bajadulce Posted March 8, 2013 Share Posted March 8, 2013 how do ppl normally put these into their trucks? I don't see any type of mounts for jackstands? Do they just lift the front end of this until it reaches tailgate height and then push and shove till it falls in? Are there winches or cables that pull this up on a slide and track? And if you're having problems moving this around in its current empty state, how in the heck does one mount/dismount it when its fully loaded? Do you have a truck for this? I only ask, because have you considered rebuilding this so it fits on a flatbed? Flatbeds are nice because now you're not hauling around the truck bed + this allows you to build a box rather than some cantilevered "T shape" thing that is going to always have structural issues by the nature of the design. Jdemaris chinook pop top is suffering similar issues of having to "hold" up weight by spanning something. His hinge is only a few inches, yours is a good foot or so of cantilevered non-supported limbo. If the structural integrity of this "hinge" ever wears out such as it did, the sides will collapse again. This has to be extra rigid to continue to hold something like this up.. hence why a flatbed and a "box" would be a superior design. Guess as long as this thing spent most of its life in a truck bed, the sides of the truck bed would hold up the walls and disperse most of the stress on those benches. Did that back flap get tweaked when this fell? I don't see the usefulness in that thing? It seems like a disaster waiting to happen.. a huge flap that could blow away w/ a gust of wind. It would seem also very suspect to water leakage or extensive maintenance to keep sure water never leaked along the perimeter. Guess if you had a gutted shell and were going to haul some ATV's or something it would be great. Otherwise, I'd prob just glass that thing in and rid yourself of one less potential issue. Also that is one less "wall" holding up the sides. Cute idea, dumb design if you ask me. How would one turn this into a box? I might build a subfloor w/ joists (aluminum if you have the equipment) along w/ a few wall "studs" to attach upper part of camper to as well as help support new lower half. A piece of fiberglass alone will be a lot of stress to bow out at such a seam, but sunrader does exactly this by utilizing the interior cabinetry to hold the walls in place! Whatever you do .. don't go spending a lot of money on this thing. Ok I stop rambling now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mikesta Posted March 8, 2013 Author Share Posted March 8, 2013 Camper jacks, with a little padding on them lift the camper up, you drive under it and lower them onto the truck.. My dad back in the day used to use a big log to get his Camper on his 78 ford and it wasn't a small camper... he was good at it. I'm having a hard time moving it around with my BACK... I'm sure it weighs in at 1200lbs minimum decked out. The camper lost its integrity when it was dropped. After that it was all down hill... it lasted 36 years and died in my yard... not a bad track record with 77 technology. IN its current state, I could lift it up and over a Land Cruiser to see if it would work, however my thinking is that the cut/away portions of the Land Cruiser are not going to be the same weight as the shell with all its appliances and interior in it so I'm probably going to scrap the collision. I can't answer why mr. G decided on the clam shell back end, but its in the 180 Sunrader Motorhome design as well. I think its cool and makes a nice shaded area when propped open. The seals are shot, however the piano hinge isn't. The door is in perfect shape, the left rear quarter of the camper is bowed out about an inch. I have a few tools laying around and am open to ideas... and glassing the whole thing is a good one... Just don't know what route I'm going to head in yet.... but pretty sure the Land Cruiser is out of the question. I already have a personal RV that I use for my family of 6... this would be something that I would morph into somewhat of an excursion type vehicle or sorts. Another IDEA is to take a 8' Truck bed and build it permanently into it... giving more interior space, structure and height (a few inches). Have a nicely built 4x4 Truck with dual rears and pop the whole bed off when not in use and have another flat bed on standby. Its just a toy.. who knows if enough people discourage me, I might just get the sawzall out and chop it up and take it to the dump! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
linda s Posted March 8, 2013 Share Posted March 8, 2013 Please save the front windows if they are still intact. Those are close to 800 bucks to replace if someone needs one. Of course I really don't want to see it die. Linda S Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mikesta Posted March 8, 2013 Author Share Posted March 8, 2013 Please save the front windows if they are still intact. Those are close to 800 bucks to replace if someone needs one. Of course I really don't want to see it die. Linda S I was kidding I won't hack it up... Project Sog was a failure that I didn't finish... it was a whinny though... I couldn't chop up a sunrader!!! You will see a finished product! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
linda s Posted March 8, 2013 Share Posted March 8, 2013 Oh thanks.I was feeling kind of sick about it dying. Whether it's mine or not I feel like they are all family. yeah I know I'm kind of nuts Linda S Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MontanaChinook Posted March 8, 2013 Share Posted March 8, 2013 I like the round sinks the Sunraders seem to have. I may get one for the Chinook. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mikesta Posted March 10, 2013 Author Share Posted March 10, 2013 Well, I've been thinking about this setup for a while now... (few days)... Almost bought a 1990 Toy 4x4 to throw it under.... then I decided not to because I'd have to build it back the way it was and that's no fun. Then I was thinking about a trailer setup... what bajadulce suggested and I think it would just look funny..... then I think to myself... "Self, you're not really doing anything with this FJ60 that's sitting in your yard. Its got 4x4 and is a pretty tough setup.... It has rust in the roofline... so why not just put the shell on the 60?' Just another Idea.... I'd really like to morph it into an 80 series but I don't have any of those laying around. The camper is more rear heavy with the door and If I went this route would Possibly need to reconfigure the interior which would a ton more work..... just thinking out loud. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mikesta Posted March 13, 2013 Author Share Posted March 13, 2013 Ok, Game on... Looking for an 80 series. Let me know if you see one thats been flipped! I did not know that is has already been done before and is close to what I'm thinking. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Derek up North Posted March 13, 2013 Share Posted March 13, 2013 I've seen a few of those on the net, usually from Australia or New Zealand. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
