DD, on the road to LCG

[StPatron]

Shaun: My goal is to attend LCG in October. Seems far away now but you know how time flies. I'm having the same thoughts as you on the benefits of a lighter color, even though I have a/c.

Tom: Digital camo it will be for the sidewalls, the first test was using a similar weave piece of scrap material. I hesitated to take a snip from the digital camo fabric, didn't want to come up short. I've measured the fabric on the bolt three times. A variation of that old saying, "Measure twice, cut once."

Jody: I plan to apply several coats of Helmsman poly over the epoxy once it's cured. About the only downside to epoxy resin is that it doesn't have UV protection. It will yellow with age as you've noticed.

Thanks guys for your continued support, encouragement and advice. I appreciate it very much!

[StPatron]

On schedule, my fiberglass tape arrived today. I ordered 3" width x 50 feet from Chesapeake Light Craft, a supplier of items for boat building. The tape is much easier to use vs. cutting strips, no raveled edges to deal with.



In preparation for the tape, I had applied one layer of epoxy and let cure for 24 hrs. A fresh layer was added and a 4 ft. strip of tape was applied. Slight adjustments to get it straight and smooth.

Then, a layer of epoxy resin was brushed onto the tape to wet it out. Followed by gentle use of the plastic Bondo spreader.


View from top

[jkidd6339]

Lookin good Gary

I think you'll make your goal.

[StPatron]

I've been struggling with the cloth/epoxy laminate process. Attempting to apply this surface treatment on a vertical surface has proven to be foolhardy. Add to that the challenge of making cosmetic improvements to the blistering areas and it has become time to shift gears. Einstein defined it, "Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results."

There are areas of the cloth/epoxy laminate that turned out like what I had hoped for, but I've not been able to achieve a consistent surface. Hate to cover some of it up.




With a good base layer of epoxied wood, I considered a paint job. I'm thinking that will be the plan for the roof, but the sides? How about cedar strip planking with a thick epoxy coat? Yeah,, that'll work!



Tom (Aggie79) is now even more spot-on with his comment about DD being known for it's cedar strip look. Now, will there be a name change? Dumpster Stripper? Stripper Dumpster Diner? Dumpster Diner Stripper?

109 heat index today, umpteen days in a row now. Makes it tough but LCG remains the goal.

[jkidd6339]

That is going to be a beautiful piece of work. I can't wait to see the finish applied and how it turns out.

[aggie79]

With a good base layer of epoxied wood, I considered a paint job. I'm thinking that will be the plan for the roof, but the sides? How about cedar strip planking with a thick epoxy coat? Yeah,, that'll work!



Tom (Aggie79) is now even more spot-on with his comment about DD being known for it's cedar strip look. Now, will there be a name change? Dumpster Stripper? Stripper Dumpster Diner? Dumpster Diner Stripper?

Gary,

I like the camo look, but a cedar stripper will be stunning!

I'll have to give the name a thought. After hearing "stripper" none of the the first images that came to mind - brass pole, mirrors, tassles, dollar bills folded lengthwise - seemed appropriate for a camper. Have to give that some more thought.

109 heat index today, umpteen days in a row now. Makes it tough but LCG remains the goal.

I wimped out yesterday, but am getting ready to hit the garage now. 92 degrees at 11:00 am

Take care,
Tom

[aggie79]

Hi Gary,

We haven't heard from you in awhile, and I was wondering how the Dumpster Diner is coming along. If you're like me, the heat has really sapped my energy.

Take care,
Tom

[droid_ca]

I love the name Dumpster Stripper cause you think something dirty and not beautiful like the trailer you have created and it's a play on words

[StPatron]

Thanks guys. I've had some health problems that kept me out of the shop for most of July but the last few days have been good. Hope to get more done today even in the scorching temps. 104 now (noon).

Since I last posted, I've ripped about a brazillion board feet of cedar fence pickets into thin strips and applied them. DD's sidewalls are now completely covered in cedar. The epoxy really brings out the grain nicely.



One window is installed, the other one goes in today. I really had to wrestle with the first window, hope the second goes better.



The curbside wall is almost done, except for the door. I got the doorlock installed yesterday but am undecided on the door covering. Streetside needs sanding and epoxy on remaining 2/3rds. Here's a pic of curbside work in progress:



Stay cool, Tom. And, be sure and drink lots of beverages!

[S. Heisley]

That wood strip siding looks really, really nice! I can hardly wait to see more!

[jkidd6339]

Gary
That is going to look really nice. Have you considered a couple of pontoons down the side of the trailer should look real good at Powell.

[grizz]

Glad you are better Gary.

The strips look great.

I know how much work a few strips are, so you have really dne well there.

[forestfrog]

Very nice!!

We've been considering doing something similar on our 6'x12' standy build, with slightly wider strips.

I hope to get an 'in person' look at your build at LCG!!

[StPatron]

A big thanks to everyone for your compliments and comments, I really appreciate it. My apologies for my delayed response. Debuting DD at LCG is looking more favorable each day, fingers crossed. I'm looking forward to seeing everyone.

Progress has been slow lately, but I got a nice break in the weather and took advantage of it. Sorry, no slick finished camper pics yet. Still a ways to go.

I had some cream-colored exterior paint and did a test on a hatch rib. This color just doesn't work for me. That's ok, it's now become the primer. I'm leaning towards gloss black.


Electrical cover plate installed


Clearance light


After sanding, Bondo, cussing, more sanding and more cussing I decided that the areas where flexed plywood met were never going to look smooth. What to do? What to do? My old fallback plan, cover it with cedar strips and turn it into a..... design element. This design is on the front panel, the hatch and also repeated on the door. Slathered with lotza epoxy on the sanded bevel edges, hopefully the rain will not collect.


Hatch nearing completion.

[S. Heisley]

These "little" projects seem to have a life of their own, with we builders as their 'servants'. You're doing a good job, Gary.

...Looking forward to the next update!