1977 Pop Up Camper Rebuild

[KCStudly]

Maybe they don't comment because they think we're doing things right?

Yeah, I'm going with that, too!

I think another issue is that we are probably at the height of the building season, and people are so busy building and posting to there own threads. I know that I have been limiting myself to Foamies, Build Threads, Off Road (when the rare update comes along), Trailer & Chassis, and Build Techniques. Phew. Yeah, and I guess I have been tucking into the Electrical section (research, ya' know )... and occasionally Vintage Camping Equipment. Haven't been by Cast Iron lately. Well, I think I've made my point. It's busy.

Look at your number of views. Another thing, not sure if it works, is to go into your first post, do an edit and change the subject line. Then when your thread shows up with an 'unread' tag people will see that you have added new info and might be more likely to have a look, rather than just assuming that people are chit chatting or adding +1's, etc.

Sometimes I wonder if I should have bucked the system and put my Foamie build in the regular Build Threads string. It is (going to be?) a hybrid, and it is an off road (sorta) so there is crossover.

Look at me rattling on.

Anyway, you're doing fine.

[TheThom]

So, a little progress.

I painted the floor of all of the storage areas with roll on bed-liner. It's a mix of colors just because I had some leftover black from the underside.

Then I coated the remaining showing wood (the actual floor of the camper) with Varatheane floor polyurethane. All they had at the local store was gloss, which is OK.



Here's a close up of the bed-liner - I don't love the color, but it'll be in a dark storage area, so the black probably wouldn't have worked.



I bought some plastic grommets/bushings for the holes where the cables pass through the wood floor. The only local thing I could find was plastic, which will probably wear down over time. But I suppose it'll be better than having metal bushings wear on the cable.

Here's a pic:



I get excited picturing where everything will go - so I labeled a pic with what will go where. Keep in mind that both sides of the bench storage will be accessible with a fairly big door. The chuck box slot will also have a large door. I'm planning on making a custom box that will hold all of my dishes/pots/pans/utensils/etc.

[O'Shell]

Good job so far. I just tore down a Shasta to salvage parts for my build. I know that fun... I congratulate your courage in rebuilding because after my experience I know it would be a daunting task to rebuild that rotted mess. Keep up the good work. I know forums I have been a member of many different tastes of forums and KC is right. I mean sure you'll have elitists who turn their nose but you also have a large crowd of people who just enjoy the pictures and the story. So keep it coming

[aggie79]

O'Shell,

Your '77 PUCR is looking fantastic...and your pace is amazing. I think you hit the nail on the head. For most of the US, this is prime building and camping season. Folks don't have the time to keep up with the forum. Down here, it is almost getting to hot to camp (or build for that matter.)

Keep up the good work!

Take care,
Tom

[parnold]

So keep it coming

I agree! I am enjoying watching what you've done so far, and eagerly waiting for more.

[TheThom]

Thanks for the kind words. I've looked through some of your build threads and compliments from you guys mean a lot!

[TheThom]

This morning I installed the base of my new table. I'm using a Sequoia Table Leg and Base System.

http://www.campingworld.com/shopping/product/sequoia-table-leg-base-system/10306

Here it is with the leg/base together



Here it is taken collapsed down



There's also a black cap that covers to opening in the base when it's not in use. I obviously don't have the table top installed yet, but it seems really sturdy! I screwed it to the base using #12, 1.5" wood screws which seem to hold it well.

This will likely be my last build update for a few months. Have a great summer!

[KCStudly]

Whaaaat!?!?!?! Just like that? You go and leave us hanging?

Say it isn't so. Your only possible acceptable excuse is that you are off camping.

Progress looks great. Your next update will be worth the wait.

[TheThom]

Whaaaat!?!?!?! Just like that? You go and leave us hanging?

Say it isn't so. Your only possible acceptable excuse is that you are off camping.

Progress looks great. Your next update will be worth the wait.

Thanks for the kind words. I'm actually going to be in the South Pacific in one of the Navy's finest vessels. BUT it looks like I will get to "camp out" for about a week while I'm away

[KCStudly]

Very acceptable excuse. Thank you for your service.

Target or submarine?

[TheThom]

Very acceptable excuse. Thank you for your service.

Target or submarine?

Hospital ship - hopefully neither

[indycamper]

Love the thread. Look forward to your return and resumption of the task. Have a safe deployment!

[KCStudly]

+1

[Martiangod]

You will have so many mods planned when you get home.
Whats done so far looks very stout.
Should last forever

[TheThom]

First of all, I'm home. And it's awesome! Thanks for the good thoughts and prayers.

While I was on the boat I was able to buff up some of my sketchup drawings. Here's one with the beds and cabinets



Then there's the debate: green or black? I'm leaning toward black.





Secondly: I'm back to work on the camper!

I'm ready to start constructing the walls. I am using 1/2" CDX plywood. Since I had the metal siding panels already cut, I used those as a template and cut out the holes for the outside access doors. Then I clamped those in place to spend some time thinking about exactly how I want to brace/frame it. I had originally planned on almost all of it being made from 2x2s, but after looking at it, I think I'm going to use a fair amount of 1x2s to keep it lighter.

Here it is clamped in place





The doors for the storage areas under the benches are huge!



Hooray math! The lift arm posts fit perfectly.



After fiddling with it, I think I'm going to use the 1/2" play I cut out of the openings for the storage section doors. I can bolster them with some pieces for strapping if needed.

Good to be back!

Thanks for looking