Again, an excellent job! This guy hates rot! You went the extra distance to remove the rust and bubbles under the belly band and you came out with a beautiful finished effect. Thanks for doing such a good job AND taking the time to video record it all.
Hey John, Thank you very much. I really do apprecaite the feedback, and am thrilled when I hear a video I made is found to be helpful to others. Please feel free to share with anyone else you think might benefit by what is shared in this or any other of my videos. Cheers.
thank you for making this video! I just bought a trillium and will have to do this repair in the near(ish) future. I feel ready to take on this project after watching your video!
I just purchased my Trillium 4 days ago and started researching everything...your videos are amazing keep them coming...Thanks so much for all the details
Hey S F, Thanks. I found some info on forums and on FB groups, but not many videos, so I'm glad it was helpful. Although this task was a bit of work, it's great knowing I'll never have to worry about caulking the belly band again. Cheers
Hey Jeff, Mine is a 77 also. I released a video yesterday on the floor repair and front bunk to dinette conversion process that you may also find interesting. Have fun with your restoration! Cheers
Awesome! I will check it out. Do you have a video on how you removed the back window? I also have rotten wood under that window that I need to remediate. Just have no idea how to remove the window.
@@jeffreybaals9921 Hey Jeff, The windows video will be a while. If you can't wait for the info in that video, feel free to reach out to me at CheaperJeeperTV@gmail.com, and I can gladly share details with you there. Cheers.
Nice Video Dino. squeezing the hardner before using it makes so much sense when you look back at it. Small details. Also, I like the idea of a different colored belly band. instead of a chrome stuck on piece what about just painting it a matching color to the rest of the trailer that matches the theme or color scheme.
Hey Off Roading Noob, Thanks for the feedback. I’m having trouble deciding what to do with the belly band as all options are appealing to me. If I can colour match the paint, I may try to make it the same colour as the trailer. We’ll see. Thanks again. Cheers.
Wow. Great job Dino! That is a lot of work. I am in the process of doing the same repair/fix with the belly band of my Trillium. After removing the rivets and metal clips I have found that there is still rust residue left behind. What extra measure's if any did you take to remove the rust residue from the fiber glass surface? From the video it looks like yours still had some rust left behind when applying the long and short strand fiberglass fill.
Hey Ramona, I’m glad you found the video helpful. I’m not sure if the fibreglass in the reinforced bondo is also referred to as kitty hair. Sorry I couldn’t be more helpful. Perhaps ask on a fibreglassRV forum? Cheers.
Thanks for the helpful video. I'm wondering how you got the wood pieced into the trailer wall at the back of the trailer. You said they got stuck, but how did you squeeze them in?
I removed the back window and the piece of fibreglass from just below the bottom of where the window was, and above the gap of the belly band became more flexible. I was able to work the thread pieces into the space behind the belly band. I was able to do that with three pieces about 8” long each. After I did that they were wedged in and I couldn’t pull them out. Lol. That’s why I could show it on video after my attempt to test fit. I hope that helps? Cheers
Thanks for this very helpful video. We need to do this bellyband repair on our 1978 4500. I have a few questions; we don’t have experience working with fiberglass.You used Long strand Bondo to fill the square holes then short strand to fill the gap. Could short strand be used to fill both the holes and the gap? You also said that in hindsight you could have used the fibreglass tape/fabric which you put on the back, all the way around. Would that have been after you filled the gap with short strand Bondo and sanded? Do you think that would have made getting a smooth finish easier? Also, which grinder and sander did you find to be most effective? (you mentioned trying several to see which worked best).We appreciate any help you can give us :-) and look forward to seeing how you finish.
Hey BT, I don't have enough personal experience to say anything other than what I've read. From what I've read on forums, and from the Bondo instructions I believe when you have a hole larger than 1/2", that the longstrand fiberglass reinforced bondo works best for strength and the such. Maybe the short stranded reinforced bondo may still work, but I don't know from experience. The flap wheel sander was good to bring down large chucks of the bondo, and the palm sander was best for working on larger flat areas that you wish to smooth out. I will attach a link below which will take you to some FiberglassRV Forum threads on the subject where you can get and see more details. I hope it is helpful. Cheers. www.fiberglassrv.com/forums/misc.php?siteurl=www.fiberglassrv.com%2Fforums%2F&ref=www.fiberglassclassifieds.com%2F&ss=4939j1088969j26&cx=partner-pub-7757781251671730%3A1711682889&cof=FORID%3A9&do=google_search&q=trillium+belly+band+repair&sa=Go
Wow! We need to do this to our trillium as well. A couple questions about the screws that used to be there (alongside the rivets) would you replace the screws first? We need to do something to keep the wood in place on the ends below the windows. Also just regular sand paper for sanding? What number grit do you recommend? Thank you so much for such a great video!
