1955 Canned Ham - Restoration/Rebuild

[wardejii]

I started this project months ago, demo it, cleaned and painted frame.
Took frame in, new bearings, coupler, chains.
They could not locate outside grease seals so put a brand new axle under it. (Peace of mind )
Finally got it back and excited to get started on rebuild.
Going to insulate floor, anyone have any suggestions.
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MY THOUGHTS - Rim outside of plywood with 5/4” board, planned to 1” and cut into 1”-1 1/2” strips. Also horizontally to support plywood.
Use 1” styrofoam insulation and cover with either 1/2” osb or 1/2” cdx plywood.

Let the good times roll.

 

[Chargerman]

Wow. That’s a project for sure. I would suggest using POR-15 on the frame. The stuff is awesome. 2 coats and then an overcoat of paint.
Your insulation plan sounds good. I think I would cover that whole thing with sheet plastic as a vapor barrier prior to installing the subfloor. Then I would go with the plywood instead of OSB. On top of that I would lay down a high quality sheet vinyl flooring. There are some very durable and great looking products out there today.
Good luck and keep us posted on your progress

 

[wardejii]

Wow, I just saw my first post on September 6, 2020. All because of a bearing seal. No worries, being retired and living the dream.
Frame has been cleaned up an primed, Rustolium Rusty Metal Primer. I have two cans of Flex Seal (Black) I may use on Frame.
Also picked up a can of Seal Once- Marine sealer for bottom of marine plywood. Thanks for suggestion on plastic vapor barrier. Not sure what I’m going to use for floor covering. Vinyl would be the simplest.

 

[Sticcarver]

Good luck I am starting my first rebuild 1972 mitchell

 

[Sticcarver]

Good luck I am starting my first rebuild 1972 mitchell

 

[wardejii]

Mine I guess you would say has turned into a hobby. I say that because I have not worked on it since September. I took mine right down to the axle and bare frame and started there. New axle, new side wall framing, floor, new bendable plywood on outside and insulation cut for inside. Going to use Filon on outside so need to wait for weather to warm up.
In the meantime I am redoing a 1973 Scamp 13’. All new flooring, electrical 110/12 volt, plumbing, paint. Since my new 38x40’ 14’ sidewalls is not insulated,
I can use a space heater to keep inside of trailer warm enough to work.
As a contractor one of the things I have learned over the years is the snowball effect. One thing leads to another and another. But it is fun and I take a lot of pride in restoring these vintage trailers.

Good luck on your project and have fun.
Any questions or concerns, let me know.
Joe

 

[Jim]

In the meantime I am redoing a 1973 Scamp 13’. All new flooring, electrical 110/12 volt, plumbing, paint.
Joe

Nice work Joe! It's really looking good!

 

[wardejii]

Nice work Joe! It's really looking good!

Thank you
Should have the 1973 Scamp done in another week or so and look forward to starting inside electrical on canned ham.

 

[hellosarah]

Nice, @wardejii!! Updates? Road blocks? Recommendations as a hobbyist (w/ contractor background )

@Sticcarver, mine looks very similar! Any update on your end?

RESOURCE: Young Farts RV Parts
Haven't ordered from them but I respect their efforts and get plenty of laughs from their social media.



My partner and I have done a few rounds of restoration between long stretches of being on the road FT.
He's done a lot more of the woodwork than I have.

We believe it's from '72/'73. I've worked in vintage retail for over a decade and as much as I love the idea of an era appropriate restore, I don't think we'll continue that route with the interior layout — TBD.