78 Fleet Rebuild

[Pac12_afterdark]

Will probably be a slow next couple of weeks in this build. 1) being off holiday break severely limits my free time to work on it and 2) it’s a bit at a point where everything ties together so I need to get all my trim pieces, new tent, and rear door squared away.

I’m going to drop the tent off Wednesday to have windows put in. If it’s too far gone I’ll start over on it and give myself a little more headroom while I’m at it.

Anyways, hopefully I’ll have some good updates for this thread in a few weeks.

 

[Pac12_afterdark]

Spent some time designing the rear hatch and ordering parts. I’m going with the bottom style.

Purchased a hurricane hinge, the rear window and some more aluminum to start fabricating.

 

[Wandering Sagebrush]

I had to look up Hurricane Hinge as I had never heard them named. Thanks for the education.

 

[Pac12_afterdark]

I had to look up Hurricane Hinge as I had never heard them named. Thanks for the education.

Any time! They seem pretty slick.

I fabricated the door frame and the outside of the rear door today. Didn’t have enough gusto to do the framing for the rear window. Have a week before it gets here though.

 

[Vic Harder]

where are you putting your propane box? Are you putting the door in the centre or offset slightly? The offset can help with cabinet/seat spacing.

I also do not recommend putting the fridge/cooler at the back of the rig, unless you like making "empty fridge surprise" on the floor of your camper.

 

[Pac12_afterdark]

where are you putting your propane box? Are you putting the door in the centre or offset slightly? The offset can help with cabinet/seat spacing.

I also do not recommend putting the fridge/cooler at the back of the rig, unless you like making "empty fridge surprise" on the floor of your camper.

The door is centered, but I was a moron and didn’t plan enough space for the hinge so I’ll have to refab it.

I’m actually not going to put the propane box back in, I run a diesel heater and that will be centered on the drivers side where the hot water heater door is. I was thinking of going with a 12v fridge/ freezer up near the cab of the truck or on the passengers side. Passenger side would block that new big beautiful window though .

I hadn’t put much thought into the interior just yet but I’m going with a “front dinette” style. I also plan to have two large slide out cargo style boxes that sit on the floor. Your post made me think about layout, so this is close to what I’m thinking. Borrowing some thoughts from the flip out beds that Hewescraft boats have.

 

[Pac12_afterdark]

I got the quote back from getting windows sewn into the tent. The words “prohibitively expensive” came to mind. I’ll have to search this forum for instructions or try and find someone else local.

They wanted 250 per window. Which I think is fair, but that alone would eclipse the cost of all materials I put into the rebuild. I’m stuck somewhere between buy once cry once and there has to be another way.

 

[pods8]

I’ll have to search this forum for instructions

Full build - Reconstructing a 1981 Grandby into a custom Hawk!

Looking good! I appreciate the detailed updates, as it's a good way to pick up some build tips for possible later use!

www.wanderthewest.com

I'm about to order materials myself to sew up a sideliner. I can't exactly tell all the dimensions he used but the concept is clear.

 

[Pac12_afterdark]

Full build - Reconstructing a 1981 Grandby into a custom Hawk!

Looking good! I appreciate the detailed updates, as it's a good way to pick up some build tips for possible later use!

www.wanderthewest.com

I'm about to order materials myself to sew up a sideliner. I can't exactly tell all the dimensions he used but the concept is clear.

Thank you!!

 

[pods8]

Thank you!!

FYI I ordered my fabric and some HH-66 from mytarp.com (18oz FR VCP and 20mil FR clear) and ordered bug screen, velcro, thread, basting tape from sailrite.

 

[Pac12_afterdark]

FYI I ordered my fabric and some HH-66 from mytarp.com (18oz FR VCP and 20mil FR clear) and ordered bug screen, velcro, thread, basting tape from sailrite.

Oh awesome! I think that is where I got my material for the DIY thermal pack some years ago. I’ll give it a look, thanks for the info!

The rear hinge showed up today so I am hoping I can get the rear end finalized and covered. Then move into this next project.

 

[Pac12_afterdark]

Today was kind of a bummer, on the hurricane hinges there are two styles. One (the one I got) leaves about a .5” offset, there is a better style that does not offset. So I will need to order that.

I have included pictures of mine and the style you need to have them sit flush. Did get the window mocked in and the door working though. Progress!

Got the butyl tape, hardware and other essentials to get the sides affixed permanently. I think with all parts here and one or two vacation days I can get the exterior buttoned up and move onto the inside.

Anyway, hope someone learns from my mistake!