Title: My 1971 Cox Conestoga
Post by: Funrover on May 18, 2007, 01:45 AM
Post by: Funrover on May 18, 2007, 01:45 AM
Well I have had this camper for around 5 years or so now..... after 4 years of use it was time to rebuild.. Last summer I did just that, and it is much better.... However I need to redo the roof again before this summer starts....
Well here are a few pics...not the best.. I will take more soon!
Originally
(http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c353/Funrover/IMG_6778.jpg)
Some of the teardown
(http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c353/Funrover/IMG_6815.jpg)
(http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c353/Funrover/IMG_6819.jpg)
(http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c353/Funrover/IMG_6821.jpg)
Don't have the bare frame pic....
Now for the rebuild
(http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c353/Funrover/IMG_6997.jpg)
(http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c353/Funrover/IMG_6998.jpg)
(http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c353/Funrover/IMG_7009.jpg)
(http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c353/Funrover/IMG_6999.jpg)
Here are some after complete shots
(http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c353/Funrover/Off%20road%20Trips/IMG_7496.jpg)
(http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c353/Funrover/Off%20road%20Trips/IMG_7489.jpg)
Well here are a few pics...not the best.. I will take more soon!
Originally
(http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c353/Funrover/IMG_6778.jpg)
Some of the teardown
(http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c353/Funrover/IMG_6815.jpg)
(http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c353/Funrover/IMG_6819.jpg)
(http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c353/Funrover/IMG_6821.jpg)
Don't have the bare frame pic....
Now for the rebuild
(http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c353/Funrover/IMG_6997.jpg)
(http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c353/Funrover/IMG_6998.jpg)
(http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c353/Funrover/IMG_7009.jpg)
(http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c353/Funrover/IMG_6999.jpg)
Here are some after complete shots
(http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c353/Funrover/Off%20road%20Trips/IMG_7496.jpg)
(http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c353/Funrover/Off%20road%20Trips/IMG_7489.jpg)
Title:
Post by: My3buicks on May 18, 2007, 08:42 PM
Post by: My3buicks on May 18, 2007, 08:42 PM
WOW! ! ! Now that's rebuilding one!!!!
Very nice, neat design.
Very nice, neat design.
Title:
Post by: ScouterMom on May 18, 2007, 10:30 PM
Post by: ScouterMom on May 18, 2007, 10:30 PM
Saw your post about the roof rebuild not working under the 'mr. fix it' forum - searched out your other posts to find this....
Great Camper! tho I've never heard of a 'Cox conestoga' - there were quite a few built in that era that were built well enough to last or re-build - yours is obviously one of those.
I'm working on a 73 Starcraft Starmaster 6. we did re-do some of the roof before our first trip last weekend; one wall of the roof was literally 'mush' it was rotted away so badly. the rest was still holding together, some with no rot at all. Still, we will probably replace the other three sides sometime this summer.
I'm surprised, tho - with the obvious skill you have in rebuilding the rest of your camper, why do you call the roof a 'failure'? what isn't working?
I'm wondering if you re-used the exterior shell on your camper (looks like you did) are you having trouble with the lid? ios it aluminum or fiber glass?
There's another PUPer on this board - Hunt4fun - who has done a total re-build of his similar vintage starcraft - I think all he re-used were the frame and hardware.... but he re-built his roof - perhaps if you look him up, he would have some tips for you. Looking thru his albums sure gave me some good ideas!
good luck, and if I can offer any advice, I'd be happy to help
laura
Great Camper! tho I've never heard of a 'Cox conestoga' - there were quite a few built in that era that were built well enough to last or re-build - yours is obviously one of those.
I'm working on a 73 Starcraft Starmaster 6. we did re-do some of the roof before our first trip last weekend; one wall of the roof was literally 'mush' it was rotted away so badly. the rest was still holding together, some with no rot at all. Still, we will probably replace the other three sides sometime this summer.
I'm surprised, tho - with the obvious skill you have in rebuilding the rest of your camper, why do you call the roof a 'failure'? what isn't working?
I'm wondering if you re-used the exterior shell on your camper (looks like you did) are you having trouble with the lid? ios it aluminum or fiber glass?
There's another PUPer on this board - Hunt4fun - who has done a total re-build of his similar vintage starcraft - I think all he re-used were the frame and hardware.... but he re-built his roof - perhaps if you look him up, he would have some tips for you. Looking thru his albums sure gave me some good ideas!
good luck, and if I can offer any advice, I'd be happy to help
laura
Title:
Post by: Funrover on May 19, 2007, 06:01 PM
Post by: Funrover on May 19, 2007, 06:01 PM
Quote from: ScouterMomSaw your post about the roof rebuild not working under the 'mr. fix it' forum - searched out your other posts to find this....
Great Camper! tho I've never heard of a 'Cox conestoga' - there were quite a few built in that era that were built well enough to last or re-build - yours is obviously one of those.
