81Dolphin

That’s a good point about the propane/co detector. I’ll have to get one for the maiden voyage. I’ll post some progress pictures of how im planning on doing the vapor barrier. I’m hoping to wrap it into the rough opening so I have a solid surface to butyl the windows to, but it might be difficult with the radius in the corners. We will see.

Hey all! Newer to the dolphin world but I’m right in the middle of a major over haul of a 1981. I’m to the point that I’m about done with the rigid insulation and about to do a frog skin vapor barrier. My first question is, is it smart to do a vapor barrier on one of these if I’m utilizing the original propane furnace? I’m worried the barrier will trap moisture inside of the walls. Any thoughts? My next questions, with all of the common opening leak issues, has any one tried to install the windows before putting the siding on, or using some flashing before hand to mitigate the leak issues? Just trying to plan ahead so I don’t have to pull this thing back apart. It’s already been...a project. Thanks in advance for any suggestions and thoughts! added some pictures of progress for anyone interested.

Has anyone done a framing resto with cedar or should i just use runofthemill pine? Im thinking of using yellow alaskan cedar to redo the roof, back, and cab over framing and wanted everyones opinion before i pull the trigger. Im completely replacing the metal roof on my 1981 Dolphin as well as replacing the cab over floor and framing, interior veneer boards on the celings and cab over walls and id like to only do it once.. Also, do you think using cedar would be too fragrant of a wood and overwhelm the cabin?

I guess with the 5spd im looking for more gears to quiet the engine at highway speed but also geared low enough that, living in Washington, i can still pull the passes and maybe even make it up to the mountains in the winter. The 4spd in it needs to be rebuilt (slips out of 3rd) anyway, so im just doing some soul searching. Also, i added a picture of it in my profile

So if i have a 1981 2wd toyota dolphin 500 series (basically a toyota hilux with a 1 ton dual axle) with an L48 4 spd in it, which 5 spd transmission can i directly bolt into it? The W50 would have too high of a 1st gear ratio from the sounds of it?