More dismantling...and the start of rebuilding !!

So, the front floor is in and looks good.  Now, time to get to work on the rotted framing.  

First up- the curbside front walls.    

The bottom board that all of the vertical frame boards sit on is called the sill board.  

On this side- it was shot.  So that had to come out.  

A number of vertical boards (uprights) had to be replaced as well-
as they were either rotted or cracked.

I also had to replace the wood framing the entry door...

and the closet paneling and outside framing.

I used a reciprocating saw to remove most of the old wood.  

It cuts right through the wood and the old nails and screws holding it together.

Power baby ! ha ha

I measured each piece of wood as I removed it, and cut new wood in my brother Tom's shop 

BTW- He has been great helping me out with this project when I have a question.  I try not to bug him too much- but he is great with showing me how to use certain tools, how best to do certain tasks, and where to get supplies.  He even found me birch paneling- which is hard to find in 1/8th".

Thanks brother!!

To attach the new wood- I first borrowed and then bought my own cool new tool: 

The pocket hole Jig

Using a drill, it makes 'pockets' into the new wood that allow 

the screw to enter the old wood and hold it securely.  

It works great for the job I am doing. 

And...here are some of the new boards in place:

                     

New uprights:

The very front of my camper is curved- 

which means the framing needs to be curved as well. 

Uh oh- tough cut coming.

It is unbelievable how flimsy the old framing was on these old campers. 

These few pieces of wood, attached by a few staples, frame out the front.  

Flimsy for sure!

Luckily, my buddy Larry has a video about beefing up the front curved framing. 

Such a great help :)

First I had to make a cardboard template of the outside metal so I would know the exact cut.

I then had to measure in 3/4" for the curbing that would go on later, 

and also for the 1/8" paneling that will eventually be there.

I am getting better at reading my tape measure :) 

Then..I had to cut.  Slow and steady. 

However, it went easier than I thought it would.

A few screws later- and I have a new, sturdier front frame for my Shasta!

Now, on to the other side :)