I used screws to hold the exterior fibreglass against the new plywood installed inside, but those were later removed as I used PL glue to secure the exterior fibreglass to the newly installed wood. I hope that makes sense. I started with 80 grit and moved up to 220 to get the final finish. Cheers
Hey Ramona, The last paragraph of this link : askinglot.com/is-bondo-all-purpose-putty-waterproof , states the following, "The filler actually has fiberglass mixed in it. This is the length of the fiberglass that is mixed in the filler. Both provide excellent waterproof properties as they do not absorb water. Both fiberglass fillers are stronger than regular body filler." The final coat also gets painted with exterior paint, so I imagine that in the end, it's sealed up from the elements. I've read up on the FibreglassRV forums that many have used this method, so I imagine they figured it's ok. However, After my patch using epoxy resin and fiberglass on the back of my trailer, I found that using the epoxy went very well also, so I'd consider using fibreglass if you had concerns. I hope that helped. Cheers
Thanks, in the last few minutes of your video u mention taking off the tape, but no mention on how u did it. Was this applied right after your last body filler pass or ? And I assume masking tape was used? Thanks again!
Hey Ramona, After the last coat I removed the masking tape to help sand the edges down. I ended up reapplying the masking tape to add another layer of the smooth bondo to get as smooth and even a coat as possible. I'll do it again if I have to, as I want it to be perfectly smooth and even. Thats where I am at now. After that, I will apply primer and paint. I saw someone on a FaceBook group recommend this paint, amzn.to/3wXRSFE
Yes that is correct. The top and bottom halfs are already fully bonded together by the interior layer of fiberglass. It didn't need any finish work at the seam, as it was covered by the interior liner. The exterior seam is just cosmetic. Have fun.
You are an instructor extraordinaire! super detailed and useful videos.
Thank you so much for the feedback. I really appreciate it. Cheers.
Again, an excellent job! This guy hates rot! You went the extra distance to remove the rust and bubbles under the belly band and you came out with a beautiful finished effect. Thanks for doing such a good job AND taking the time to video record it all.
Hey John,
Thank you very much. I really do apprecaite the feedback, and am thrilled when I hear a video I made is found to be helpful to others.
Please feel free to share with anyone else you think might benefit by what is shared in this or any other of my videos.
Cheers.
thank you for making this video! I just bought a trillium and will have to do this repair in the near(ish) future. I feel ready to take on this project after watching your video!
Awesome. I’m glad you found the video helpful. Feel free to check out the window seal repair video as well. Cheers.
I just purchased my Trillium 4 days ago and started researching everything...your videos are amazing keep them coming...Thanks so much for all the details
Awesome! Thank you! Unfortunately, things changed and I didn't have a place to store it, and ended up selling it to a professional restorer🤷🏻♂️
We just did our as well, wish we had a video like this when we were planning everything. So helpful , keep them coming!
Hey S F,
Thanks.
I found some info on forums and on FB groups, but not many videos, so I'm glad it was helpful. Although this task was a bit of work, it's great knowing I'll never have to worry about caulking the belly band again.
Cheers
Great Job Dino. Likin the practical steps that you take.
Hey Thomas,
Thank you for the feedback.
Cheers.
Nice work. And cool tools too. Looking forward to your next vid.
Hey Gary,
Thanks. I appreciate the feedback. As for tools, I wish I had more. Cheers.
Great video, so helpful, thank you :)
Hey Kelly,
You are welcome. I’m glad you found the video helpful.
Cheers
Love the video and the detailed explanation. I have a 77’ 4500 going through the same repairs as you. Thanks again!
Hey Jeff,
Mine is a 77 also. I released a video yesterday on the floor repair and front bunk to dinette conversion process that you may also find interesting. Have fun with your restoration!
Cheers
Awesome! I will check it out. Do you have a video on how you removed the back window? I also have rotten wood under that window that I need to remediate. Just have no idea how to remove the window.
@@jeffreybaals9921 Hey Jeff,
The windows video will be a while.
If you can't wait for the info in that video, feel free to reach out to me at CheaperJeeperTV@gmail.com, and I can gladly share details with you there.
Cheers.
@@CheaperJeeperTV I will! Thank you :)
GREAT MODIFICATION AND REPAIR !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thank you. I’m glad you found the video helpful. Cheers.
You are doing some nice work there! It's interesting to see what you're doing there!
Hey Randy,
Thanks. I appreciate the feedback. I worked more on it today to make it as smooth and even as possible.
Cheers
Hello again, question on orbital sander what grit is the sander you used
I believe I used 80 grit to knock down the rough parts, and 220 to smooth it out.
Nice Video Dino. squeezing the hardner before using it makes so much sense when you look back at it. Small details.
Also, I like the idea of a different colored belly band. instead of a chrome stuck on piece what about just painting it a matching color to the rest of the trailer that matches the theme or color scheme.
Hey Off Roading Noob,
Thanks for the feedback. I’m having trouble deciding what to do with the belly band as all options are appealing to me. If I can colour match the paint, I may try to make it the same colour as the trailer. We’ll see. Thanks again. Cheers.
Where would you purchase the belly band from
Wow. Great job Dino! That is a lot of work. I am in the process of doing the same repair/fix with the belly band of my Trillium. After removing the rivets and metal clips I have found that there is still rust residue left behind. What extra measure's if any did you take to remove the rust residue from the fiber glass surface? From the video it looks like yours still had some rust left behind when applying the long and short strand fiberglass fill.
