I got a Wildernest!

[adrenaline503]

Well, I finally made up my mind and bought a Wildernest for 350 bucks yesterday. It seems to be in excellent shape for the most part, the only pieces that are missing are the aluminum v shaped pieces that push out the ventilation windows. The shell itself is in good shape for its age, but It will probably need to be repainted. It came with the gear net, curtains and the original mattress. The foam will of course need to be replaced. So, the only real task other than replacing some rusty hardware will be the paint job. The fiberglass is pitted here and there, like the resin has broken down somewhat. Is there a way to re-glass it or do you paint over it? Its not severe, but it does drive me nuts and I do want to fix it. I think the can remove the tent and windows easily enough, so that should save me some money. As usual, any advice will be appreciated. Oh, thanks to Kermit as well for answering all my questions and offering excellent advice.

[DaveInDenver]

What color is it? It's probably not painted if it's white. If the shell is badly pitted, then you can re-gel the skin, but that would be a pretty big job. I've only tackled spot get recoats and a few structural re-glassings. If it's bad, I would probably fill the pits and paint it rather than attempt to put a new gel coat on. If it was in bad shape, then I would maybe fill the cracks or pits with something and then paint it.

FWIW, fiberglass needs to be waxed just like any painted surface. For gel coats that are just dull and starting to get oxidized, I personally use a 3M boat polish which is abrasive (#09005) or a cleaner/wax (#09010) that lightly abrasive. And once a year I give mine a coat of plain marine liquid wax (#09026). I apply both with a random orbit polisher.

[Rezarf <><]

I have no idea where you live but if you are in a marine/boat environment then you might consider getting a few coats for someone to re-gelcoat your nest.

Sweet score, can't wait for a few pics.

Rezarf <><

[adrenaline503]

Luckily I live in Seattle so there are a million boat places, plus I am in the CG so that helps. Has anyone totally removed the tent portion before? I want to replace some hardware, and of course when I get it painted or glassed I'll need it tent out. Weather permitting I will some photos tomorrow.

[adventureduo]

Dang $350!? That's a smokin' deal. Waiting patiently for pics also over here!

[DaveInDenver]

Has anyone totally removed the tent portion before?

I have, but to replace the tent on a truck years ago. It's not something you want to do often, it's a huge pain to get back on. Also just about every one of the screw holes will need to be filled since the screws rust and strip. I personally drill them up a couple of sizes and epoxy in new pieces of dowel when it happens. To do that the hundred times or whatever the number of screws there will take some time. I personally do repairs with the tent in place. I close a big piece of round foam weatherstrip (the stuff designed to be stuffed between walls and door jambs) between the lip on the shell and the edge of the top (where the black edge guard is). This keeps out most of the dust and liquid, a lot better than the regular weatherstrip.

[kcowyo]

Congratulations!

The Wildernest is a great solution and it sounds like you got it for a steal. Hope it works out for you.

Put me on the waitin' for pics list, too -

[adrenaline503]

Congratulations!



Put me on the waitin' for pics list, too -

I'll get a few when I get home.

[adrenaline503]

The outside:









I will post some more later, I am going to use the daylight and get some work done.

[adrenaline503]

Inside pics: