41 replies to this topic

[shellback]

Here's a thread on another site of a guy rebuilding a Keystone and narrowing it for a newer truck. http://advrider.com/...ebuild.1053662/

[mhskog]

That thread is a major reason I'm going to tackle this project. Did a powow with the wife last night and setup the projects priorities since in her words "I don't want to fix this thing all summer and miss the camping season" So here is my breakdown.

 

Gut interior of camper down to the studs - This weekend

 

Narrow the foot to fit into the bed of the truck - Next two weeks

 

change top lifter to tube style and increase roof height about 4-6 inches - by end of June

 

rebuild interior / replace fabric top with new design, more windows on sides and smaller front and rear window - end of june

 

Upholstery

 

_______________________________

 

Interior will be going with no Fridge / we will do coolers / ARB we are rarely out for more than a long weekend. 

 

interior most likely will do 1/4 sand able ply very light stain with a poly coating over it

 

change the top bed from that strange fold thing to pull out

 

replace cook-top with camping type removable stove

 

check current furnace to see if it's functional or can be fixed, it's the only appliance we are thinking of keeping. Gets chilly in the mountains around here even in the summer. I want to re plumb all the gas lines with modern lines and quick fittings. Thinking of going with at 10lb propane and possibly mounting it on the outside left rear ?

 

http://store.adventu...er-Bracket.html

 

 

Led lighting inside and out, all new wiring and control panel capable of running solar as well.

 

__________

 

 I'm lucky in that the wife sews, I got her a sailrite machine couple of years ago and has been a great machine. So start the tear out tonight should be interesting to see how it goes.

[shellback]

Here's a link to my build thread from last year. http://www.wanderthe...6-1979-granby/   I had had 2 truck campers before doing the build, so I knew what I wanted, and what I didn't want. 

[BBZ]

That thread is a major reason I'm going to tackle this project. Did a powow with the wife last night and setup the projects priorities since in her words "I don't want to fix this thing all summer and miss the camping season" So here is my breakdown.

 

Gut interior of camper down to the studs - This weekend

 

Narrow the foot to fit into the bed of the truck - Next two weeks

 

change top lifter to tube style and increase roof height about 4-6 inches - by end of June

 

rebuild interior / replace fabric top with new design, more windows on sides and smaller front and rear window - end of june

 

Upholstery

 

_______________________________

 

Interior will be going with no Fridge / we will do coolers / ARB we are rarely out for more than a long weekend. 

 

interior most likely will do 1/4 sand able ply very light stain with a poly coating over it

 

change the top bed from that strange fold thing to pull out

 

replace cook-top with camping type removable stove

 

check current furnace to see if it's functional or can be fixed, it's the only appliance we are thinking of keeping. Gets chilly in the mountains around here even in the summer. I want to re plumb all the gas lines with modern lines and quick fittings. Thinking of going with at 10lb propane and possibly mounting it on the outside left rear ?

 

http://store.adventu...er-Bracket.html

 

 

Led lighting inside and out, all new wiring and control panel capable of running solar as well.

 

__________

 

 I'm lucky in that the wife sews, I got her a sailrite machine couple of years ago and has been a great machine. So start the tear out tonight should be interesting to see how it goes.

Nice.. plan sounds do-able... depending on your life outside of the camper. 

 

Floor pack was very easy in my opinion.. lifters were are royal pain to get right.. 

 

My wife has 3 industrial machines for sewing for her business and is highly proficient, but.. canvas is taking a lot more time than anticipated and she had to scrap one panel because of some bunching.. take your time.. 

 

We basically have the same type of build, no amenities. We use a Gas Buddy propane heater for cold nights and its great

 

You might find during tear out that you might want to fix some aluminum..my project below

 

http://www.wanderthe...ect-90s-granby/

[mhskog]

might check out this guys videos if you haven't already pretty good break down of the process, I think we are going to do what he's done and raise the top 4" in or so and put window vents into the front and rear as well.

 

[mhskog]

 

 

 

 

 

So tore it down today, it's a pretty sorry sight, the floor is at least three different patch jobs, I'm thinking I'm going to have to rebuild most of the bottom if I'm going to be happy with it.

 

I did notice they only welded one side of the frame, I thought this was kinda well not what I was expecting. So this is going to be pretty much a down to the frame deal. Well should be fun getting there.

 

 

[wuck]

I did notice they only welded one side of the frame, I thought this was kinda well not what I was expecting. So this is going to be pretty much a down to the frame deal. Well should be fun getting there.

 

Resist the urge to weld all sides of a joint, a one-sided weld is part of what gives our campers the flexibility they are known for. Welding every seam makes stuff break! That said, you'll probably find a crack or two, usually above the door.

 

Looks like the fun is starting

[BBZ]

oh man.. that brings back memories.. I got mine home in March and once I started tearing it apart I also realized it was going to be a full teardown and rebuild.. honestly, its been fun and thankfully I have had the time to do it. Enjoy the process and make it what you want.. thats the best part. good luck. 

[kmcintyre]

How do you put front and back windows in with the panels there?  Good luck.  I would suggest that your timeline looks great but everyting always takes longer than you think.  You are in to it now so I'm sure you'll make it work!  I would add an additional fan/vent up front over the bed too (at least the wiring).

[mhskog]

Going to go with the Conduit lift system, that should give enough space for windows front and rear. Any feed back as to why not go that way instead of rebuilding the existing panels?