Topic: 1st part of remodeling motorhome (Read 5538 times)

PatrioticStabilist · « **on:** October 22, 2009, 03:31:03 PM »

Iguess I posted to big a file.

I got the carpet all out and am looking for things that need fixed, first is the strap over the water tank, I see its loose and flopping.

That piece of tile is what I'm putting in, it looks like ceramic.

The one picture shows the bolts I have yet to cut out only 2.

PatrioticStabilist · « **Reply #1 on:** October 22, 2009, 03:42:49 PM »

I had been smelling a musty smell and figured its leaking somewhere. Well I found it but I know its coming from the small window on the passenger side of the cabover. But this is where the water ended up and caused rot. Good thing its a metal framework or it would be falling apart.

I removed the rotted flooring and piece of paneling. Luckily its in a corner and behind a chair, blinds, and curtain, that's why I never spotted it, didn't look there!

I have the paneling for a pattern, so am going to go find a piece for that, its a very generic color, going to try Lowes and Home Depot but if I have to go to the RV store 1 sheet won't kill me, need a sheet of plywood, don't think we have any right now, wonder if I can buy half sheets? Also need to get a piece of treated wood to replace in the one area. I have to even the cut out a bit more and clean out the back slot under the wall better so it will slip in there far as possible. I think this will be a pretty easy fix and of course insulate, not much insulation in the side wall of this. Of course the would be an electric slot to cut for, now if I can find hubbies hole saws.

PatrioticStabilist · « **Reply #2 on:** October 22, 2009, 03:52:11 PM »

Ok, these are the 2 windows I need to remove and reseal, I'm told to use stainless screws. But these are bolted in from the inside and I don't see rusted screws, can tell more when I take them out. Will have to get my tenant to help me with this, he will need to hold them up on the outside, likely when I start rescrewing them in. Or when taking them out so I don't break them.

In looking around I don't think this coach has been sealed very much, I see lots of areas needing attention. You can see caulk at the top of the cabover window.

Ok, back to work

PatrioticStabilist · « **Reply #3 on:** October 22, 2009, 06:29:29 PM »

I did it!!!! I ground the bolts off. But I can tell you, that really scared me, I have never done anything like that before. Hubby warned me to be careful or the grinder could get away from you. I can see how that would happen. Whew! I'm so glad that is done.

Ernie Ekberg · « **Reply #4 on:** October 22, 2009, 07:55:24 PM »

wow- you have been busy. how do you find the time to post? You'll be done before the "boss" returns home. Thanks for the photos

PatrioticStabilist · « **Reply #5 on:** October 22, 2009, 08:42:55 PM »

Ok, I'm done for this day, I'm pooped! Remember, somewhere I said I'm a type A person.

I have something like this that interests me and I go full tilt, other things, well, let's say I need to get my ironing done. The washing is.

Ernie, we only live about 4 miles from a Home Depot, so that helps! I swear either hubby are I are in there every day. When they put that up a few years back, he was the happiest man in the world. And that sure helps.

Anyway, question for you. I notice on the wood flooring you run it the length of the coach. On this which looks like tile, would it matter if I ran it crossways? I'm thinking the cuts will be easier and it will be easier for me to fit. Does it have to be run long ways?? I think this light color is going to really make this little coach look bigger.

Tomorrow errands and maybe DD to the show. She has really been excited about this project which is unusual for her. She has carried out old carpet, been my little gofer getting me stuff. A tremendous help today.

Next is to tear out the piece of paneling in the bunk above. Cut the pieces out, I could find nothing even close, but where the pieces are it won't matter so much. Thankfully they aren't in a very obvious spot.

Jim Godward · « **Reply #6 on:** October 23, 2009, 01:16:14 AM »

I have seen the tile type stuff laid diagonallly and thought it looked great. If we were to redo the flooring in the MH, I would like the new tile looking stuff and would have it done that way. Probably not in my life time though.

PatrioticStabilist · « **Reply #7 on:** October 23, 2009, 06:26:07 PM »

Ok, I took the long window out, cleaned around the edge with acetone, hope that's ok, then stuck butyl tape on the side wall. Then I replaced the window. I screwed it down putting in screws at some sides then bottom and top and on around. I also back off half a turn on each and kept checking to make sure the window was not in a bind and would go up and down. I hope that is correct, seemed like if I tightened them to much it caused the window to be in a bind. That's how I've seen them do putting in house windows.

