DIY restoration help needed.

[buffster]

My neighbors gave me their Flagstaff by Cobra trailer. I don't even know what year it is. I think it's an 89. It has much work to be done. The vent/light leaked and rotted out all the wood in the roof. I tore off the inside skin to expose the 1x2 framing, and the foam board insulation. I plan on replacing the plywood and the rails, and the foam board, laminating them to the outside roof skin, it's aluminum. Does anyone have a suggestion on what kind of glue/adhesive I should use to attach it all back together?

After that issues is finished, I need to replace the canvas. I know I can get one made somewhere for $800-1000, I believe. But I don't have the money for it right now. What I was wondering if anyone has done this DIY before. I figured I could make a pattern from the canvas pieces, and the plastic windows and zippers and stuff I could reuse. I can sew, but don't know if a regular maching can handle the heavy material I would need.  If it's possible what would be the best material to use to replace the canvas, and who sells it in bulk?

From the water leak, the floor is also damages, the subfloor seems soft in places, and I'm sure is moldy as well, but haven't gotten that far yet.

The free price was a good deal, but I don't have a bunch of money to put into it right now, just want to make it work for the occasional camping trip. Any suggestions for a newbie would be appreciated.

[tlhdoc]

Welcome to PUT!  IT sounds like you are pretty handy and that is a big help.  The work you are going to do is beyond my abilities, but others here have done this type of repair.  Once you have the roof fixed you will not have to worry about any more damage, so you are starting in the right place.  Is the tenting repairable?  Would patches work for the time being?  The pu is built from the frame up.  The flooring is placed on the frame so you will need to remove everything (cabinets, dinette, etc) if you are going to replace the entire floor.  If it is only bad in spots then you can just replace the bad spots, but make sure you get all of the rotted wood out.  Good luck with your project and if you can post pictures and let us know how it works out.

[ColemanCampingFamily]

Like you, I also got my camper free from a friend, and she needed some work. I had a soft area in the floor as well. I removed the seat and cut out all the bad flooring (and then some) with a reciprocating saw. I then cut the new flooring and put it in. I had to cut it in 3 pieces so that it would fit in between the box and frame. I used silicone caulking around all of the new portion, then used that "spray foam" insulation underneath just to make sure everything was sealed well. I then used the "peel & stick" variety of vinyl flooring ($18 at Home Depot for a box of 45 tiles...plenty for my small trailer). So far so good on that repair. My husband was even impressed!!

I had quite a few places on the canvas that were rotted, but I didn't want to put the money into new canvas on a camper we only plan to use a few years. I went to Joanne Fabrics and bought some canvas to use as patches (hence the name of our camper, lol). I used a product called "Liquid Stitch" to glue the pieces in place, then used a vinyl repair "glue" around the edges to make sure it had a good seal. Again, so far so good...and no leaks!! I also bought some water repellent at Wal-Mart and treated all of the canvas (we had leaks where there were no holes, lol).

The table in our camper had water damage, so we purchased some MDF at Home Depot and made a new table. I used wood-grained contact paper and spray adhesive (gives a better "stick") and it looks great!! You just need to make sure that you put the legs back on in the correct position. (As my DH always says, measure 3 times, cut once).

Anyway, I have really enjoyed working on our PUP and quite frankly, I am extremely proud of having done 95% of the work on her!! My son and I took her out on her maiden voyage this past weekend and we had a blast. Can't wait for this weekend to do it again!!

______________
DW - 69  :#
DH - 67  :!
DS - 00  :W

1985 Coleman Aspen AKA "Patches"

[buffster]

Thanks for the replies. I will start taking pictures along the way. I've found a place that sells aqualon fabric, which is used on at least one manufactures pop ups. It was about $20, which seems reasonable. Are there other suggestions for what type of fabric to use? I saw something about sunbrella, but there were lots of different sunbrella fabrics. I found one that was waterproof, at $30 yard. If aqualon would work, the price would bend me in that direction.