I'm working on a 73 Starcraft Starmaster 6. we did re-do some of the roof before our first trip last weekend; one wall of the roof was literally 'mush' it was rotted away so badly. the rest was still holding together, some with no rot at all. Still, we will probably replace the other three sides sometime this summer.
I'm surprised, tho - with the obvious skill you have in rebuilding the rest of your camper, why do you call the roof a 'failure'? what isn't working?
I'm wondering if you re-used the exterior shell on your camper (looks like you did) are you having trouble with the lid? ios it aluminum or fiber glass?
There's another PUPer on this board - Hunt4fun - who has done a total re-build of his similar vintage starcraft - I think all he re-used were the frame and hardware.... but he re-built his roof - perhaps if you look him up, he would have some tips for you. Looking thru his albums sure gave me some good ideas!
good luck, and if I can offer any advice, I'd be happy to help
laura
Well the problem was that the old roof was so bad I was unable to reuse any part of it...... What I was able to do was talk a local camper shop out of an warrenty roof(had a slight chip in the corner, no real damage) I removed the old damage, re fiberglassed the roof built up a frame etc.... The problem is that it doesn't seal when closed, so I have to tarp my camper to drive.... I have ideas for a new one....but was curious to see what others have done!!
Title:
Post by: Funrover on May 19, 2007, 06:04 PM
Post by: Funrover on May 19, 2007, 06:04 PM
Still to go... finish off all interior wood work(so it is all the same), Install the radion system, put on a 5" lift(so it is level with tow rig, and better off road)
Title:
Post by: ScouterMom on May 26, 2007, 12:24 AM
Post by: ScouterMom on May 26, 2007, 12:24 AM
how far 'off' is it? would you be able to put a wide gasket-type seal on it? or would you actually have to cut it down some?
Does it completely overlap the bottom like a box lid? or just not meet exactly?
laura
Does it completely overlap the bottom like a box lid? or just not meet exactly?
laura
Title:
Post by: Funrover on May 28, 2007, 02:07 PM
Post by: Funrover on May 28, 2007, 02:07 PM
Quote from: ScouterMomhow far 'off' is it? would you be able to put a wide gasket-type seal on it? or would you actually have to cut it down some?
Does it completely overlap the bottom like a box lid? or just not meet exactly?
laura
Well it needs to be completely redone...but I think I am gonna use marine plywood and build up a new roof instead of trying to graph a roof from a new coleman onto my old conestoga..
Title:
Post by: Trailman on May 28, 2007, 08:37 PM
Post by: Trailman on May 28, 2007, 08:37 PM
Is the roof ABS or fibreglass?
A fibreglass repair will not last long on an ABS plastic but there is a way to repair ABS plastic using a solution of MEK and ABS chips, the finished repair can be sanded and painted and if done right is as good as new.
A fibreglass repair will not last long on an ABS plastic but there is a way to repair ABS plastic using a solution of MEK and ABS chips, the finished repair can be sanded and painted and if done right is as good as new.
Title:
Post by: Funrover on May 28, 2007, 09:29 PM
Post by: Funrover on May 28, 2007, 09:29 PM
Quote from: TrailmanIs the roof ABS or fibreglass?
A fibreglass repair will not last long on an ABS plastic but there is a way to repair ABS plastic using a solution of MEK and ABS chips, the finished repair can be sanded and painted and if done right is as good as new.
It is a ABS from a newer Coleman..... but it was a temporary thing.... no worries!
Title:
Post by: Trailman on May 29, 2007, 09:23 PM
Post by: Trailman on May 29, 2007, 09:23 PM
Quote from: FunroverIt is a ABS from a newer Coleman..... but it was a temporary thing.... no worries!The pics look great, those campers are so neat, all the Cox camper models have a great vintage style all of their own.
Was the original road-cover ABS?
Do you still have it?
ABS is lighter than fibreglass so repairing that road-cover would be the way to go imo.
Here is a link from the Apache popups website on the permanent ABS repair.
Permanent ABS repair
Title:
Post by: Funrover on May 30, 2007, 11:41 PM
Post by: Funrover on May 30, 2007, 11:41 PM
Quote from: TrailmanThe pics look great, those campers are so neat, all the Cox camper models have a great vintage style all of their own.
Was the original road-cover ABS?
Do you still have it?
ABS is lighter than fibreglass so repairing that road-cover would be the way to go imo.
Here is a link from the Apache popups website on the permanent ABS repair.
Permanent ABS repair
No original left unfortunatly Where can I find more info on the Cox line up?
Title:
Post by: Trailman on May 31, 2007, 05:59 PM
Post by: Trailman on May 31, 2007, 05:59 PM
Quote from: FunroverNo original left unfortunatly Where can I find more info on the Cox line up?I can't find any history on the Marque but i do have photos that i save when i find them on the net, the model years vary from 1965 to 1975 and in one pic is a sticker that says "Cox Campers, Grifton, North Carolina".
