Question about my 1963 BeeLine Walls

[Brian Flan]

 

  I just bought a 1963 BeeLine 13' Hornet and it needs some work. One of the things is

that one of the walls needs replacing. After taking a look at it closely I found that the wall

is made up of a thin piece of paneling, then plywood and then the aluminum siding. No Framing at all. Is this normal? or was it cheaper why of building the camper?

Thanks for any info!!

 

    -Brian

[Tim Baker]

Brian, Glad to meet another Beeline owner. I have a 1966 Beeline. Here is my website for the restoration of my Beeline. I have over 100 pictures of the restoration so far. I really don't understand the plywood thing on your trailer. If there is no framing, what holds the plywood up?.  Mine if framed with 2X2s. I would be glad to help anyway I can.  http://tims1966beeline.shutterfly.com/#

                                         Tim Baker

                                         Roanoke va

[Brian Flan]

 

   Hey Tim -

     I'll try to get a couple of pix to show you just what I'm talking about. There wasn't even insulation in it. The camper is so small that the plywood being fixed to the aluminum is all that is

needed to hold the walls up. Plus the closet is also part of the construction. I know it sounds crazy...right?!  Thanks for any help you can give!

 

 

                                     -Brian

[VK Lee]

Hi Brian,

Some trailers are made with plywood walls: Scotties, Corvettes and now your BeeLine Hornet...

I think it was probably a cheaper way to go, as our poor Corvette was one of the worst built trailers we have. NOT NOW. It is a frame up rebuild. 

You can actually frame inside the ply wall if you like, but it narrows the trailer interior somewhat. Also, if the wall has rot, you probably need to pull the edge trim and re-putty, as that is where most of the leaks originate.

Tim has done a wonderful job on his Beeline; I've enjoyed the entire build.    VK

[Tim Baker]

I look forward to seeing your project. Again, I will more than happy to help any way I can. And thanks VK for the kind comment. After months of work, I am finally installing new paneling in my Beeline. It seems a shame to cover up all the other work I have done.....new framing, wiring, insulation, flooring.....hahaha.

[Brian Flan]

 

  Ok I was able to get a few pictures before the rain stated.....here you go!! I've got SOME rot! but what is funny is the other side is perfect!

[Brian Flan]

 

 

 Sorry I used macro on the pictures so they are a little blurry but you get the idea!

[Tim Baker]

yep, you have some serious rot there. The good news is, it can be replaced with new wood!

[Brian Flan]

 

 Well I was able to pull the aluminum off the trailer and...well here here you go....... I think it should buff out....

[Tim Baker]

Ok, a little work to do but......imagine the end result.

 

[Brian Flan]

 

 

  I've got update this. I've replaced the wall and 3/4 of the roof. Getting ready to put the aluminum back on!!!

[Brian Flan]

 

  Here is some of the demo.....

[Kevin Town]

Yes, it is normal. I own a 1973 Metzendorf Camper 12' tow behind and it also has 3/4 plywood walls with luon thickness paneling, however, the front,back,and ceiling are framed with 2" by 2" stringers. This typoe of construction was standard in trailer construction and in most cases, is still in practice today. The beauty of the simple construction is that when it comes to replacing the walls, it is very simple to do. I hope this helped you, good luck, Kevin.