I like this design. Many of the older RV's we had before had the windows screwed in from outside. This one is from the inside and very simple to do. I saw no evidence of any leaking around the window, but its done on that one. It had no sealant, just a gasket type of seal on the window and was not rotted or damaged, still good and pliable.

Also baked a pumpkin pie! Noone likes it but me and I wanted one. Going to make some dressing with the baked chicken when I come in. In cool weather I crave things like that and chili!

PatrioticStabilist · « **Reply #8 on:** October 23, 2009, 06:30:59 PM »

Now I have to start on the little one above. It has caulk around it and I'm sure its leaked. But I also see other places on this side where the sealant has shrunk. After I do the top window, I'm going down the whole side of the motorhome and clean an reseal places I see that need it. I also see doors that likely need new gaskets of some type and I'm sure there is water infiltration through them, or I would think there would be.

The pie is good, but its still a bit to warm, but who cares! Pie before dinner! The rules are out the windows folks!

PatrioticStabilist · « **Reply #9 on:** October 23, 2009, 07:57:03 PM »

I climbed up the ladder in back to look at the roof before I bought it and of course did not see this in the front. Should have had my 8 foot ladder, if so I would have seen it. Would have still bought it just would have offered about a $1000 less. I hope my tape comes so I can clean that and seal it. I'm thinking its that same tape I bought that is up there now, just has been loose at the end here. I'm not sure how I will reach the vent cover. One of the long ladders or something, need to look that over and clean and seal it. I will ask hubby if its safe to do what I have done to seal a mobile we rent, put plywood to distribute the weight and get on it. We shall see about that. I'm about 95% sure that is where the leak is coming from, but I will still remove and fix that small window, while I'm at it, just to be sure.

When I took the piece of paneling off up there, there was dampness in the railing but nothing was wet after a 6 inch rain. So probably just coming in there when sitting and draining on down, I can imagine what it would do when driving. I have tapped and pushed all over the cabover and nothing else is rotted. That is a killer working up there, my back is killing me. Just for info, I'm 5'9" tall and my back isn't in the greatest shape. Crawling around up there is about to kill me, hope I don't get down.

No wonder no one washed the curtains, I can't beleive what I'm having to take apart to get them down. But I need to do some mending on them anyway, but what a chore. I want to fix the window up there and wash all that down, likely will have to lay on my back to do it.

I had to practically dismantle half the top up there to take all the curtains down to wash and mend them.

PatrioticStabilist · « **Reply #10 on:** October 23, 2009, 11:31:37 PM »

Hubby said we have those big folding ladders, however, they are so heavy I can't lift them. He said get our tenant, this one lives right next door, to put them out there over the hood of the truck and make a scaffold with some of the big boards, then I can safely look over and fix the vent area, and the other area too. Jeez, I didn't even think of those, so ok, that will work.

PatrioticStabilist · « **Reply #11 on:** October 24, 2009, 04:53:36 PM »

Not doing much today. But did remove small window to fix. Evidence under it, the opening of water infiltration, a couple of screws, is ok but can tell there is some rust so has been wet.

I had to scrape off the silicone, its a bear getting that off. I used a scraper, single edged blade. Then cleaned with Goo Gone, and used Off, got most of it off or softened so I could scrape again. First picture had most of it off. I got all the rest of it off using, guess what? Fingernail polish remover, gals we haven't a clue how strong that stuff is. It cleaned it off. Probably some of the paint too!! I wiped the area around the window and it took off all those black marks we are always trying to clean off, wow!! I'm thinking I could clean with that, wash it off and rewax if necessary. If someone knows why I should not please let me know. It contains acetone plus either stuff. But it sure worked.

PatrioticStabilist · « **Reply #12 on:** October 24, 2009, 05:56:16 PM »

Ok, its back in. I told hubby do not see a reason to remove anymore. It is not leaking around the windows anywhere and each one I take out is a chance of breaking it or not getting it back in properly, so windows are done. If he sees something I don't, well ok, but I don't see it.

