1968 Alaskan Camper: Restoration/Refurbish

[Surfk1]

Yeah ... well, I ordered some parts for the new 8' NCO this afternoon. I must say the best part of getting the new camper was the road trip to go get it and the much slower trip back home with my sweety!

So, I think it is time to hit these projects hard for a while ... Sorry we left y'all hangin' for so long!

The last couple days have been spent getting regrouped ... but it looks like we are ready to go now.

See ya in the AM Keeno.

:chef:

 

[chief5]

It's been almost 2 weeks? I bought a similiar 8 ft. Alaskan NCO 2 months ago. When removing it from the donor truck, I could not get a wrench on the rear carriage bolts to stop them from turning. The rear floor was so rotted, I simply lifted the camper and let them pull thru the floor. I need to do the same repair to mine. I found your thread and am anxiously awaiting to see your floor repair completed. I need to get started on mine so that I can complete before the October Hunting season.


Looking forward to an update.

Thanks,
Lorn.

 

[KEENO]

Hey Chief5 & all....

I do need to apolgize for the infrequent updates, life has throw me a bit a curve ball with the concern of a possible relocation to the North. The Alaskan "Resto-Mod" is still in the focus of Eric & myself.... I'm the one to blame for the slow progress, as I've had to shift my attention to getting my house squared away some for when the ax falls!:Wow1:

A quick recap: We now have a total of (3) Alaskan Campers on the property. My 1968 (8' NCO), Eric's 1969 (8' NCO) & 1969 (10' NCO)... We are working primarily on the 8' footers.

Here's a few pics of the pristine interior of Eric's 40 year old 8 footer:


And the Floor of Eric's 1969 8' NCO that will be replaced soon:


More pic's in a minute of the Side Wall Replacement in KEENO's Camper.

KEENO

 

[KEENO]

KEENO: Side Wall Replacement

Back to KEENO's Alaskan:

Update: The Floor was completly ripped out of my Alaskan and the base has been resting on dollies since May. After an extensive "destruction" process we are finally beginning the 'construction' portion of the show and have replaced the lower sidewalls this week. The Alaskan factory uses 1/2" plywood for the sidewalls (the front/rear are 3/4"), we had a extra sheet of Exterior 3/4" plywood and chose to use this in place of the exisiting 1/2" plywood. By doing so, minimal weight was added (10-15#?), while definitely increasing strength. All of the joints have been Gorilla Glued and screwed verse the nails & zero adhesive that the factory had in place 41 years ago. It's STOUT!:coffeedrink:

Here's some destruction/construction pics:

Gringing the heads off of rusty screws:

Side & Rear: 41 year old 1/2" plywood with water damage & rot:

Close-Up of damaged 1/2" plywood side:

1/2" plywood Side removed (Drivers Side):

Drivers Side replaced with 3/4" Exterior Plywood:

Passenger Side being replaced:


We'll be back at it later in the week and should have some pics of the framework of the cabinets coming together.

Almost ready to put a floor on it!

KEENO

 

[chief5]

Hey KEENO,

Any updates or new photos?


Lorn.

 

[fisher205]

The quickie fix that I did with my floor was just throw a 3/4" plywood under the old floor. Mines a cabover and I had to raise it to get it to clear the cab. I built a 2X4 frame and insulated it and the another 1/2" sheet of plywood. Definitely not as nice as the work Keeno is doing. - Brad

 

[Surfk1]

Life changes!

It seems that Keeno has had his world turned upside down. He is going to be transfered to Ohio in a couple weeks. He has been working feverishly to get his house ready for departure. I talked with him last night and he is wanting to continue with the build but it is going to be up to me to do the bulk of the work. We will work out a way to keep you guys in the loop with photos, etc.

We got the Closed Cell foam shot in the top section of his camper a week ago yesterday. I have some photos and we will get them on soon. I have not seen him since then cuz he has been painting like a mad man!

As soon as Keeno and I have a sit down to get some details worked out I will be on the build again. Until then I am getting the little yellow Samurai you all saw in the earlier pictures built.

Sorry about all the delays but ... LIFE HAPPENS!

:chef:
Eric

 

[bucketosudz]

Here's wishing KEENO all the best in the transition, we all know how tough that can be. Thanks for letting us followers know Surf!

 

[Surfk1]

Sami



Just a quickie of Sami ... This is what we will be towing behind our trucl/Alaskan when we want to setup camp and still get around and she will definately get us places when I am done with her.

I love trickin out Samurai's they are capable little vehicles to begin with ... but with a little work they are awesome.

:coffeedrink:

 

[Rusty Hooks]

Impressive undertaking......I did mine a few years ago.....not quite to the extent was necessary here but it was an interesting project. My wife has another term for it. I've got some details on installing a new Norcold 300, 2.7 foot refer with a freezer if you're interested, and some great linear polyurethane aircraft paint too.

 

[KEENO]

Welcome Rusty Hooks....

Yes! Please share any information you have pertaining to these classics! many thoughts and discussions have occurred about replacing the Ice Box with a Refrig, let us know the details. Regarding the outside finish.... Thinking of going the Durabak route as suggested by others on this thread. Definitely open to further discussion & knowledge.

I mentioned this in another posting, but my project has ground to a halt due to a sudden relocation to the North with my work. I found out 2 weeks ago I'm NE Ohio bound.... Yikes!

Any great ExPo Chapters & events up that way???

KEENO

 

[CalLabSolutions]

Need Help

I have a late 60's model Alaskan camper. and I can not figure out how to get the heater out..

The problem is the thermocouple is malfunctioning. So I am trying to pull the heater so it is easier to work on. And I can not figure out how to get the heater of of the camper..

I have all the screws out. The propane line disconnected. But I can not get the exhaust to disconnect from the heater. (it is stuck in the wall.)

 

[KEENO]

Hello Cal...

Sorry for the late reply, I haven't spent much time in this forum since my Alaskan project was forced to be put on hold due to a job relo. Basically, my Alaskan is still in Tennessee, while I find myself in NE Ohio for most of the week.

I wish I could help with the stuck heater issue, but I have no past experience. My Alaskan was sans and heating unit when purchased last Christmas Season.

If you're seriously stuck & it's factory installed, I would give the Alaskan Factory a call (360-748-6494), they have always been very helpful.

Good Luck...

KEENO

 

[Cacher]

I am insanely jealous.

 

[Rot Box]

Great build! It's awesome to see you put new life into it even though it is such a big project :elkgrin:

These campers are so cool :wings: