Mid 70's Coleman Brandywine Rebuild...Project Brandynstein...

[brainpause]

After several beers and a brainwork session over weekend, me and my trailer knowledgeable friend have decided that it is best to avoid rooftop a/c unit, so will be looking into a small unit mounted in back of camper and ducted to several outlets.

My opinion (the reader is reminded that My Opinion and a couple of bucks will buy a cup of coffee. Don't forget the couple of bucks when you go): I'd skip the ductwork. Likely very unnecessary in a unit as small as a popup. Besides, that would take up valuable storage space. Just mount the AC in the back somewhere.

Larry

[NadMat]

My opinion (the reader is reminded that My Opinion and a couple of bucks will buy a cup of coffee. Don't forget the couple of bucks when you go): I'd skip the ductwork. Likely very unnecessary in a unit as small as a popup. Besides, that would take up valuable storage space. Just mount the AC in the back somewhere.

Larry

That was the first thought, but since dinette/bed is over that area I am thinking it is likely to get blocked off when using dinette area as sleeper. So that is why I am thinking of ducting to several outlets. Will be fun playing with these ideas when get them loaded into CAD program.

[wavery]

Save yourself a lot of pain and give this guy a call:
http://losangeles.craigslist.org/for/141006782.html

Might be worth the trip.

[NadMat]

Save yourself a lot of pain and give this guy a call:
http://losangeles.craigslist.org/for/141006782.html

Might be worth the trip.

SLEEPS 8 OR MORE, POWER INVERTER, DINNING TABLE, SINK, STOVE 3, porta potti, ICE CHEST, ELECTRIC BRAKES, WATER TANK , CANVAS NEEDS REPAIRS, TRAILER CLOSES AND OPENS VERY GOOD NO MECHANISN IS DAMAGE.I DON'T HAVE A TRUCK TO CARRY THIS ANYMORE.

Looks like that just gets me same place I am now in a model a few years newer.
I can fix my roof leak and replace my canvas and do some cleaning and be back ready to camp. The rest of plans are to improve dry camp power systems and to improve suspension and ground clearance for towing to pavement challenged areas. And add a/c for heat/humidity challenged camping here in south. Plus, I have been camping in my current pup since mid '70 and would like to continue to do so. Oh, also want to replace the stock countertop with some nice composite stuff.

Also, projects are better than tv for wind down from workday
(JMAO)

But looks like a great deal, if I was out there I would probably go get me a b/u pup project

[NadMat]

More beers and discussion as me, neighbor, and trailer smart buddy admired my freshly planted tomatoes and peppers and looked over the trailer. Also, decision to go for bigger RIB nixed the whole 'carry over the camper thing, but need for improved ground clearance and a bit stronger frame and axle set up to tow better behind my modified 4runner TV mean will be modifying frame and suspension eventually(maybe next winter or one after that?) Short term am just going to get what I have got campable again, which means some work on roof, replace canvas, and some interior/exterior cleanup.

Long term is to plan the power system upgrades for improved boondocking capabilities. And the new subframe to hold that and other increased carrying capability. Including a 2" reciever at back of pup to carry either bike rack or carry platform. Also got to figure out details of stabilizing jack system when camper is lifted. Already found solution for step panel being to high when camper raised.
Also planning on incorporating interchangable tow bar system into trailer so can change over to more robust tow system for when going further off the beaten path.

What I am looking for right now is whatever details I can get on the mid '70's Coleman Brandywine model, in whatever form I can get it. Am in process of inputing entire current trailer into a cad program so we can plan the future mods correctly. Trying to save myself as much measuring and weighing as possible, so any available layout plans, specs, setup diagrams, whatever would be great. Just point me in the right direction if you know a source of info.

[NadMat]

This weekend I picked up some tarps and arranged borrowing a buddies portable work canopy so I can start tear down and assessment of current condition without worrying about the spring showers. It is obvious that the top needs serious recaulking and that some leaking has been occurring despite the previous tarp over top. We are going to get it moved to where can be fully opened and set up canopy next to it.

Step one is just damage assessment and taking some accurate frame measurements to input into CAD system. Also some photos for documentation of project. I have come to decision that frame and axle upgrades will occur early in project, as cost estimates have come down considerably for that work through locating some talented volunteers that will work for bbq & beer...
and they will even provide some of the materials and specialty tools!

