Community Forums

freebird1972 · 07-17-2011, 07:11 PM

I bought a 20' 1974 Coachmen Cadet camper for what I thought was a good deal but now I'm not sure. There was a little hole in the floor when I bought it and I started to tear it out and found out it was more than just the floor! To make a long story short I have the front and the side tin removed replacing alot of the wood (the structure walls) not to mention I just replaced the support boards and a big section of the floor. I was wandering if anyone has any kind of structure plans for this type of camper as some of the wood has rotted away or can I just make sure everything is tied together and supported? I used to rebuild cars as my hobby but now I enjoy working on things like this camper so the work does not bother me but I was wandering when do you keep going and when do you cut your losses and walk away?
Any feed back would be very helpful.

ahicks · 07-18-2011, 07:24 AM

The hardest part of a project like the one you're on is getting to the point where you can start reassembling. It should not be that difficult to figure out how it was built originally during that process. Resist the urge to reinforce beyond the original design. It's just not necessary and only causes delays.

I don't know how far you're into it, but if it's any help, can tell you the walls are built separately, then joined on top of a floor that was built separately. The cabinets are then installed, and finally the roof/ceiling.....

Your previous projects demonstrate you are in possession of the patience required here. I'd encourage you to keep going with it. Just don't over think it?

freebird1972 · 07-19-2011, 06:40 PM

Thanks for the feed back, I did start to over brace everything but then started to back off and try to follow what they did. I just have to be careful with my projects because I can get a lot of time and money tied up in them ( that's just the way I am)
Thanks again for the feed back

RonS1985 · 07-20-2011, 06:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by freebird1972

I bought a 20' 1974 Coachmen Cadet camper for what I thought was a good deal but now I'm not sure. There was a little hole in the floor when I bought it and I started to tear it out and found out it was more than just the floor! To make a long story short I have the front and the side tin removed replacing alot of the wood (the structure walls) not to mention I just replaced the support boards and a big section of the floor. I was wandering if anyone has any kind of structure plans for this type of camper as some of the wood has rotted away or can I just make sure everything is tied together and supported? I used to rebuild cars as my hobby but now I enjoy working on things like this camper so the work does not bother me but I was wandering when do you keep going and when do you cut your losses and walk away?
Any feed back would be very helpful.

It all depends on how much is too much for you and your wallet, and how much you like it.

GOLDWINGER2 · 07-20-2011, 06:47 AM

Pictures?
J

freebird1972 · 07-20-2011, 05:55 PM

I was working on it tonight and I finally found solid wood in the walls. I figure this winter I will tear out the ceiling where it is soft and keep going.
As for the pictures I will try to upload some (I live out in the stixs so I still have dial up)
Thanks again for the input