The front door has a blind in it. I've never seen this before, the blind is behind like a wooden window frame, obviously original equipment, but looks like it should be sandwiched between 2 panes of glass. However, there is no evidence of there ever being an inside one, no marks, no glue, no holes and the blind is mounted flush against the wooden frame. I took it down and brought it in to clean it good. The wood needs painted, so I will sand lightly and put a coat or 2 or enamel on it.

Does anyone know if this should have an inside window?? Any advice would be appreciated, forgot to take picture before taking out.

PatrioticStabilist · « **Reply #13 on:** October 24, 2009, 06:14:30 PM »

I'm sure many of you wonder why I'm doing this. Could we buy a new RV or motorhome, yes, Will we, not likely. Also many of you seem to live in yours or use them constantly so I see why you have those beautiful rigs. Will I get a newer one later if I like this one, maybe.

But also we are both approaching age 64. I have back and feet issues. We both have found being sedentary is really bad for us. A few years back I was really hurting and set and lay more and more and was thinking I might even have to get one of the motorized wheelchairs to get around, yep it was that bad. My weight got way up and I could hardly get around. I talked to my docs, chiropractor and all, and they all had the same recommendation. Lose weight and exercise. I did lose 40 pounds, I've since gained 20 back and am fighting it daily. I also watched my mom deal with osteorporosis. She was very active when young but did like we all do as we age, was less and less, workwise that is, and it was not pretty to watch. She didn't break anything but she suffered with it. Over the last 4 years, working like crazy, lifting,etc I have actually improved my bone density. Never had cholesterol or blood pressure issues but do have some pancrease issues.

My MIL even walks at least a mile a day, she is in her 80's.

My husband was, 5 years or so ago up to almost 300 pounds, yep, the deskwork got him. He too had no health issues, yet, but getting around was awful. He is very active when home. He is 5'11. So he started cutting back, wouldn't exercise for the longest time and couldn't lose more. They have a pool where he is so he stared swimming daily. The man has lost 100 pounds.

So folks if you think we are slightly crazy, yes well we are, but there is a reason behind our madness. I hate just treadmilling and stuff so actually working at something gives me a sense of accomplishment plus helps keep me limber or more limber. And yes tylenol and motrin are my friends. So now you know why we do what we do!! Just thought I would write this in case you were wondering. We hope to continue aging in good health long as possible. Now back to work.

PatrioticStabilist · « **Reply #14 on:** October 24, 2009, 06:15:47 PM »

That should say does anyone know if it should have an inside glass?

PatrioticStabilist · « **Reply #15 on:** October 24, 2009, 09:12:34 PM »

Done for today.

Small window back in. Washed down all of cabover and kitchen/living room walls, ceiling, lights, blinds. I put one curtain back up. Had removed the safety pins, washed and resewn loose hems and other areas. Hard to get curtain back on sliders, then rescrew endcaps so they won't come off. Have the privacy panels all resewn, hems, tops, etc. Have more to sew tonight. The pair on the opposite side where the paneling is off in the cabover needs relined. Will do with white broadcloth.

Tomorrow the plan is to cut out the 2 pieces of paneling. I need a 1/2 thick piece of styrafoam to glue them to, like part of the insulation, but I'm not putting them back up till I reseal the roof and see if the leak has stopped. May go down the passenger side and seal up obvious places that need caulked. Bought a supposedly good caulk from the RV store for that. Also sand lightly and paint the framed door window, the blinds are now clean in it.

I'm also going to look at buying a new gasket for the door. It's loose in the 2 corners at the top and I think new would be better. Have to remove it and the glue first.

That's it for this day.

PatrioticStabilist · « **Reply #16 on:** October 24, 2009, 09:21:49 PM »

I wiped out my next reply I guess.

Ok, talked to carpet guy at RockAuto, they ship the 27th. He said the carpet should be long enough to go over that slope area to tie it to the laminate. But he said if not I can buy it by the yard to install. That will work too so either way I'm ok.

Eternabond has shipped, as have 2 of my mattresses.