Following is current estimate of first stage of project Brandynstein expenses

Phase I - Back to a working camper - still a Brandywine...
Roof Repair    $75.00
New Canvas    $900.00
Replace/repair Mattresses    $175.00
Reupholstry    $75.00
Misc. Maint.    $100.00

Phase II - The transformation begins...
New axle w/ tires    $350.00
Frame Upgrades & Mods    $300.00
A/C add    $250.00
sink/cabinet top upgrade    $150.00
Water tank replacement    $275.00

Frame mods will include adding  ~ 30 inches in front of camper box and 16 inches in back, front addition being for powerbox addition. Will also include 2" reciever for rear of camper to carry bike rack there. Will also be going with an adjustable axle configuration to allow more varied weight distribution configurations.

Am now just waiting on it to dry up so can get TV into yard to move camper without tearing up yard.

further future mods and estimates...

Phase III - Power, we need more power...
Hot Water Heater    $900.00
Pump system    $275.00
Power system    $750.00
Gas system upgrades    $150.00

Phase IV - Extra parts & pieces...
canopys w/ screen room
exterior showers
alarm system
lock upgrades
Trailer and carrier

Now it is definately a Brandynstien...

at current budget and time constraints, is at least a 4-5 year project, but hope to be able to camp it again in 2007.

[NadMat]

Been busy, and not much going on with project Brandynstien right now. Posted a few pics of project . Currently only few starting point pics in there, but will keep adding as project moves along.

Took a quick look at roof inside and out, and is obvious that it will be major repair or replacement of roof. Any info on '70 coleman roof construction and repair or repair parts and service in Texas would be immensely welcome.

At worst, I have nothing to loose but time by taking it apart and trying to do it myself. But I am questioning laying up my own lamination for top if I can purchase whole top or at least top material sans surrounding box. Although might be interesting project, and one I will attempt if no better alternative, it would add considerably to time required for project.

[NadMat]

Just a few cad doodles, buddy still looking for his trailer specific cad software (much better than the cheapo stuff I'm using)

[NittanyL]

My husband and I purchased a well-used 1976 Coleman Brandywine last summer and are just about ready to use it this weekend for a 5 night trip to a local State Park Campground.  So far, we have made new banquette seats/cushions - that old plaid orange/brown fabric was YUCKY! Not to mention it was a little mildewed...We have family friends who own a company that builds army kitchen tents so we were able to commission them to make entirely new canvas for the PUP at very small cost to us. It looks awesome!! The interior is now dark gray - which is nice for keeping out early morning sunlight.    

The exterior is still tan in color.  My DH buffed the rust off the exterior of the box and repainted it a cream color, similar to the original. He repainted the metal corner pieces and the roof latches, etc in black.  Inside, the same family friends recovered new foam mattresses for us - they look GREAT!  Also, my DH refinished the stove, painted the formerly "silver" lid cream.  Also, he replaced the countertop with some MDF and we just put contact paper over it for now...we'll see how that holds up. He replaced the old cabinet doors with real wood, stained to matched the "wood" look of the metal cabinets.

He redid the ceiling using aluminum studs, which we had salvaged from somewhere, white sheets of stuff you would use for bathroom surrounds or something. The white helps reflect the lights from the two double light fixtures he installed in the ceiling. He is also adding a galley shelf system as seen somewhere on these boards. He replaced the tubing for all water lines, some electrical wires and I am going to sew some curtains for the main windows later today. They will  hang on a rod installed just above the canvas. The shelf system and the curtain rods will be easily stored in the dinette storage area and on the floor of the camper. We also put self stick vinyl flooring squares over the old flooring.

I hope to have pics someday, but for now. I will just say that it looks awesome. Did I mention that we paid only $150 for the camper?

I would love to see pics of the interior of your Brandywine sometime! Good luck with your improvements!

[NadMat]

Hi NittanyL,

I got mine for even less, as it was originally my parents, who left it in Texas when moved away, and then I kind of inherited it when found out water leak had ruined canvas at one end. Mine has the same orange brown covers, with the scratchy material. I am going to get mine all redone in a much smoother and less busily patterned material.

My biggest problem with camper is going to be fixing or replacing the roof. As noted earlier in thread, there will be a lot of improvements related to boondocking abilities, as well as increased amenities (have spent enough time in camper without a/c to know that while not required, is really nice to have, and the only way you can really fully enjoy some of our Texas summer camping).

I will be posting more pics as project progresses. Currently waiting to get some good rubber under trailer so can get it moved to location in yard I can open it up to work on. I still hope to have roof and canvas done by sometime next year.

Hope you enjoy your Brandywine as much as my parents and siblings have enjoyed ours over years.

[NittanyL]

I forgot to mention that my husband patched the roof really well with some Kool Seal stuff. I don't know how bad your roof is, but this stuff was WAY cheaper than buying a new roof, and dealing with taking the old one off and putting on the new one.

