Mini Part 3: Mini Removed, Yota needs Help

1984 Mini Cruiser Restoration: Part One Purchase and First Look
Mini Cruiser Restoration: Part 2 Delamination and Demolition
Yesterday, finally, we removed the entire fungied trailer that sat saggy on the bed of our dually.  We worked in rain unscrewing and unsticking the roof from the aluminum framing.  It seems back in the 90's this RV was professionally half re-roofed and remodeled.  Glue, square head screws, paste, caulking that melts Styrofoam... the works held this baby together.  And now, it's all headed to the dump. All that we kept is the framing, the least corroded pieces of aluminum sheeting, the windows, the fiberglass shower stall and toilet.

Visions of wood grain walls, with fiberglass roof and side skirts flash behind my eyes.  Quadruple polyurethane floors comfort my toes, while the crash of waves wafts in the screens windows that separate us from the greenheads.  I blink to see this little Toyota, with it’s cab chopped off, waiting for some tender loving… grinding, rust proofing, a gasket, shocks, ball joints, muffler and new front tires. Does it need more? Probably but I’m determined. 

So I suppose the next update on this project will be truck repair related and will be straight forward and good news! !    !   As far as what the RV part will actually be made of… we’re still discussing the options.  In the meantime, entertain yourself with this original RBR Brochure.  Sorry the images are cut off but I did not take the photos.

Mini Cruiser Restoration: Part 2 Delamination and Demolition

1984 Mini Cruiser Restoration: Part One Purchase and First Look

I often wondered if tearing the whole interior out of the mini was a good idea.  Moldy and soggy Lauan hidden behind a cheaper second layer of cardboard looking siding reassured us of our demolition choice.  Exposing the inside of the walls found us a comforting aluminum frame and insulating foam.  Although slightly corroded and mildewed it seems intact. Thanks for the frame RBR Corp.

Not sure of what we shall do with the roof yet we decided to remove the exterior of one wall first.  Talk about soaked and delaminated plywood!  There was even mud in the bottom of the wall!  Needless to say, another correct demolition choice. 

Below:  The interior wood and part of the foam actually has ant damage. Go figure.

We are struggling with the choice of what to reside this thing with.  I do not want to put wood back under aluminum for risk of the same.  But whatever I read on Toyota Motor Home Forum Toyota Motor Home Forum?  says if you make it waterproof it should stay so with maintenance.  Well I’m not convinced.  Actually I want to put just wood walls.  Therefore if anything starts to rot I can see it.  My partner is not convinced on wood walls.  We’ll see.  Right now we’re thinking of adding box aluminum beams in the roof because we need to support a boat.

What kind of ghetto work?!

Below is some serious frame rust that we couldn't do ourselves and had to pay quite a bit to have done.  The part that held the cab to the frame had apparently rusted through, dropping the cab down with no support.  Re-enforced with steal and coated in rubber, should be good and pass inspection. Seems like the sagging of the cab has ruined the driver's side shock.  Ah well, we'll replace it when we replace the ball joints.

Mini Part 3: Mini Removed, Yota needs Help