1st part of remodeling motorhome

[PatrioticStabilist]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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

[PatrioticStabilist]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

Ha! Ha! stinky should be sticky

[PatrioticStabilist]

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]

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]

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.

[PatrioticStabilist]

I'm not sure what you mean Ernie.  Are you talking the kind you have to glue together? I saw hardwood that was narrower and just beautiful that clicked together, but I don't think any of it would have looked good with the wood color in the RV or would have looked overwhelmed by the same kind or color.

I think the issue is turning it sideways, will just try continuing longways.

I had to play catchup, I've let everything else go the last couple of weeks.  We just returned from our heated pool swim rehab session we go to twice a week.  It's so relaxing.

My cab carpet came, have to look it over and see how its going to fit and see if I have to order more for the slope from the body of the motorhome to the cab.

Ok, got to clean my chicken house and then out to wash on the roof of the motorhome and let it dry for a couple of days.  Then peel off old sealant and tape and clean with laquer thinner. Hope to get back on flooring, but maybe not till tomorrow.

 

[PatrioticStabilist]

The roof is scrubbed down.  I moved the motorhome back by the garage so if the sun comes out tomorrow it will dry it.  Sounds like rain for the next few days.

I think I see where the leaks are coming from.  There are 2 spots in the front and I think the 4 inches or so of carpet getting wet by the bedroom wall is pretty simple.  The middle louver of the passenger side window back there is gaping about 1/2 an inch.  I pushed it but it won't close, I didn't even notice it till I was standing above it.  Hummm, not sure how to fix that.

And yes I got the chicken house cleaned.  I put in fresh straw about every 2 weeks.  Couple years back I raised 3 dozen chickens, dressed out most, shared about 6 with the neighbors dog!!   Kept the rest for several years for eggs.  I just have 5 pullets right now, not old enough for eggs yet.  I LOVE fresh eggs, may get some more later. Also got 2 cukes from the garden and the green beans will be ready to pick in a few more days, some tomatoes now as big as cherry tomatoes, hope a freeze doesn't get them.  Other plants are coming along.  Sadly have to dust for pests, I hate to but they are munching way to much of the plants.

But not motorhome related.  The cab carpet came today, haven't looked it over yet, but think it will look very clean and bright. Don't care much for the cowling cover that came with it though.

[PatrioticStabilist]

Rain today and tomorrow.  Don't know if I can do anything between showers or not.  Drat!

[PatrioticStabilist]

All I did today was redo one of the drapery panels that goes in the cabover.  One pair of the curtains had the lining torn.  I removed it, practically had to deconstruct the curtain to redo it.  Had no sewing foot that would fit around the plastic hooks, so not the best of jobs but its ok. The hooks are really odd. If I had bought new would have had to put in new rods.  I have one more panel to reline and all the curtains have been rehemmed, washed, and now ready to put up.

I'm hoping to finish the other one tonight, or most of it.

Tomorrow rain again so they say, we are really gettin' it tonight.

[PatrioticStabilist]

Ok, I took the flooring up and started over.  I had to cut it off on the threshhold of the bathroom, will have to have a divider or whatever those pieces are called to continue it in there.  No way to make it continuous, but probably for the best.  If it gets water as a separte piece I can replace it.

I have some of the quarterround cut but its not in, is just laying in place.  Unlike a professional I will also have to use the fill material to fill some of the voids around the edge.  Going to put some next to the tub to try and prevent water from getting on the edge.

Off to Home Depot for more flooring.  I had 2 boxes and used it all, likely 2 or 3 more will finish it.

[PatrioticStabilist]

That's just a shadow in the middle of the flooring, its not discolored or distorted.  Might be from the mirror leaning up in there.  I want to start getting some of my doors back up soon as I can.

[Ian]

WOW! Carolyn, that is a lot of work you have taken on and it looks like you are doing it up to a fine standard. Well done, not just for starting it but also for keeping on. When it is all done you will have such personal pride from the many hours of blood, sweat and probably tears

[workingtorv]

You are doing a great job and I am actually getting winded just reading your posts...AND I am a much younger person than you are.  You are very inspiring..

[PatrioticStabilist]

I bought silicone to put around the edge of the bathtub to keep water out.  I did the same in our kitchen when I put down the laminate.  Especially in front of the dishwasher and sink, its been down about 4 years with no issues.

While at Home Depot, I looked at some new flooring I've seen people talk about. It's called Allure and is fiberglass.  It is supposed to be waterproof I believe, and they have a variety of designs and colors, I think it would have gone in much easier.  But to late now, so on with this.

The one thing I need is hubbies miter saw for my quarterround.  But its to heavy for me to lift.  That makes me have to cut my mitered corners with a skillsaw or jigsaw, so not as good.  I suppose there is a box and saw out there somewhere I could use, but where??

