climberchick
Observer
UPDATE: Cabover, safe, refrigerator
Sorry for the long delay between posts. We have been hard at work on the Rader. Here's the latest:
We finished the cabover bunk area, with the exception of trim and paint. We used laminate flooring and wood paneling as pictured before. We also wired in a shore power outlet and a USB charging station on the front end so we can charge our devices at night or plug in to watch a movie in bed. Here is a photo of that:
Next, we tackled the cab. Remember that disgusting carpet and those hideous pink seats that destroyed our backs? Well, we ripped out the carpet and installed molded vinyl, and we spent our Valentine's date perusing the scrap yard for seats. We got captain's chairs from a 1998 Montero, then secured them using the original rails and frames from the pink seats. Here is a before shot and a couple afters:
Next, we needed to address the refrigerator. The joy of older fiberglass campers is that nothing is square. So the refrigerator had warped to the point it no longer closed properly, and the pressboard framing around it was rotten and falling apart. So we ripped it out, sawed out all the rotten wood parts and replaced them, then fiberglassed in the wooden framing for the fiberglass frig casing near the outside vent panel. We then welded and installed a steel frame for the frig that would keep it from warping in the future. We also decided to add a safe underneath the frig that would be hidden by a false panel, and that too was welded into the frame and bolted to the floor. This safe is big enough to hold our important documents, laptop, and other electronics. Photos below:
Lastly, we welded some small frames for a compartment to replace the entrance step, so we can have a handy spot to store small tools, cords, etc. Pictured below:
The Rader is now at the shop, getting the suspension and alignment done. We did decide not to swap the axle, but we're still considering 15" wheels if we can find them. Next up: the floor!
Sorry for the long delay between posts. We have been hard at work on the Rader. Here's the latest:
We finished the cabover bunk area, with the exception of trim and paint. We used laminate flooring and wood paneling as pictured before. We also wired in a shore power outlet and a USB charging station on the front end so we can charge our devices at night or plug in to watch a movie in bed. Here is a photo of that:
Next, we tackled the cab. Remember that disgusting carpet and those hideous pink seats that destroyed our backs? Well, we ripped out the carpet and installed molded vinyl, and we spent our Valentine's date perusing the scrap yard for seats. We got captain's chairs from a 1998 Montero, then secured them using the original rails and frames from the pink seats. Here is a before shot and a couple afters:
Next, we needed to address the refrigerator. The joy of older fiberglass campers is that nothing is square. So the refrigerator had warped to the point it no longer closed properly, and the pressboard framing around it was rotten and falling apart. So we ripped it out, sawed out all the rotten wood parts and replaced them, then fiberglassed in the wooden framing for the fiberglass frig casing near the outside vent panel. We then welded and installed a steel frame for the frig that would keep it from warping in the future. We also decided to add a safe underneath the frig that would be hidden by a false panel, and that too was welded into the frame and bolted to the floor. This safe is big enough to hold our important documents, laptop, and other electronics. Photos below:
Lastly, we welded some small frames for a compartment to replace the entrance step, so we can have a handy spot to store small tools, cords, etc. Pictured below:
The Rader is now at the shop, getting the suspension and alignment done. We did decide not to swap the axle, but we're still considering 15" wheels if we can find them. Next up: the floor!