 KoolSeal, Kool Patch, Kool Flexx(a roll of fibers). You use the flexible stuff to patch cracks of 1/4" or more...My husband used it on the edges to sort of get rid of some of the spots where the water would pool up on that dumb depressed roof.He also used some other stuff that was like a roll of aluminum that was sticky on one side, like tape. I believe he then put the Kool Flexx and patch/seal over that as well. It's not leaky anymore!

Hope that is a little bit helpful...

[NadMat]

Thanks, I will look into that if I decide the current roof is salvagable.

I found out yesterday when talking with mom that it is a '78 Brandywine rather than a '74, but not a lot of differences between two models, I was remembering sales litature with the 'Brandywine II' in it, which was a '74 model. But she says we bought it new in '78, but we had borrowed another pup from friends at church before we bought ours, which must be where my earliest pup camping memories came from. She also said she has file of paperwork on it somewhere, she saw it the other day when looking for something else, so she will find it and send it to me. Supposed to have all original purchase paperwork and manual in it.

So I went and copied the Brandywine image from the '78 coleman manual pdf and painted it in photoshop to match how I want it painted when complete, blue box, white roof, and gray canvas, then shrunk it to make my new avatar, as previous eagle ray avatar was not that camping oriented.

I forgot to mention that my husband patched the roof really well with some Kool Seal stuff. I don't know how bad your roof is, but this stuff was WAY cheaper than buying a new roof, and dealing with taking the old one off and putting on the new one.

 KoolSeal, Kool Patch, Kool Flexx(a roll of fibers). You use the flexible stuff to patch cracks of 1/4" or more...My husband used it on the edges to sort of get rid of some of the spots where the water would pool up on that dumb depressed roof.He also used some other stuff that was like a roll of aluminum that was sticky on one side, like tape. I believe he then put the Kool Flexx and patch/seal over that as well. It's not leaky anymore!

Hope that is a little bit helpful...

[NadMat]

Here is avatar image before shrunk to proper avatar size.

[NittanyL]

that's great that your mom found all that paperwork and the manual, too! The manual doesn't say too much for ours, but it's always good to have it.

Your future color scheme sounds great! As you may have guessed from my screen name, I and my DH went to Penn State, so we bleed blue and white.

I'll try to remember to bring the digital camera tonight when we go to clean up the construction dust in the camper and get it ready for this weekend's innaugaral (sp?).  DH has to put up one piece of paneling along the front bed end of the box and then some quarter round trim in the corners.  After this trip, he'll work on the propane stove - we have one we'll use outside, but we want the inside one to be operable. Currently, I think it's one of the old propane tanks and the hose will need to be replaced/retrofitted for the new style tank.  Also, I'll need to make bed end curtains. I figured it was more important to have the large window curtains for this trip, so we could have privacy when changing/sleeping etc. Next time we'll have bed end curtains for even more privacy.

well, hope your remodel comes out as nice as ours is! I'm sure it will. Good luck!


I'll try to post some pics, but with all the packing and shopping for camping groceries, etc, I may not have time until after the trip.

Nittany

[NadMat]

that's great that your mom found all that paperwork and the manual, too! The manual doesn't say too much for ours, but it's always good to have it.

Your future color scheme sounds great! As you may have guessed from my screen name, I and my DH went to Penn State, so we bleed blue and white.

I'll try to remember to bring the digital camera tonight when we go to clean up the construction dust in the camper and get it ready for this weekend's innaugaral (sp?).  DH has to put up one piece of paneling along the front bed end of the box and then some quarter round trim in the corners.  After this trip, he'll work on the propane stove - we have one we'll use outside, but we want the inside one to be operable. Currently, I think it's one of the old propane tanks and the hose will need to be replaced/retrofitted for the new style tank.  Also, I'll need to make bed end curtains. I figured it was more important to have the large window curtains for this trip, so we could have privacy when changing/sleeping etc. Next time we'll have bed end curtains for even more privacy.

well, hope your remodel comes out as nice as ours is! I'm sure it will. Good luck!


I'll try to post some pics, but with all the packing and shopping for camping groceries, etc, I may not have time until after the trip.

Nittany

No hurry on the pics, campin' is more important! But always enjoy checking out others work on pup's.

The color scheme is to match the planned paint job for TV, blue with yellow accents, black trim, with tan interior, and a white top. Also easier for friends to find site when are looking for the blue camper with grey canvas rather than another 'tan' camper. But Blue/White were my high school colors

Community College that provided the limited 'higher learning' that I recieved did not have any school colors that I recall.

Yes, I too need to upgrade gas delivery, I am going to install a 2 tank system that will allow me leave with an empty bottle to get refill without interrupting gas usage. Plus will have to run line to hot water heater I plan on installing as one of upgrades. Will also have an high pressure line tap for using portable gas appliances outside using camper propane.