83 Fleet Rebuild
#31
Posted 13 July 2019 - 01:46 AM
#32
Posted 18 July 2019 - 06:11 PM
Thanks hebegebe - All about making it easier!.
Finally did the roof lift strut thingy. Used the Suspa 19x35.5 (40# each) on amazon, like a lot of other folks have posted. Thanks for the great info share WTW - Went on like a snap!
The only thing I can share from my experience is that I connected the struts to the camper in different positions than what I have typically seen on the back because of aftermarket flat corner / side trim used for my rebuild (path of least resistance where I did not have to modify trim, flashing, or anything else). I did however have to shim the top brackets or back them w/a layer of aluminum as the camper top’s crown trim is not flat.
Additionally, and in regards to using 40# struts – They provide an unbelievable amount of controlled help going up and require ever so little sweet-talk to bring the roof down on my camper. I was worried about having to do pullups to get it down based on what I have read, but apparently my roof is heavy enough to come down with little pulling effort on my end using the 40lbs’ers. BUT, I used much heavier material on my roof rebuild than what is typically a layer of light aluminum. For no other reason than material access and desire to create brain damage, I used a sheet of rubber roof applied over wood, which probably added 30-40lbs or so. I used plastic sheeting vs cloth on the ceiling, which probably added another 5lbs. Other than that, I have a Max-air fan with some Yakima racks – for whatever that’s worth.
2014 Ram 3500 MegaCab, 1983 FWC Fleet
#33
Posted 18 July 2019 - 09:50 PM
Between the jack bracket fab, lift strut things and other recent random adds, I'm dedicated to being mostly finished over these next couple of weeks.
Finally got to the interior mostly tuned and I'm trimming it off now. . .
Converted the snub nose top storage to having extension rails coming into the camper so I can have a full bed up top, . . .
Also made a removable bench and drop down table with leafs so we can have a big dining area and a second bed, but also be able to move around it and clear out all the clutter having the access when needed (shell like).
Since I was aiming for a "stash and go" concept w/MTN Bikes inside, I have a goal zero battery set-up paired to an ARB fridge with a panel for power that hog a little bit of room, so I throw this stuff in it's place when ready to roll.
Will have to post more pictures as we go for other accessories, storage and other adds, but here's a picture of where it's at so far.
2014 Ram 3500 MegaCab, 1983 FWC Fleet
#34
Posted 28 October 2019 - 06:47 PM
Had to say goodbye to this Fleet last month. Went to a good home!
For whatever reason, I decided to pick up an old beat up Grandby (I think?), and stripped it this weekend.
I think I'll do a "shell-only" build that sits on the bed rails. Been dreaming that up for years and with build envy every time I see one!
Here is a shot of the new project's frame - Probably will start another build thread w/more pics and idea gathering this time.
2014 Ram 3500 MegaCab, 1983 FWC Fleet
#35
Posted 04 November 2019 - 03:36 PM
Nice! That looks hauntingly familiar... haha.. Good luck with the project. We love the extra room of the Granby vs. Fleet..
#36
Posted 04 November 2019 - 03:38 PM
http://www.wanderthe...ect-90s-granby/
Thats my link to our rebuild.. basically a shell granby now..
#37
Posted 04 November 2019 - 11:36 PM
Nice! That looks hauntingly familiar... haha.. Good luck with the project. We love the extra room of the Granby vs. Fleet..
You did a Fleet and a Grandby too - Total recall - I'll bet! I checked out your Grandby build - looks awesome!
Certain that this Grandby frame is is wider at 80" than my Fleet was, but can't recall. I'll see the Fleet on Weds and have to do a quick measure.
2014 Ram 3500 MegaCab, 1983 FWC Fleet
#38
Posted 05 November 2019 - 12:08 AM
You did a Fleet and a Grandby too - Total recall - I'll bet! I checked out your Grandby build - looks awesome!
Certain that this Grandby frame is is wider at 80" than my Fleet was, but can't recall. I'll see the Fleet on Weds and have to do a quick measure.
Yup.. we bought a older 7.5 foot Fleet and used it for about a year, including a trip to Baja for 3 weeks. It just felt narrow, especially with 2 dogs. I think the floor width was 39 inches. The Granby has 48 inches. (I could be making these numbers up but I do recall it was 9 inches wider).. Granby is only 1/2 foot longer, but feels so much bigger.. both were stripped and made as open as possible..
Also tagged with one or more of these keywords: FWC, pop up, canvas, restoration, sheet metal, trim, four wheel camper, camper, pop up mechanism, pop top
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