Two of the tent panels are in good shape. One is completely rotted out from mold and mildew. And two are in resonable shape. The mess material and the dark smoke windows are in pretty good shape. My plan was to salvage the windows and screen and zippers, just needing to sew them into new canvas.

I may try to repair the floor, rather than replace it. I'll just have to see what I find under the linoleum. I do plan on tearing out all the cabinets and storage, as well as replacing the counters and table tops. I have ply wood laying around, and I can cut glue up and cut the new tops with my router.

Has anyone used glueless laminate flooring for the floor in their trailers? I have enough left over from a basement remodel project that I can use that instead of stick on tiles or linoleum.

Any suggests are helpful.

[wavery]

Thanks for the replies. I will start taking pictures along the way. I've found a place that sells aqualon fabric, which is used on at least one manufactures pop ups. It was about $20, which seems reasonable. Are there other suggestions for what type of fabric to use? I saw something about sunbrella, but there were lots of different sunbrella fabrics. I found one that was waterproof, at $30 yard. If aqualon would work, the price would bend me in that direction.

Two of the tent panels are in good shape. One is completely rotted out from mold and mildew. And two are in resonable shape. The mess material and the dark smoke windows are in pretty good shape. My plan was to salvage the windows and screen and zippers, just needing to sew them into new canvas.

I may try to repair the floor, rather than replace it. I'll just have to see what I find under the linoleum. I do plan on tearing out all the cabinets and storage, as well as replacing the counters and table tops. I have ply wood laying around, and I can cut glue up and cut the new tops with my router.

Has anyone used glueless laminate flooring for the floor in their trailers? I have enough left over from a basement remodel project that I can use that instead of stick on tiles or linoleum.

Any suggests are helpful.

I would suggest buying new zippers. They are not expensive and zippers are often the first thing to fail.

Here is a good source for canvas supplies:
http://secure.sailrite.com/index.asp?CartId={0BCE2267-690D-443CEVEREST-B87A-463C5DEFC052}

96" zippers are about $15.

You are embarking on a HUGE project. I would suggest that you consider ALL of the costs very carefully. Check the furnace, water heater, w/pump, stove, fridge, battery, propane tank, tires, wheel bearings, electrical converter and all other equipment that it might have. Make yourself a list of everything that needs to be replaced and price each item. I have a feeling that you may find that you could have to put more money into that PU than you could go out and buy a decent used one for (not to mention the time involved).

Even if you get the thing in tip-top condition for under $1000, you will still have a '89 camper that may well be worth less than what you will have in it.

I'm not trying to discourage you here. It could be a very rewarding project. On the other hand, if you are not very realistic about the cost involved in this project, you could end up frustrated and so financially invested in that PU that you can't afford to stop, once you've started.

[wavery]

Thanks for the replies. I will start taking pictures along the way. I've found a place that sells aqualon fabric, which is used on at least one manufactures pop ups. It was about $20, which seems reasonable. Are there other suggestions for what type of fabric to use? I saw something about sunbrella, but there were lots of different sunbrella fabrics. I found one that was waterproof, at $30 yard. If aqualon would work, the price would bend me in that direction.

Two of the tent panels are in good shape. One is completely rotted out from mold and mildew. And two are in resonable shape. The mess material and the dark smoke windows are in pretty good shape. My plan was to salvage the windows and screen and zippers, just needing to sew them into new canvas.

I may try to repair the floor, rather than replace it. I'll just have to see what I find under the linoleum. I do plan on tearing out all the cabinets and storage, as well as replacing the counters and table tops. I have ply wood laying around, and I can cut glue up and cut the new tops with my router.

Has anyone used glueless laminate flooring for the floor in their trailers? I have enough left over from a basement remodel project that I can use that instead of stick on tiles or linoleum.

Any suggests are helpful.

I would suggest buying new zippers. They are not expensive and zippers are often the first thing to fail.