linda s Posted March 13, 2013 Share Posted March 13, 2013 Ok, Game on... Looking for an 80 series. Let me know if you see one thats been flipped! I did not know that is has already been done before and is close to what I'm thinking. Nationwide auto aucton site. I think I have narrowed it down to the right years http://www.autobidmaster.com/carfinder-online-auto-auctions/result/?eventId=addFilter&filterName=years&filterValue=1990-1997 Linda S The one in Portland looks perfect. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mikesta Posted March 20, 2013 Author Share Posted March 20, 2013 I think that site uses copart.com too... I might buy that burned out 80 to mock it up, then part it out when I'm done. Still looking. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mikesta Posted March 28, 2013 Author Share Posted March 28, 2013 Found one with a bad engine - Wife wants me to give it to her though after I put a spare engine I have laying around.... so Might cut up our lexus. Which one do you think I should chop... the one in front or the one in back? I might not be able to chop our lexus either.... Both are Locked K294 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
linda s Posted March 29, 2013 Share Posted March 29, 2013 Check the gross vehicle weight rating and pick the one that can handle the most weight. Linda S Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mikesta Posted March 29, 2013 Author Share Posted March 29, 2013 inny minny miny ..... Just need about 4 guys to help me lift the empty carcass up over one of the 80's now. but I need to seriously think hard about what I want to accomplish before I get the crayons and scissors out and start cutting. I'll get the engine swapped out and think think think till its time. Want to see pictures of the swap? It will one day be a Toyota Motorhome... just not the standard one we are used to seeing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mikesta Posted April 9, 2013 Author Share Posted April 9, 2013 Here we go. Time for an engine swap... here is what the engine in it sounds like. Interior part of pulling the engine - Done Engine bay - 1/3 done 3 More hours and the Engine will be sitting on my garage floor. My son helping me a bit The health of the plugs... yikes been a while since they were replaced. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mikesta Posted April 14, 2013 Author Share Posted April 14, 2013 Gonna take a while, but have parts coming in for the Engine freshup. Still waiting for a ton of parts that were ordered last week Blasted some parts and have cleaned up and painted the hard parts. Another few weeks and it might be ready to go back in the rig (if I get time). I won't post too much here... this stuff is kinda boring. Taking pictures as you go is definitely a good idea though for when it goes back together Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mikesta Posted May 26, 2013 Author Share Posted May 26, 2013 Been a while, I won't bore you all with engine rebuild pictures but here are a few. Posted them on another land cruiser forum along with the build. I'm dropping this very nice clean engine that I overhauled in tomorrow. I really still want to do the camper build, however finances are tight after the tax man took his share.... so I might have to sell this. If I do, I'll still have the camper and will eventually get around to it. If I suddenly come into some food money, then The top will get chopped after I spend some serious time on the drawing board. If I don't, then I will wait till another wreck comes along. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mikesta Posted August 7, 2013 Author Share Posted August 7, 2013 I sold that FZJ80 - Too nice of a rig to hack up! Picked this 1991 FJ80 up for a few bucks, drove it home washed out the engine bay. Took it to the scales. With me and a tank on E - weighed in at 5020 lbs ... stay tuned. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mikesta Posted September 20, 2013 Author Share Posted September 20, 2013 Ok, little update. Going to build this over on the forum at sunrader.com Obtained a supercharged 1997 40th anniversary Obtained a 1981 18' unit with a bath and rear dinette Today I gutted the 81. Here is the forum forum.sunrader.com Here is the thread I'm building this on. http://forum.sunrader.com/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=2 Cheers - Mike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
snail powered Posted September 20, 2013 Share Posted September 20, 2013 Ok, little update. Going to build this over on the forum at sunrader.com Obtained a supercharged 1997 40th anniversary Obtained a 1981 18' unit with a bath and rear dinette Today I gutted the 81. Here is the forum forum.sunrader.com Here is the thread I'm building this on. http://forum.sunrader.com/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=2 Cheers - Mike 4 hours to gut the interior. That sounds about right, not much strength holding stuff together in there. Particle board hoard! Just curious did you find any blocking behind the interior walls that was actually glued to the fiberglass shell? No one has really documented that part of how a Sunrader was put together. I am especially interested in knowing about the blocking where the screws go in to secure the lower back edge of the upper cabinets. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mikesta Posted September 20, 2013 Author Share Posted September 20, 2013 No, I haven't torn into the walls yet, but there seems to be 1" of foam or something behind the wall panelling. The screws that I pulled out were pretty long. I'll keep you updated this weekend, might get to it some. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WME Posted September 20, 2013 Share Posted September 20, 2013 I think that the stuff is a cardboard honeycomb Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stevo Posted September 24, 2013 Share Posted September 24, 2013 All the "studs" and "rafters" including the strips that framed the windows in my 82 were glued to the surfaces with what I think was regular old polyester resin (which isn't what I will use for the new stuff). Some of those strips were particle board and others were plywood. Sorry but the only thing I remember about how the cabinets were attached was that they used lots of screws that went into the particle board and plywood strips. Just curious did you find any blocking behind the interior walls that was actually glued to the fiberglass shell? No one has really documented that part of how a Sunrader was put together. I am especially interested in knowing about the blocking where the screws go in to secure the lower back edge of the upper cabinets. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mikesta Posted November 22, 2014 Author Share Posted November 22, 2014 Hi All, Its been a while. I Sold my Sunraders and moved to Missouri. I still have the beefed up landcruiser, but would like to start on a unit that is lower to the ground and more stock as I don't need a Supercharger or snorkel for a 4x4 motorhome, I don't plan on going underwater with it. Today I took delivery of 2 units I acquired, a 1995 toyota Land Cruiser with the K294 axle code (stock lockers) and a 1986 toyota Sunrader which has already been mostly gutted. I have a tiny home build in the works too so this project will not get all my attention, the good news is that I now have a shop to work in that will fit this rig. Cheers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
linda s Posted November 23, 2014 Share Posted November 23, 2014 Man I am so relieved. I was so looking forward to your build and then you sold everything and left town. So glad to hear your getting back to the good stuff. I will be watching. Wow you are so good at finding the goods for your projects. Not a lot of Sunrader shells just laying around. By the way I have never seen a Sunrader shorty that looks like that before. I need to see more pics please. Refrigerator vent right behind drivers seat? That's where the bathroom should have been. Is it a rear door? Linda S Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mikesta Posted November 23, 2014 Author Share Posted November 23, 2014 Yea its crazy Linda... the shower is in the rear left corner, the water tank rear right... I'm going to dig up some information on it because it was 90% gutted when I got it. I've never seen it either! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mikesta Posted November 23, 2014 Author Share Posted November 23, 2014 its a FG-180... how perfect, this was the model they put on 4x4's. This one is an 86, on a 2wd chassis. Even better for the build. GARDNER PACIFIC SUNRADER MINI MOTORHOMESMotor HomesYear: 1985Model No: FG180 4WDMSRP: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mikesta Posted November 23, 2014 Author Share Posted November 23, 2014 All I'm seeing is FG 180 RD - which means rear dinette... no this one does not have the clamshell hatch. The fridge was right in front of you when you walk in.... there isn't much left to figure out what went were other than the outside compartments. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
linda s Posted November 23, 2014 Share Posted November 23, 2014 Yup never ever seen one anything like it and I have been looking at Sunraders for a very long time. Might be one of a kind. Need more pics. I've got another Sunrader guy who is gonna love them. Linda S Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
linda s Posted November 23, 2014 Share Posted November 23, 2014 Has the shell been shortened? I see where the window is now smaller than it once was. If the window was bigger would it get in the way of the rear bath? Really got me stumped. There is one 88 shorty Sunrader out there with a rear door but not the big hatch. That one still has the bath behind the drivers seat. If you were still on the west coast I would already be in my truck coming to see it. Linda S Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mikesta Posted November 24, 2014 Author Share Posted November 24, 2014 More pictures of the layout... never seen it before... one off? The PO, cut it a bit to test his sawzall... no harm easy fix, the shell is in otherwise really really good shape other than the windows up front which will get a make over with fiberglass Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
linda s Posted November 24, 2014 Share Posted November 24, 2014 Wow. I know the inside is mostly gutted but I would really like to see what's there. I do believe it might be the only one ever made. Stewart Gardner was known to make anything anyone asked of him. That shorty has the small window in the back and no stock ones had that. I have seen Sunraders made for overseas that had all the openings cut for right hand drive. Gonna be a great build. Can you tell I'm excited? Linda S Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Derek up North Posted November 24, 2014 Share Posted November 24, 2014 Are there no clues inside as to the original layout? Plumbing connections? Roof vents? Stains on floor where cabinets were installed? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mikesta Posted November 24, 2014 Author Share Posted November 24, 2014 There are Derek.... I took a video but it takes forever to upload living in the boonies... a day actually. I'll snap more pictures later on right now I'm tearing down a 95 year old barn for the barn wood Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mikesta Posted November 24, 2014 Author Share Posted November 24, 2014 hmmm... for some reason I cannot find where to add a picture today Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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