Unimog 1550 camper build
In order to repair the cab near the window sill, and to sand it properly, we removed the windshield. It broke while doing so and we had to purchase a new one. Not all bad, the new windshield is tinted: less sun and flare.
It wasn’t an easy job, but working together, we managed to do it! We’ve got a windshield again and this feels so much ‘more finished’, it’s great.
After emptying, removing and cleaning the body it’s time to start sanding, more sanding, and then do some more sanding. Some of this was done with the cab still on the truck, but it’s much easier now. It’s a lot of work though. Some areas can be done using a machine sander, but there’s a plenty of places that can’t be reached and have to be done by hand. But another milestone is met: to the painter it is!
The cab is rolled onto the trailer, doors attached and some loose parts thrown into the trunk of the car. And after a while it’s time to pick it up!
Excellent! We’re so happy with this color!
Back home we have to attach some parts before the cab is put back onto the truck. In part because it’s easier and because for some parts it cannot be done once the cab is back on the truck.
After rolling the chassis into the open, we carefully lift the cab and hoist it back onto the truck. This went very well and it was over within the hour!
We’ve spent quite some time already, with sanding the body in order to have it spraypainted. It isn’t easy, you have to crawl into the truck or stand on a small ladder.
So, considering that the body is nearly empty already, we’ve decided to take it off after all. It’s a bit of extra work, but makes the sanding and the painting much easier.
It sure it a daunting task, but things are going quite well and it just fits.
After removing the last few items, it gets a good cleaning and then … sanding, sanding and more sanding.
So, after we’ve cut the cab and welded the frame in place, we decided that it was time to destroy the cab even further, eh, ‘modify the cab’.
We closed the gaps of the windows a long time ago, but with the pass through in place, we noticed it doesn’t look good…
We figured it would be time for a larger modification: the whole upper part of the back wall is removed, removing the depth variant of the old window frames. And we’ll put a new piece of back wall in place.
Weld the piece in place and then spot-weld while grinding away the pieces of cab behind the steel. This way it fits exactly.
Removing dents with filler and sanding, much sanding… All in all, a new back wall that looks much better than before!
OK, it had to happen: cutting the cab, a hole for the cab-to-camper-body passthrough. We want to have a passthrough because of two reasons: first, so that our dog Usko can enter the truck via the camper body and walk to his seat in the cat. He really dislikes being lifted. And the second reason is the ability to start the truck without having to go outside, in case of emergy. A safety reason.
It all starts with a frame, with rounded corners for the boot that will create a closed connection between cab and camper body.
After that, it’s time to cut the cab. And of course, to weld the frame in place.
An exciting step in our plan. It seems it fits quite well.