Here is a good source for canvas supplies:
http://secure.sailrite.com/index.asp?CartId={0BCE2267-690D-443CEVEREST-B87A-463C5DEFC052}

96" zippers are about $15.

You are embarking on a HUGE project. I would suggest that you consider ALL of the costs very carefully. Check the furnace, water heater, w/pump, stove, fridge, battery, propane tank, tires, brakes, wheel bearings, electrical converter and all other equipment that it might have. Make yourself a list of everything that needs to be replaced and price each item. I have a feeling that you may find that you could have to put more money into that PU than you could go out and buy a decent used one for (not to mention the time involved).

Even if you get the thing in tip-top condition for under $1000, you will still have a '89 camper that may well be worth less than what you will have in it.

I'm not trying to discourage you here. It could be a very rewarding project. On the other hand, if you are not very realistic about the cost involved in this project, you could end up frustrated and so financially invested in that PU that you can't afford to stop, once you've started.

BTW,
Make sure that you have a HD sewing machine. It needs to be an all metal head on the machine. You'll not be able to sew through multiple layers of canvas with a plastic head sewing machine, even if it says that it is "HD". It will also have to have a minimum 1/3hp motor. Mine has a 1/2hp motor and I have trouble sometimes going through 8 layers or sewing the plastic windows in over multiple layers..

[buffster]

I haven't yet tried to figure out all the expenses that will be involved. You may be right about having more into the pu than it is worth. The good and the bad is that it doesn't have many of the features that you suggest I check. The propane heater works and the battery and wiring are good for the lights. It doesn't have a refrigerator built in, only and ice box. Also there is no electric water pump or water heater. Only the little hand pump on the sink faucet, which does seem to work.

For hot water I thought I could get one of those Coleman hot water on demand systems. We wanted one for a long time. My wifes biggest complaint about regular tent camping was the cold, uncomfortable cots, and the lack of shower-hot water. I figure if I can get this trailer dry, have heat, and decent looking she'll be happy. I'm planning on $500-$750, from what I've found so far to get it in usable shape.

[tlhdoc]

The hot water on demands are good units.  They say for outdoor use only though.  If you really want to impress the wife you could make a shower stall in one of the seats of the dinette.  A few people have done that using a laundry sink as the base of the shower.  Good luck on the project.

[hayyward]

I want to thank everyone for their helpful posts. I've been PUP'ing for about 15 years and still have so much to learn. I appreciate all this input.

We rented a camper for a few years then bought our first one for a song. A 1971 Bethany in much need of TLC. We put alot of sweat equity into it, kept it protected in winter and enjoyed it for a few wonderful summers.

A word of caution to all you "DYI restorers" out there about what was the demise of my beloved Bethany. When we got it, the roof had a leak and the canvas had a couple large damaged areas caused by apparently many years exposure to moisture. The camper hadn't been properly cared for, and the damage was greater than what was evident. To our amazement, shock and horror, we found that the screws holding the camper frame together had rusted down to the point of being dysfunctional, finally giving way. Nothing more than a slim nail in a fat hole! This can cause the camper to, quite literally, blow apart on the road. Sadly I know this to be true.

I don't know how you could proactively inspect the structure, but please be aware that the camper may not be as sturdy as the new canvas you've just put on. Gauge the neglect.

We are now owners of a 20-year newer Jayco and still a tad bit nervous when towing. The Jayco is smaller and doesn't quite have the character the Bethany had, but in time we will come to cherish this one as well. ... just wish I could figure out what's wrong with the gas lines. I'm on page 16 of the forum - found lots of terrific ideas about many other subjects but still looking for my solution. (spiders? really?)

Happy camping!

[Robbym70]

I want to thank everyone for their helpful posts. I've been PUP'ing for about 15 years and still have so much to learn. I appreciate all this input.