I can say one thing, I certainly appreciate how much work that the guys do putting this stuff in mobiles.  They earn every dollar and then some.

[PatrioticStabilist]

I miscut my last piece so quit last night, its time when you start doing that.  I forgot to match the crosswise stripe, but I can reuse it, it goes around the furnace.  Then the next full piece needs a hole cut to accomodate  a seat belt bolt. I have it marked.  Had my routine nightly call from hubby between 9 and 10 so quit for the night anyway.  Not sure what I can get done today have other things to do.  Also its 45 out and I would like to do some roof sealing today, but its supposed to get 75 so likely won't do any of that till at least noon.

The caulk I used to fill voids where I can't put trim, no it's not perfect, wish it was, is supposed to be tan, but its way to light. This particular laminate has none to match it for filling imperfections.  Hubby suggested I use paintable caulk and take a piece of the flooring and get some paint blended to match it. Since it has different colors it won't be an exact match but it has to be better then this light tan color.

[PatrioticStabilist]

Ok, made progress today, but down in my back tonight.  Those flooring boxes are heavy and its murder working in those small spaces.

But its coming along.  The strip across the front will be the joint where the carpet will meet the laminate, I moved it back 2 inches as there is a metal strip there and then it curves.  I'm hoping the carpet will come up that far, if not we will order it and just staple it around the board that slopes down, its separate.

I got brave and Sue Anne and I took it to Home Depot and Walmart today, did great.  Now I'm glad I started out with a smaller one.  She is so excited, she wants to go somewhere, I told her soon, maybe the next month.

[PatrioticStabilist]

I also have to buy new registers, those are in really bad shape.  Thought about painting them but they are wrecked so no.

I'm almost to the point of having to repair the floor, will stop before that and work on the roof, need to seal and redo tape up there.

[PatrioticStabilist]

Like to never found a site for registers that size 3 X 10, hubby found it and we ordered 4 in an ivory color.  I think that will look good.  They were only $9 each also.

[PatrioticStabilist]

Hubby unrolled the awning, it needs cleaned but looks like its good too.  Had him leave it out so I clean it good tomorrow, also it was wet. Another item not needing fixed!

He said he is concerned about the transmission, seems like that is a weak point with all of the gas ones and this one certainly is old.

I saw in about 2003 or 5, not sure which it had a torqueconverter R & R on it. The second owner was a lady and she was meticulous with records and servicing.  I have all her records.  She owned it for about 8 years. The last owner only had it for about 3 but put about 40k miles on it in that time.

[PatrioticStabilist]

Hubby has been out fiddling with the motorhome.  Has my scaffold up for me to work on the front of the roof.

He said the transmission appears fine and is happy with the engine and the way it runs so far.  He wants to clean the battery terminals good.

Our bumper was shipped last Thursday so should be here today or tomorrow, he is getting ready to start removing the old one.

So work continues.

[PatrioticStabilist]

Ok, now the real work begins.  I'm working on the roof on the front end and hubby is working on the back.

He removed the bumper and found the parts I thought were missing were there, they were just pushed back under another panel.  He said he can flatten and bondo the flat panel and fix it on the left side and with a heat gun likely reshape the plastic corner.  Looks like some painting will be in order.

Should we replace the "sweep" in the back?

He is getting his portapower out to see if he can straighten that corner, bet he can.  It needs to come out about 3 inches.

I inquired with the bumper people about getting a new door gasket, we decided it needed one.

Ok, back to work

[PatrioticStabilist]

Almost straight

[PatrioticStabilist]

Picture didn't attach

[PatrioticStabilist]

Ok, front roof seam sealed.  Tomorrow on top to finish cleaning around vent and tape or caulk or something around it, havent decided yet.  Going to tape down in the front and put 2 rows of tape over the piece from the front vent to the AC unit, that piece looks well bonded but we want to play it safe.  I'm going to wash around the front vent and clean the seal and everything before putting the cover vent back over it.

Look what we found growing in dirt in the front between the 2 covers.  Lichen or moss.  That can't be good.  Taking all that off and cleaning it got rid of a lot of that musty odor.  We are going to do that on all of the vent covers.

Also ordering a new back ladder, hubby said they bent it too and he wants a new one.

[PatrioticStabilist]

Hubby had a roller he used to put formica on with contact cement and rolled the tape down really good.

Ok, tomorrow is another day!  Out for dinner!

[Sportsdad]

Looking good!

