78 Fleet Rebuild

[Pac12_afterdark]

This lift mechanism is killing me, spent 8 hours or so today trying to get it dialed. Seems like no matter what I end up with an overhang…

My current suspicion is top and bottom mounting points on the ceiling and the brackets pivoting on the bottom are not aligned.

Seems like a simple mechanism, I guess putting together with zero thought really leads to a fun learning experience.

I have added an aligned diagram and misaligned diagram which I think proves my thought. This will be a full rebuild on this portion.

 

[Pac12_afterdark]

This video is very informational on bending “back to back 90s”. I will be using this method to fix the mess I’m in.

Sharing to save anyone some googling in the future

 

[pods8]

With the normal folding panels the upper panel is slightly shorter than the lower panel and in turn the mounting point is more towards the inside of the camper on the upper hinge, this is so it nests down inside the frame when closed. I realize you did conduit but the point is correlating the pivot points versus mounting locations is important to get it to fold down where you intended.

 

[Pac12_afterdark]

Looking forward to insulation… I see everyone uses board. But the r value is so low. Any reason not to use foam roll? Just because it’s a pain?

 

[pods8]

Looking forward to insulation… I see everyone uses board. But the r value is so low. Any reason not to use foam roll? Just because it’s a pain?

What roll foam are you referring to? Did you mean roll fiberglass? It’s lower R per inch than board.

 

[Pac12_afterdark]

What roll foam are you referring to? Did you mean roll fiberglass? It’s lower R per inch than board.

Oh interesting. Yes I am.

For instance here is one that is r-5 vs r-13

 

[Vic Harder]

the roll stuff assumes that it can expand into a 3.5" thick space between 2x4's. How thick is that foamular?

 

[Pac12_afterdark]

the roll stuff assumes that it can expand into a 3.5" thick space between 2x4's. How thick is that foamular?

1”


Got my lifts all squared away. Roof sits flush now. Was the mounting points not being in a mine. Onto the interior!

Looking to get out April 16th.. clock is officially ticking!!

 

[Vic Harder]

1”


Got my lifts all squared away. Roof sits flush now. Was the mounting points not being in a mine. Onto the interior!

Looking to get out April 16th.. clock is officially ticking!!

Right, so 4" of the foamular would be R20.

 

[Pac12_afterdark]

Right, so 4" of the foamular would be R20.

Makes sense to me. Thank you for the explanation.

 

[pods8]

Yeah the “R13” is not that rating when filling a 1” space.

 

[Pac12_afterdark]

Went with the r-6 board.

Got everything insulated and started doing some of the aesthetic covering.

Trying out a shou-sugi-ban technique on the trim.

 

[Pac12_afterdark]

Made more interior progress. Got the stove in, now I need to make a slide panel to get access to the gas. Then I test fit it on the truck.

The lifts still aren’t right, the top just doesn’t sit like it used to. I’m going to try and copy the old lift panels I had to see if that solves the problem.


Still need to build some cabinets, but it’s definitely at “minimum viable camper” status.

The gas struts for the rear door will be here Monday, and I need to build an 8th inch trim spacer for the latch, but things are looking up!

 

[Vic Harder]

Love the wedge cabinet for the stove. Clever use of space!

 

[Pac12_afterdark]

Love the wedge cabinet for the stove. Clever use of space!

Thank you!

I got my gas struts in, very smooth operation.

Does anyone know if these must be spring hinges? I’m looking to replicate another one of these lift panels this weekend and do not have the other piece.

 

[Pac12_afterdark]

I put the old rear lift panel on, much, much better fit!! Canvas is more taught and it sits more flush. I’ll duplicate the mechanism and put it in the front. I threw half of the front away like an idiot.

I’m going to make another brace for up near the bunk to pull the last half inch or so of slack out of the canvas.

 

[Pac12_afterdark]

I started glassing in the top bunk yesterday. I’ll get that stitched up tonight then do the next lift bracket.

Really just have to finish the drivers side passenger side storage and counter. Looking to get it mounted to the truck this weekend.

 

[Pac12_afterdark]

I have reached the stage of “campable”. She’s bolted to the truck and functional. Still have quite a bit of interior work to do, but I can twiddle away at that over time.

Still need to do solar, cupboards, storage, roll out storage, diesel heater, water heater, and water storage. But I’m pretty happy and planning on using it next weekend with the wife.

 

[goinoregon]

looking good. nice views in the pics !

 

[Pac12_afterdark]

Wife and I did our first shakedown trip this weekend. We just went to a local state park, so not all the abuse I have been known to out the camper through.

I am so happy I spent the time on the flip up rear door. Love that feature. The new floor plan vs the old is night and day in terms of functionality and space. Lots of little things to finish up - but very happy with that.

Still a bit early for “fast” walleye fishing but we brought in a one person limit. Here is the biggest of the trip.