Homemade Camper
 

My buddy Matt was flying in from LA to work for Wray for a week, so i figured it was a good time for a 'workcation' at Wrays shop. I've been dreaming over Shastas and Scottys for a while, but i figured it would be rude to not shape some bits of metal on it... so airstream was the plan.

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j1...psqo3lwalk.jpghttp://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j1...psk3t8oc9u.jpg

I asked wray how he would approach the 30" radius on the corners... He pulled out his homemade compass naturally.

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j1...psnnzmucij.jpghttp://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j1...pskot4tmpq.jpghttp://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j1...psepogubgi.jpghttp://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j1...ps57fwg4ol.jpghttp://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j1...psqbzhh6ek.jpghttp://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j1...psyqbhygvx.jpg

This is as far as I got in 5 days... I towed it home and will be finishing it slowly.

Saw that on FB. Love it! That took 5 days? So 5 years in my time.

Good to see Wray's smiling face.

Great progress for only 5 days!

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j1...psqzk4uv40.jpg
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j1...pshmwlwutk.jpg

AirStream used to use a clear coat on their polished aluminum campers, I was told. Does any one know what they used, and are you going to use anything on yours?

CZ

They use a product developed for their use called Plasticoat and it's more pliable that automotive paint is.
They have been clearcoated since 1965, most people think that they are polished but they are actually painted....it's just clear paint.

They do sell it in a kit.


http://airstreamsupply.com/kit-plast...t-blend-1-2-gl

Some of the replacement panels I have made have been clear anodized to match the previous. Maybe pre-clearcoat era? I dunno. I am no expert on Airstreams, or Spartans, or.....

But Steve is making a nice job of the stylish homemade aluminum-skeleton and alu skinned camper. Nice work!! Good to see!!

It is a nice job for sure.
I haven't used sharkhide, but might be worth consideration. http://www.sharkhide.com/mpinfo.html

Steve, are the rivets alone going to prevent water intrusion or is there a gasket/sealant in the lap joints?