. I'm sure you can find it online.


BTW, for those with wood tops, what would happen if you coverd the finished wood with Clear Shield -- the stuff they put on cars to protect from chips?

I need to start a thread on this.

CD

[halfdome, Danny]

Ed Ester of Seattle has used high gloss plastic laminate (plam) on a few of his tears on the sides with good results, I saw another one this weekend. He also used Wilsonart anodized metal ( it's real I've cut lots of it ) on the sides of his latest tear #42. He uses stainless steel exclusively on the roof since it's resistant to staining. Those fancy laminate metals are really for decorative purposes, they scratch easily, but if you garage your tear I think it would hold up for a long time. Danny

[halfdome, Danny]

Here's a couple applications of laminate metal. The tear next to mine is Ed's ( the one on the right) and the sides are laminate metal and the roof is stainless steel. The counter top picture is of Doug's 1957 Shasta interior. He did a beautiful job on that interior. Danny

[Woody]

I hate ta say it ifi'n ya brought it over like I told ya in the first place. Ya wouldn't have the water damage to contend with when covered with a roof. And it was for free

[Jiminsav]

Ira, I got that stuff from http://yourautotrim.com
it's a ebay store, and they have tons of different vinyls.
I keep mine in the yard and so far, no problems.
(knocking on my head)

[Podunkfla]

Here's a couple applications of laminate metal. The tear next to mine is Ed's ( the one on the right) and the sides are laminate metal and the roof is stainless steel. The counter top picture is of Doug's 1957 Shasta interior. He did a beautiful job on that interior. Danny

Danny... That really does look good. Any more pix of his build around? I figured other folks had used the stuff before. That metal in the galley looks great.

[halfdome, Danny]

Here you go Brick, the other end (interior) of that 1957 Shasta. Danny