All of the pics show soft top models, some with bunks right and left and some front and back like yours.
Your camper is the first i have seen with the hard top.
Title:
Post by: Funrover on Jun 02, 2007, 01:13 AM
Post by: Funrover on Jun 02, 2007, 01:13 AM
Quote from: TrailmanI can't find any history on the Marque but i do have photos that i save when i find them on the net, the model years vary from 1965 to 1975 and in one pic is a sticker that says "Cox Campers, Grifton, North Carolina".
All of the pics show soft top models, some with bunks right and left and some front and back like yours.
Your camper is the first i have seen with the hard top.
Thus is my problem..... I can find the %100 soft ones... but just like you, mine is the only hard top..... Thanks for trying though!
Title:
Post by: Trailman on Jun 20, 2007, 04:43 PM
Post by: Trailman on Jun 20, 2007, 04:43 PM
Quote from: FunroverThus is my problem..... I can find the %100 soft ones... but just like you, mine is the only hard top..... Thanks for trying though!I found a pic on ebay of a hardtop model, its a 76 but has a different style of canvas on the bed-ends than your camper, still has that little awning idea over the bed end windows though.
Title:
Post by: Funrover on Jun 21, 2007, 05:15 PM
Post by: Funrover on Jun 21, 2007, 05:15 PM
Quote from: TrailmanI found a pic on ebay of a hardtop model, its a 76 but has a different style of canvas on the bed-ends than your camper, still has that little awning idea over the bed end windows though.
That's pretty cool.. is it gone?
Title:
Post by: Trailman on Jun 21, 2007, 07:46 PM
Post by: Trailman on Jun 21, 2007, 07:46 PM
Quote from: FunroverThat's pretty cool.. is it gone?Its still there, last day.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Classic-Tent-Camper_W0QQitemZ140129648842QQihZ004QQcategoryZ50064QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
Title:
Post by: Funrover on Jun 22, 2007, 11:46 PM
Post by: Funrover on Jun 22, 2007, 11:46 PM
yikes that is a beat up trailer
Title:
Post by: Trailman on Jun 23, 2007, 12:46 PM
Post by: Trailman on Jun 23, 2007, 12:46 PM
Quote from: Funroveryikes that is a beat up trailerOther than some canvas repair i thought it looked pretty good.
I prefer the older style canvas with the small window awnings though, looks more unique and vintage.
Title:
Post by: JimboC on Sep 06, 2007, 09:49 PM
Post by: JimboC on Sep 06, 2007, 09:49 PM
Quote from: FunroverWell I have had this camper for around 5 years or so now..... after 4 years of use it was time to rebuild.. Last summer I did just that, and it is much better.... However I need to redo the roof again before this summer starts....
Well here are a few pics...not the best.. I will take more soon!
Originally
Some of the teardown
Don't have the bare frame pic....
Now for the rebuild
Here are some after complete shots
What kind of lumber did you use to rebuild the walls? I am getting ready to do a complete rebuild of a 69 Cox Cadet 200 and I'm trying to get everything ready that I can.
Title:
Post by: Funrover on Sep 06, 2007, 09:56 PM
Post by: Funrover on Sep 06, 2007, 09:56 PM
Quote from: JimboCWhat kind of lumber did you use to rebuild the walls? I am getting ready to do a complete rebuild of a 69 Cox Cadet 200 and I'm trying to get everything ready that I can.
I just went to Lowes/Home depot..... The floor is 3/4" plywood, walls are 2x2 pine(lowes has 1x1 which I wish they had when I did mine) and 1/4 for the interior walls.. All flooring and wall supports were painted over with KILLZ and then the bottom of the floor was painted with Krylon! I will find reciepts for you if you need they are in a file in my desk!
Have fun with it!
Title:
Post by: JimboC on Sep 11, 2007, 07:43 PM
Post by: JimboC on Sep 11, 2007, 07:43 PM
Quote from: FunroverI just went to Lowes/Home depot..... The floor is 3/4" plywood, walls are 2x2 pine(lowes has 1x1 which I wish they had when I did mine) and 1/4 for the interior walls.. All flooring and wall supports were painted over with KILLZ and then the bottom of the floor was painted with Krylon! I will find reciepts for you if you need they are in a file in my desk!
Have fun with it!
Thanks for the info. Did you rebuild the bed ends? I need to on mine. I thought about trying to find some oak 2x2s or some other type of hardwood. I was a little concerned about soft pine supporting my weight since I'm a big guy.
Title:
Post by: Funrover on Sep 12, 2007, 12:40 AM
Post by: Funrover on Sep 12, 2007, 12:40 AM
No, the bed ends were fine..... I am a big guy also so I understand what you mean. what if you added metal box as supports and wood on top, your bead would be a little higher but you'd be good to go!