Thanks for your feedback on the video.
I didn’t do anything to remove the little bit of rust-dust/residue left behind.
Cheers
Super helpful! Is the long strand bondo equal to what they call kitty hair??
Hey Ramona,
I’m glad you found the video helpful. I’m not sure if the fibreglass in the reinforced bondo is also referred to as kitty hair. Sorry I couldn’t be more helpful. Perhaps ask on a fibreglassRV forum?
Cheers.
Thanks for the helpful video. I'm wondering how you got the wood pieced into the trailer wall at the back of the trailer. You said they got stuck, but how did you squeeze them in?
I removed the back window and the piece of fibreglass from just below the bottom of where the window was, and above the gap of the belly band became more flexible. I was able to work the thread pieces into the space behind the belly band. I was able to do that with three pieces about 8” long each. After I did that they were wedged in and I couldn’t pull them out. Lol. That’s why I could show it on video after my attempt to test fit. I hope that helps?
Cheers
Thanks for this very helpful video. We need to do this bellyband repair on our 1978 4500. I have a few questions; we don’t have experience working with fiberglass.You used Long strand Bondo to fill the square holes then short strand to fill the gap. Could short strand be used to fill both the holes and the gap? You also said that in hindsight you could have used the fibreglass tape/fabric which you put on the back, all the way around. Would that have been after you filled the gap with short strand Bondo and sanded? Do you think that would have made getting a smooth finish easier? Also, which grinder and sander did you find to be most effective? (you mentioned trying several to see which worked best).We appreciate any help you can give us :-) and look forward to seeing how you finish.
Hey BT,
I don't have enough personal experience to say anything other than what I've read. From what I've read on forums, and from the Bondo instructions I believe when you have a hole larger than 1/2", that the longstrand fiberglass reinforced bondo works best for strength and the such. Maybe the short stranded reinforced bondo may still work, but I don't know from experience. The flap wheel sander was good to bring down large chucks of the bondo, and the palm sander was best for working on larger flat areas that you wish to smooth out. I will attach a link below which will take you to some FiberglassRV Forum threads on the subject where you can get and see more details. I hope it is helpful. Cheers.
www.fiberglassrv.com/forums/misc.php?siteurl=www.fiberglassrv.com%2Fforums%2F&ref=www.fiberglassclassifieds.com%2F&ss=4939j1088969j26&cx=partner-pub-7757781251671730%3A1711682889&cof=FORID%3A9&do=google_search&q=trillium+belly+band+repair&sa=Go
@@CheaperJeeperTV Thanks!
@@mypopcornsam You are very welcome. Cheers.
Wow! We need to do this to our trillium as well. A couple questions about the screws that used to be there (alongside the rivets) would you replace the screws first? We need to do something to keep the wood in place on the ends below the windows. Also just regular sand paper for sanding? What number grit do you recommend? Thank you so much for such a great video!
I used screws to hold the exterior fibreglass against the new plywood installed inside, but those were later removed as I used PL glue to secure the exterior fibreglass to the newly installed wood. I hope that makes sense.
I started with 80 grit and moved up to 220 to get the final finish.
Cheers
Hi Dino, so if u had to do it again, would you use fibreglass strips instead of bondo? I have to do mine soon. Tyvm Colleen
Good job Dino🥂 1st
Hey Ronnie,
Thank you so much. I really appreciate the feedback. Cheers my friend.
👍👌❤️🇨🇦, well done
Thank you very much. I appreciate the feedback.
, I inherited my dad's 1997 17' Boler back in 1997, still got her
Am a bit confused about bondo, heard that it is not waterproof??
Hey Ramona,
The last paragraph of this link : askinglot.com/is-bondo-all-purpose-putty-waterproof , states the following, "The filler actually has fiberglass mixed in it. This is the length of the fiberglass that is mixed in the filler. Both provide excellent waterproof properties as they do not absorb water. Both fiberglass fillers are stronger than regular body filler."
The final coat also gets painted with exterior paint, so I imagine that in the end, it's sealed up from the elements. I've read up on the FibreglassRV forums that many have used this method, so I imagine they figured it's ok. However, After my patch using epoxy resin and fiberglass on the back of my trailer, I found that using the epoxy went very well also, so I'd consider using fibreglass if you had concerns. I hope that helped.
Cheers
Thanks, in the last few minutes of your video u mention taking off the tape, but no mention on how u did it. Was this applied right after your last body filler pass or ? And I assume masking tape was used? Thanks again!
Hey Ramona,
After the last coat I removed the masking tape to help sand the edges down.
I ended up reapplying the masking tape to add another layer of the smooth bondo to get as smooth and even a coat as possible. I'll do it again if I have to, as I want it to be perfectly smooth and even. Thats where I am at now.
After that, I will apply primer and paint. I saw someone on a FaceBook group recommend this paint, amzn.to/3wXRSFE
Stupid question....? Since your fiberglassing and bondoinf the camper together you dont have to screw anything back together?
Yes that is correct. The top and bottom halfs are already fully bonded together by the interior layer of fiberglass. It didn't need any finish work at the seam, as it was covered by the interior liner. The exterior seam is just cosmetic. Have fun.