Just bought my first PU! (project)

[A_mac]

Great deal, but looks like a lot of rebuilding to do.

As mentioned, go light on the materials.  Water damage is a bear to deal with.  Consider that the roof of your camper is probably a 2"x2" outside frame with 2-3 cross supports.  Thats it for the 'structure'.  The overall strength is acheived by making this frame, with the roof panel, ceiling panel, and foam insulation a 'sandwich'. I don't think I personally would start with the stop sign post, which you will probably be challenged to find 'something' to attach it to.  I would strip off the inside ceiling paneling, inspect the wooden framing, cut out and replace rotted wood, and replace with new 2x2 construction.  If you wanted to run 2x4's across on the front & back of the roof vent, it would give more stability to the air conditioner.  Once the roof is rebuilt, put in a new interior panel and caulk all seams on the roof with polyurethane caulk and/or Eternabond tape. 

Good luck with the new rig!!

Todd

Thanks! And my roof only has a very small strip of wood around the top just under the roof panel. Other than that, it is the foam and then the ceiling panel, with only one cross brace in the middle. I guess this is common with pop ups? I did pull off the laminated wood (luan?)ceiling panel, which was rotten, but the foam underneath is still good and still glued to the roof. And like you said about the 2x4s for support this is what the post will be doing if I can get the curve right. This would be in addition to the existing support, and help support the a/c. I was going to fabricate mounts like the ones for the center supports so i could have something to mount it to.  BUT...after a few comments, I believe I will try to look for some aluminum for a second support instead of the post to help with weight.

[A_mac]

Nice find! Sometimes DIY projects become more complicated and expensive than buying new, but they are a lot of fun and a good learning experience.

I figured at $50 how could I go wrong? lol Plus I love having something to work on.You should see all the trouble I went through to get my truck where it is! It was fun as I am hoping this PU will be. Here is a link to my build thread for my truck if you want to look. It's not from another camper forum so I hope it is ok to post it.                           http://www.fordrangerforum.com/project-logs/27729-my-2000-ranger-build.html

[wavery]

Nice find! Sometimes DIY projects become more complicated and expensive than buying new, but they are a lot of fun and a good learning experience.

I figured at $50 how could I go wrong? lol Plus I love having something to work on.You should see all the trouble I went through to get my truck where it is! It was fun as I am hoping this PU will be. Here is a link to my build thread for my truck if you want to look. It's not from another camper forum so I hope it is ok to post it.                           http://www.fordrangerforum.com/project-logs/27729-my-2000-ranger-build.html

That's the thing...... if you realize that this is a fun hobby, you can't go wrong. However, if you're fretting and cussing at the thing the whole time that you're working on it..... that could be stressful and sure as heck not worth it.

There seems to be 2 very distinct types of PU owners...... thems what likes to tinker and thems what like to camp..... . If you can combine the 2..... you've got a real winner.

Anyway, at least you aren't spending hundreds of hours rebuilding an ABS roof. The roof on that camper is a good roof.

[Jayko]

Looks like ya got something to keep you out of trouble this summer.  Good luck with the project!  Close to camping yet?

[A_mac]

That's the thing...... if you realize that this is a fun hobby, you can't go wrong. However, if you're fretting and cussing at the thing the whole time that you're working on it..... that could be stressful and sure as heck not worth it.

There seems to be 2 very distinct types of PU owners...... thems what likes to tinker and thems what like to camp..... . If you can combine the 2..... you've got a real winner.

Anyway, at least you aren't spending hundreds of hours rebuilding an ABS roof. The roof on that camper is a good roof.

I be thems that like to tinker and camp!

Looks like ya got something to keep you out of trouble this summer.  Good luck with the project!  Close to camping yet?

Thanks, And I am a long ways from camping! I have it all tore apart right now.

[campingramps]

My first PU was a project camper.  Roof was damaged in a hurricane and I had to scrap the AC and replace the inner roof paneling. Luckily, Lowe's had some the exact same color. Only thing I didn't do, which I should have, was remove the roof to replace the paneling. Would have made it easier but I was in a hurry.  But, that's OK, used it 3 glorious years and sold it for a nice profit.  Good luck with your project.  Hope you're camping soon.

[A_mac]

My first PU was a project camper.  Roof was damaged in a hurricane and I had to scrap the AC and replace the inner roof paneling. Luckily, Lowe's had some the exact same color. Only thing I didn't do, which I should have, was remove the roof to replace the paneling. Would have made it easier but I was in a hurry.  But, that's OK, used it 3 glorious years and sold it for a nice profit.  Good luck with your project.  Hope you're camping soon.

All I have to to take the roof off now is unbolt it! What kind of material did you use for the roof?