Hubby sent me 2 walkie talkies. He said might keep me from backing into one of you guys half million dollar rig! Funny man

So tomorrow, cut paneling, glue to half inch or so styrafoam if I can find some. Maybe seal obvious places down the passenger side, got caulk at the RV place for that.

Ray D · « **Reply #17 on:** October 24, 2009, 09:32:20 PM »

I am really enjoying your saga. Keep posting!

You are leaving me breathless!

You will have that RV rebuilt, in no time!

Keep up the good work. Looks great!

Ray D

PatrioticStabilist · « **Reply #18 on:** October 24, 2009, 10:07:38 PM »

Thanks, I didn't get started very early today. Guess I was tired, slept half the day, but feel much better now.

I see you are a vet. Hubby served in Vietnam way back when, if it hadn't been for the war he would have likely stayed in. All his uncles were career men and retired out of the military.

Our son served 10 years and now works for the DOD in S Korea, has been there I guess close to 15 years now.

Thanks for your service too.

PatrioticStabilist · « **Reply #19 on:** October 24, 2009, 10:11:57 PM »

I started out writing it because I send an update to my husband everyday on what I'm doing with it. I figured might as well post it here and on another forum I go to also. It seems to be coming along pretty good so far, I expect to hit something I can't do but haven't yet.

Well other then I have 2 lights out. I replaced bulbs in one and it still doesn't work, hubby said may be ground issue. And the step light inside is out, I think that one is really needed, he said probably same issue, though I'm going to try buying a new bulb. I will take it loose first and see, might just need to buy a new little unit. I can do very minor wiring like taking a light fixture out and put a new one in but that's about my limit.

PatrioticStabilist · « **Reply #20 on:** October 25, 2009, 04:18:33 PM »

Ok, one coat of paint on the window unit for the door, need to put another.

Picture of pieces of paneling for under the window and the long window. There is styrafoam behind, if I can't find it looks like if I sandwich 3 pieces of paneling it will give the width I need. This was a rough fit, didn't want to jam it in until I'm ready to put it permanently in place. I cut 2 for the long piece and 1 for the other, have enough to cut 3 pieces in case I need it.

The colors don't match at all, but the upper unit, has a curtain to put back and the cushions so noone will see it. The corner, has curtains, the privacy panel and the curtain for the upper bunk plus the chair in front of it. Like I said before, thankfully its nowhere prominent.

Daisy · « **Reply #21 on:** October 25, 2009, 04:56:51 PM »

Sue Anne or Carolyn, (sorry I don't know which), you have my most esteem admiration. I thought I had really accomplished something when I caulked, replaced clapboards, primed, and put two coats of paint on an old three-story house over two summers, when I was twenty years younger than you. But tackling the remodeling of an RV far outshines that feat. You are doing a terrific job, and are lucky you are able to take it on. Keep up the exceptionally good work, and may you have many, many, pleasurable years enjoying your accomplishments. Great Job!!!

Daisy

PatrioticStabilist · « **Reply #22 on:** October 25, 2009, 08:04:13 PM »

Well, I think that's quite an accomplishment, 3 stories, wow. I did that once in an old house we bought in our 30's. Later hubby had it sided and no more painting for us. Now its brick all the way, and eaves and soffits are out. I hire those to be painted, that reaching up kills me.

And by the way I'm Carolyn, DD is Sue Anne.

Well, guys I'm at an impasse today. I put 2 panels of laminate down, it was awful getting those 2 in. I put them long ways so I could cut the furnace duct hole out. Then I went diagonal, I have left both boards exactly the same length so I could run the piece across, and the dang thing will not click in. I cut more off, took off 2 cabinet doors, took down the bathroom door to get more leverage, no luck. I quit for the day. On top of ithat I made the task more difficult. The kind I bought for the house was random, you do not have to match it, and not thinking I bought tile look which has to be lined up. I have only opened one box and I hate to, but I'm thinking I"m going to have to buy the narrow stuff to be able to work this around, not enough space for those big pieces, I sure hate to take this up.

I added a picture of what I did in the house, it was a lot of work, but not like this where it just will not fasten no mater what I do. Now if I go longwise I will have to take that up and cut one off as it is suppose to be staggered. I spent several hours on that.

