svra4l9

[Scootman]

Hi all.
Just wondering if someone can tell me what the best thing/ product is to bog up screw holes on the van?
Thanks Scoot

[cobber]

G'day Scootman,

Just to re-introduce this thread, and bring it to member's attention I'll give you my two bobs worth.
I have been using the Sikaflex products, either 291 or 241. But you will have to find another use for the tube you buy because you won't need much to fill screw holes and I haven't be able to find it in a tube smaller than 370g.
I reckon it's good for bogging holes much larger than screw holes....applied in thin layers, one after the other. It sands back OK and dries flexible and paintable.
No doubt there are other products to do the job, those with more experience than me can give us their advice .

Cobber.

[h2iwahp]

Thanks for that Cobber. After many months of idleness I've decided its time to get back to the carport and finish the job I started so long ago. So expect some more stupid questions from me. I had a guy tell me that he used car bog on a project he was working , and I thought maybe that would be good for filling in the gaps , small as they are , between the ply sheets.

Ok next question. Im about to putty the glass into the window frames. Has anyone ever done this? cos god knows I havent.
Scoot

[Franklin1]

Hey, Scootman...Welcome back!! Sounds like the cyclone is now a distant memory, and you've run out of excuses for avoiding that damn van!
I'll tell ya a funny story about window glazing... When I bought my house in 1978 one of the awning windows leaked. Being a keen handyman I removed the window from the main frame and set about re-puttying the glass, working with the window on the garage floor. After hours of slowly, slowly, careful job, I got the re-puttying all completed and stood back to congratulate myself. Then I took a few steps to do something else, and trod smack in the middle of the glass pane!! It was at that moment that I decided my house was going to have sliding aluminium windows...
You can do a google search for "how to glaze a window" or "window glazing" and you should find enough info about how to do it. Not sure exactly what stage you're starting from, but assuming you're starting from scratch, the job is relatively easy, but takes time to remove all the old putty; sand and reprime the frame (using oil based primer); put new putty bed in; then glass; then more putty around outside. Trickiest bit is getting a neat 45 degree angle all around the outside of the glass. Make sure you salvage the metal "diamond points" that hold the glass in place. They're hidden behind the old outside putty...maybe 3 points holding each side of the glass in place, depending on the size of the window.
If you need any more help/info, send me a personal message with your e-mail address and I can expand on the above info.
Persevere, and you'll have a fine looking window. Just remember to place a barricade around it when you've finished... ;D ;D

cheers,
Al.

[Scootman]

Ok well I did it today. I have made two major mistakes. One was deciding to build a van from scratch when I have never even built a shoe box and two was putting puch out windows in it. Seemed like a good idea at the time. So I went to the local scrap yard and bought two old windows. OF course despite that fact that I measured them in the yard, somewhere between there and home they grew. So I decided I could cut them down, which I did ok . Then I realised that I would have to build a frame for the windows including a sill. Woops! But once again I have managed and actually I dont think Ive done a bad job, but them again the proof will be in the pudding, or the rain, or ......... I had already done as you suggested and did a google search.

Here are some pics PLEASE DO NOT ZOOM IN ON THEM.
Side of the van


Window


Damn I wanted to be the first to sleep in the van.

[Deleted]

hey Scoot

Why dont you stop beating yourself up???. Its about time you gave yourself a bit of credit. Your van looks fine.

I dont care wether your building a bloody shoe box or a teardrop. The facts of the matter are .. you are having a go and hopefully learning and enjoying yourself along the way.

its all good fun and if the thing falls apart heading down the highway you can always laugh and say ... I have learnt from my mistakes and will do it different next time. There is whole forests out there waiting to supply blokes like us with fresh timber if we make a stuff up or two. Never ever feel embarassed about anything you have had a go at. Every day is a new adventure/challenge .

Never be afraid to ask questions mate. Thats half the reason most of us joined this site. to learn more about our hobbys and that includes how they are built.

Now get back out there and battle on. remember... If it doesnt fit... get a bigger hammer and make it fit!!!

Reddo...Motivational speaker on self esteem and ....wood mangler from way back.

[Jim]

Like Reddo and Col have said Scoot, and not forgetting some Premier you've had up there...
"Don't you worry 'bout that"..

You've achieved more than the many how have never had a go at anything, and remember.. the last guy who never made a mistake was nailed up on a cross.

Now.. are you going to tow your new built van down south or are we all gunna come up there to admire your handywork?

Jim

[carapark]

Hey Scoot, Our bondwood van has the common garden variety windows & the mrs found out the one above her bed leaked at Coledale last year.

She asked me if I had fixed it yet so I lied and said "yes dear " hope it dose't rain down there this time, we only got about 50 spots of rain & they all ended up on her mattress.

For what it's worth I think your windows look good, plenty of character.

Cheers, Gary

[veedubnut]

G'day Scootman,

I agree with the guys here... You've done a great job especially if this is your first go at building a caravan from scratch!

Fron what I can see in the pics it's looking great.

I know my Teardrop is not perfect I'm no carpenter and I have no idea why I chose Woodwork as my elective subject in High School I *%#@... errr despised it but, I've had alot of fun with the reconstruction of my TD and let me tell you paint and wood putty can hide a multitude of sins ;D

Cheers

Greg

[Scootman]

Hey all, thanks for your great words of encouragment. I really have enjoyed the journey and I can see light at the end of the tunnel. Jim I love your comment about the guy that never made a mistake ending up on the cross , lol. Heres a good story for you. When I was making the window frames I was a bit confiused about what went where, so I knew there was a house being built around the corner and went to ask some advice. And here it is . "Mate , we dont build frames like that anymore, we just block the walls and put in a slider. Dont think Ive ever made one. , and if someone does want those sort of windows we just order them ready made and knock em in ."
Hmmm back to the drawing board and the internet LOL
Scoot