20 replies to this topic

[trasko]

I joined WTW a few months ago after picking up an "1985" Grandby and a pair of tripod jacks for $900. I knew the camper was in rough shape (or that it is really a '73 to '75 model) but didn't think I'd end up gutting it. I actually tried to sell it for about 6 weeks when I realized it was a bigger project than I had imagined. I got interest, but no takers so I decided to fix it up and keep it! I've already gotten a lot of great advice from the folks here so I figured I would make a thread to stick all my work in. For right now I'll reference the other threads and great info I got, but I also have another question. I'll get to that in a sec...

My other threads:

Features: The useful and not-so-useful

Total pop-up fabric replacement; Options?

How to replace floor pack?


Before I put in the new side-liner (once it arrives) or do much else w/ the roof, I need to replace the lift panels. The front one is in ok shape; it has been "replaced." I use quotes because it uses a single piece of wood which makes lifting the front of the roof quite difficult. The 2-part action of the standard lift panels makes that last inch or two quite easy while it's the opposite when you only have one flip-up panel. I have to get into the bed and put my back on the roof and lift while shoving the panel into place with my shoulder. Gah. The rear panel is original and after lifting it maybe 20-30 times over the past couple of months it is nearly disintegrated. I expect it *may* have one or two lifts left before completely failing.

Two questions:
1) should I wait till I have the new side-liner to make a replacement lift panel?
2) Is the front lift-panel the exact same as the rear? Same dimensions, same mount points, etc? I only have the rear panel to go by...

Thanks and hope as I fill this out with more information it is as useful to others as ya'lls stuff has been to me.


pics; front replacement panel:


Disintegrating rear panel (from a month ago; even worse now):

[natjwest]

1) should I wait till I have the new side-liner to make a replacement lift panel?
2) Is the front lift-panel the exact same as the rear? Same dimensions, same mount points, etc? I only have the rear panel to go by...

Looks like you didn't get any bites yet, so I'll try.

1) I don't think they're related operations. I know people on this forum have done one without the other.

2) I don't know. I don't think so though, I will check when I get home but mine is 1991 so ymmv.

[Mark W. Ingalls]

Refer to Rich's excellent report: Lift Panel Fab

[trasko]

Refer to Rich's excellent report: Lift Panel Fab

Oh wow that is great. Looks tougher than I thought it'd be. I've got my work cut out for me.

[scheefdog]

I just removed both of my lift panels(that still original and in one piece) in my rebuild and they are the same dimensions and mount the same way. I found that using a 1/8" drill bit at a slight angle worked the best for removing the old rivets. Any bigger drill bit and they really want to spin.

I'm happy to see someone else doing a rebuild to an old camper.

[trasko]

I ought to actually add some stuff about the rebuild, shouldn't I? First, here are some pictures a few days after I brought it home. The "before" is always a good place to start.




(the broken dome is my fault)





Interior!


From the first post you can get more of a feel for the inside condition. Leaks galore and the rear lift panel is slowly coming to pieces. What did I get myself into? Still, it is awesome. I love the size and feel the camper. Here is a picture of the cabinet / sink / stove / ice box (ex-fridge) / etc:


All in all it was serviceable except for the fact that it wasn't water-tight. The bed cushions were done in from repeated exposure, but otherwise if it was weather-tight then it would have worked alright. The side-liner has holes in several places and crunches when you put it away. None of the tension cords that pull the liner in when lowering are still around.

So, I tried to sell it and think about buying another in the future. I figured with FWC being as rare and as awesome as they are I wouldn't have trouble, but given the season (Dec/Jan) and economy it didn't go so well. I didn't want to take a loss after only a few weeks... I did give it a nice cleaning. That helped a lot:


Still, no takers. Oh well! In an inspired fit I decided that I was going to keep the thing and make it the nicest 1975(ish) FWC on (or off) the road.

[pods8]

Is that a hallmark decal on the side there? You sure you have a FWC and not an old hallmark?

[SunMan]

Is that a hallmark decal on the side there? You sure you have a FWC and not an old hallmark?

Looks like an Edelbrock Manifolds decal to me.  The camper sure cleaned up nicely.

[Desert Rancher]

None of the tension cords that pull the liner in when lowering are still around.

You can get the stretch cord at REI. Use the hooks from a small bungee cord and you are all set.

[pods8]

Looks like an Edelbrock Manifolds decal to me.  The camper sure cleaned up nicely.

Or that.