We rented a camper for a few years then bought our first one for a song. A 1971 Bethany in much need of TLC. We put alot of sweat equity into it, kept it protected in winter and enjoyed it for a few wonderful summers.

A word of caution to all you "DYI restorers" out there about what was the demise of my beloved Bethany. When we got it, the roof had a leak and the canvas had a couple large damaged areas caused by apparently many years exposure to moisture. The camper hadn't been properly cared for, and the damage was greater than what was evident. To our amazement, shock and horror, we found that the screws holding the camper frame together had rusted down to the point of being dysfunctional, finally giving way. Nothing more than a slim nail in a fat hole! This can cause the camper to, quite literally, blow apart on the road. Sadly I know this to be true.

I don't know how you could proactively inspect the structure, but please be aware that the camper may not be as sturdy as the new canvas you've just put on. Gauge the neglect.

We are now owners of a 20-year newer Jayco and still a tad bit nervous when towing. The Jayco is smaller and doesn't quite have the character the Bethany had, but in time we will come to cherish this one as well. ... just wish I could figure out what's wrong with the gas lines. I'm on page 16 of the forum - found lots of terrific ideas about many other subjects but still looking for my solution. (spiders? really?)

Happy camping!

Bumpity bump.

heh...I've got a Bethany Citation 88 1971 model now.  She's a good old girl...I'm in my second season and slowly upgrading and refurbishing.  Frame looks solid so far.  I have found some dry rot on the side panels but only in one place so far.  On the list for this year is replacement of side panels...it's a big job...lots of pieces to dissassemble to get that outside panel off.

Kindly share any other nuggets on the Bethany...

Thanks

[ScouterMom]

your do have to watch costs and effort - especially when looking at wood rot - it travels in the most unexpected ways in a camper! and as they mentioned with the bethany - wet wood may dry out, even seem firm - but it rusts the threads off the screws and then they don't hold anymore, either.

but many of these old campers ARE fixable, and especially if you have skills, time, access to 'free' or dirt cheap stuff that can be used ( like your leftover flooring)  and the ability to use your imagination.  

if you really want to see a total rebuild - check out Hunt4Fun's starcraft - he kept the utilities and the hardware, and basically rebuilt the whole camper - it's awesome!   you don'thave to go that far, but I have found so many ideas from looking at other people's rebuilds and mods - it's amazing what some folks have done!  

As for the canvas - I have a couple of suggestions.

A short while back - someone on E-bay had a whole canvas set that was made for their camper and turned out a bit too short!  they were selling the entire set cheap - perhaps if you watch for that sort of thing regularly, you might find something cheap that could be adapted fairly easily instead of  ordering a whole new canvas made? (you might try posting in the 'want it now' section of E-bay.  Maybe she didn't sell it, the listing may have ended without selling) In that example, sewing a 6" band of canvas around the bottom would be way easier than making a whole canvas!

 Or you might find an old canvas tent  in good shape that can be cut down and used?  ( If you look at a standard PUP and break it down in sections - it's really just two halves of a typical A-frame wall tent and the straight sides) my Starcraft has the bunk ends (halves of the A-frame wall tent) that zip in the corners to flat pieces of canvas that make up the rectangular walls - very simple.

For canvas itself - you might look to older tentmakers and Historical re-enacter places - civil war buffs, Tipi makers, etc.  I know a friend who works these reenactment things as a woodcarver and furniture maker - he made his own canvas tent,  and a canvas -covered canoe.  he ordered the fabric in bulk.  If I can find out where he got it from, I'll post it.

[ScouterMom]

Here's some possibilities:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Army-Vehicle-Maint-Tent-Heavy-Canvas-Tarp-25-x-25-Exc_W0QQitemZ320100808440QQihZ011QQcategoryZ87130QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-Cotton-Canvas-Trek-Tent-9-x-12-with-Rain-Fly_W0QQitemZ300098104556QQihZ020QQcategoryZ87130QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Good luck!

[wavery]

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