PatrioticStabilist · « **Reply #23 on:** October 25, 2009, 08:11:04 PM »

Ok, here are the pictures, the piece in the doorway, the last piece is what I cannot get to fasten, left lots of room even, figured I would just have to trim it out. Anyone have any suggestions?? I cannot figure out why it will not click together, I cleaned out the channels in case something was stuck, just won't do it.

The wood stuff is in my family room, hubby did that back of the bar, I stained and polyurethaned it. We are getting ready to put in new cabinets, hopefully this year, but I digress.

PatrioticStabilist · « **Reply #24 on:** October 26, 2009, 09:34:26 AM »

Before giving up I may try taking all the lower doors off and seeing if that gives me leverage where I can raise the other 2 panels and click it in. However, I'm thinking there may be an issue that you cannot connect the flooring longways then sideways. I may try a piece in the garage and see. Otherwise I will return the one box and get a narrower type board, the other box will be added up as a loss and lesson in learning. That would make it much easier to handle anyway and preclude me having to match all the lines. So lesson learned, RV flooring is not as easy as house flooring to do. Of course, hubby says, well I could make it got together. Uhhhhh, ok, yes, dear!

I have put carpet in before, but the cheaper stuff that was easier to cut, it did a great job though.

Ernie, I can certainly respect your expertise in working in those very tight quarters, it certainly is tough.

We are getting rain and flooding so likely not much going on today out there. I am checking for anymore leaks but don't expect any. I have plenty to do in the house to catch up so no issue there.

And the rain should really help my fall garden. I have thumb size tomatoes, cukes, about 4 inches long, green beans blooming. Many of the seeds didn't do well as we had a big rain after I planted them. The oranges are ripening though, generally about end of Nov or Dec for those.

PatrioticStabilist · « **Reply #25 on:** October 26, 2009, 01:27:06 PM »

I think they are cut different.I I was back over at Home Depot and I looked at lots of colors and kinds and I like this the best. I LOVED the hardwoods, they are narrow planks and click together also but no color really goes and with all the wood already in there, not so good. I brought several samples home and the only one that would look good no samples, none in stock. They even have a new vinyl tile I've never seen before, but not so sure about it. It had stinky along the edge but I can see real issues fitting that stuff, so no to that.

Ok, think I'm going to take off the rest of the doors. Get me a new box of tools, the last ones were pretty beat up when I finished in the house, then I can unclick what is in, if not recut it, shorten one of the boards so I get my staggered pattern going and just continue lengthwise with what I've got. It looks the best from what I looked at and I think it will be the most durable. Also by cutting lengthwise, I can fit around that corner better and not try to bei going across so many cuts, think that will work.

Wish I had been able to seal the roof before it rained so I can see if I got it. I think resealing the small window did slow it down though, but I'm seeing a small amount of rain coming in where the windows come together, not much but some.

Ok, I think I've got it, but its pouring out there. DD and I have docs appointments tomorrow so not much will be done then, nor today, her allergy shot time. And maybe that movie we didn't get to see the other day.

PatrioticStabilist · « **Reply #26 on:** October 26, 2009, 07:27:52 PM »

Ha! Ha! stinky should be sticky

PatrioticStabilist · « **Reply #27 on:** October 27, 2009, 01:16:14 PM »

I want to get out there and work, but dang, me to doc this morning. DD to dentist at 3, tomorrow, 12:30 swim rehab tomorrow, then maybe 2 whole days to work. Well DD needs her haircut, grows like crazy, so don't know, hate to put it off.

May bring out the lights so I can work on the flooring tonight.

PatrioticStabilist · « **Reply #28 on:** October 27, 2009, 06:54:42 PM »

No work today, Think I need a bit of down time. I'm pooped, more work running around to docs then working physically.

Ernie Ekberg · « **Reply #29 on:** October 28, 2009, 09:51:33 AM »

When installing wood, I always ask the customer to purchase tongue and groove material. This eliminates the wide range of angles in order for the "click" together material to work and lay flat. I can understand your frustrations with this material.
Ernie- in Norco, Ca installing carpet only, in a coach.

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Author Topic: 1st part of remodeling motorhome (Read 5538 times)