[PatrioticStabilist]

Ok, hubby has his bumper straightened out.  Bumper to be delivered tomorrow.  But he had to cut the bottom piece to straighten it so he is going to weld a plate to create the back bottom again, has to add a couple inches back underneath.  He is rigging me some kind of jack deal he has an idea for to make it easy to level.  Going to have some crank deal on each outside hitch and just adjusts those till its level and they will be removeable.  He said then I don't have to get underneath it, not sure what he has in mind. Knowing him it will work well.  He thinks at one time there was storage behind that one panel, not sure but will be again.  We are going to try salvage yards to see if we can find a replacement door. He got the plastic corner reshaped and says he can straighten the small piece by it.

I got the roof sealed in front.  We think the leak may have been where one of the screws was for the cover over the vent cover, it was rusty.  I plugged the holes with proflex then covered the whole area around it with eternabond just in case we missed something.  The roof looks so good elsewhere, can't imagine it being anywhere else.

I washed and cleaned the vent, screen, etc and oiled the gears and hinge.  Tom has to buy screws to put the cover vent back on with.  I'm taking the back one off to clean good and cleaning the other, resealing around the vent covers. 

[PatrioticStabilist]

I see a wrinkle I need to roll down better, its ready for the vent to be placed.

Well, drat, hubby doesn't like the way the ladder is attached so he decided to go inside and remove the back beds and beef up the bracing under the back.  I said why?  He said because I don't like it like that. I should have known, oh well, when he is done it will be in very good condition.

He mumbled something this morning about I will never use the motorhome.  I said well honey if you think its to old for me why don't I just go buy a new one or a newer one, that would work fine for me.  Is that what you want me to do??   I doubt I hear anymore about that.  He is so easy, just say spend money, quiets him right down

Gotta love that man!

[PatrioticStabilist]

We think he found the underbed leak.  We were feeling around fittings and one was wet on the water pump.  He wants to reseal all that also. 

Why do I see this job expanding from sealing roof openings, to installing flooring and new front carpet.  I know better then to let him get going!!

[PatrioticStabilist]

He took the watertank out and everything back there and pulled the carpet up that was under it.  It's wet against the wall.  I need to take pictures but we quit for the day.  I think he is going to cut that piece of wood out and replace it too.  He thinks cleaning that out will alleviate the rest of the odor.  The flooring is staying in place, he said he won't mess it up.

I'm not finding places on the roof that are bad.  I'm going to clean around all the vents and use KoolSeal around them  just as a preventive measure.  I am going to remove the back tape that runs across a seam like in the front and do it with eternabond to.  We think the leaks are coming in the front from the two screws that were rusted and where the awning fastens, both corrected.  Same in the back from the awning, connection on water pump and the window that doesn't close properly.  He said a little arm in there is bent and is going to fix it.  I ran water over the roof for a long time and felt nothing but that doesn't say its fixed, won't know till we get a good rain.

[PatrioticStabilist]

How the bumper area was straightened out.

He said its a metal box in there and he put a 3/8's plate in the front and the back to distribute the load and used a hydraulic jack to push it out.  But first he had to cut the bottom corner of the box out before he could do it.  He said he had to cut out the wrinkle in in the bottom.  He has a piece of metal ordered to wield back in and fix it.

[PatrioticStabilist]

Ok, hubby took out the nasty flooring and going to remove the one piece of insulation where the water wicked up.  I can't see removing the section of flooring but he is going too.  Didn't realize the back was wood, he wants to beef it up more and make it more stable, also have somewhere to fasten the ladder too more securely.

I can tell you taking that out filthy carpet out is a big plus, DD and I both suffer from allergies.  She has been desensitized but still gets monthly shots and takes pills daily so that would not have been good for either of us to sleep around.  We would have likely sneezed constantly.  We are going to get carpet from Home Depot and a similar padding and put back under the beds, it will make good insulation. 

Also should see all the sand and dirt in the water holding tank, he is going to blow and clean it out thoroughly, we already put clorox in it.  Honestly, I was not going to do all this, but I know it will be much better it being done.

[carson]

Hi Sue Anne, Carolyn and hubby.

   I am in awe !  Your recent entries have been awesome. So much work in a short period of time.

Where does the energy come from... What vitamins are you taking? 

Maybe Hubby wanted to come home to rest..What is the rest of the story?

   All this in jest. Hope everything works out

carson in Florida.

[PatrioticStabilist]

Well Tom, or hubby doesn't work physically at work, so he enjoys doing stuff like this when home.  We both enjoy remodeling and taking old and making it new again.  We have remodeled many a house in our lives and likely will do a few more. Our house is always on the next list and somehow its still not all done.

Ok, we got the replacement bumper, its from a salvage yard so he will have to repaint it.  But he set it up to see how it fits and he said he just needs to straighten the left side where it attaches just a bit.

He put a brace in the back wall, he said it is poorly braced for the ladder to attach to, also putting a piece toward the bottom to fasten to.  There was never anything there! He is beefing up the back so you cant' push it in.  Like he said for another $1000 they could make these motorhomes or travel trailers so much more durable. 

I wasn't really wanting to take this all out, but its the best thing we did.  I would say we are now rid of 90% of the odor in there.  I bet the cab carpet coming out will take the rest of it out.

[PatrioticStabilist]

Actually he was going to come home and work on our daughters new bathroom.  He has been working on it when he comes home.  He put in a heated floor, has it tiled, the plumbing and electrical in. The furnace ductwork ran to it and and ceiling in.  He was going to start putting the tub, etc in.  Then he is building me a new walk in closet, (my closet has a heated floor too), and a half bath in the garage.  We added on enough extra room for all this when we had the garage built on.  When we will get that done I don't know

[PatrioticStabilist]

There isn't much rotten wood, I found the small 2 places in the front and he found this small area in the back so not bad for an old motorhome.

I worked today and sealed around the refrigerator vent it sure needed it. Not leaking but the sealant is degrading.  I also sealed 2 crank up vents and 2 vent pipes.  Got the back seam all cleaned off and will be ready to seal it tomorrow with eternabond.  But that one will not be easy as it has the rack brackets on it. 

We are going to take the AC cover off and look it over but I think its fine.  I have another cover type vent to remove and clean around and reseal. The roof is in good shape. My husband thinks the leaking is purely from where the awning bracket attached at the top and the the leak near the water pump.

[PatrioticStabilist]

I sealed some around the top seam have to finish.  Then take off other vent, clean and replace.  The ladder holes need filled.

See what happens when hubby gets involved?  Yes he does a great job, he is fixing some places that were messed up in back, had been backed into stuff.  He will paint it and make it look good.  I wouldn't have messed with that, but ok that he is.

[PatrioticStabilist]

You can't tell from the picture but the first corner fix is smooth and level, he made sure.  He is really good at fixing about anything.  Sure is a handy guy to have around.

We are sealing and buttoning up everything we can today as 50% chance of rain tomorrow and tonight. Myabe we will get to see if we got the leaks or not.  I am working around the back vent, taking the cover on top off and cleaning it and the underneath cover.  Going to put sealant around the rest of the roof rack. Waiting on another roll of eternabond, not doing anything to the antenna seal yet.  It's big globs of stuff and it won't crank up.  We have a parts list but hubby has to see what needs done before I mess with it. I would like satellite TV, but we are hearing there is also a deal you can get that is wireless you can use about $70 a month for it.  Our tenant works with all this communications stuff, he does it as a consultant for the offices of an electrical utility.  When we redid the last rental we bought,  he rewired the whole house with cable and internet.  Put in the wall plates where both is available on one.  He does a lot of that type of stuff.  He and hubby rewired that whole house in 2 weeks, put in a new service box, it was a small 1200 sq ft house, they really hustled. I patched 60 holes they had to cut in the drywall to pull and run the wiring.  He cut 2 wood pieces for each hole.  I screwed the wood reinforcement behind each hole and then taped and bedded each one, took me quite awhile to do them.

[PatrioticStabilist]

When we get all this done, anxious to look at the mechanicals and see what needs done.  Hubby said first thing he is greasing the driveshaft.  Also looking at battery hookups, I cleaned but he wants to reclean or put on new, but that's for another day.

[PatrioticStabilist]

This is all the body work he will need to do.  He is then going to paint the cream area in the back from the stripe down and the corner area.  He wanted to paint it all, but agreed that only the blue around the bottom will be painted at this time.  I said leave the rest alone and lets see what we can wax and buff out first. I don't want to have to restripe all that. Also the paint is adhered and in good condition, I don't see messing with something like that if you don't need to.  Maybe at a later date.

Oh, there is that panel on the other side that is dented up he is wanting to replace.  I did find a resource for flat metal like that, so we shall see.

[PatrioticStabilist]

Inside view of the patches on the drivers side corner.

[PatrioticStabilist]

Hubby created a form for the curve an lined it with wax paper so the fiberglass mixture wouldn't adhere.  First coat from inside, will then build up and shape on outside. You can see how he maintained the curve and matched it up.

[PatrioticStabilist]

I cleaned off the stickers with a single edged razor blade and then wiped with adhesive remover.

[PatrioticStabilist]

I asked hubby why he was doing all this work on it. I wasn't going to, just fix where I thought the leaks were, clean it up good, new flooring and make sure the mechanics were good.  He said so I will have something I'm proud of and even though its old it will look really good for DD and I and hopefully be dependable.  Now isn't that sweet?  I forget sometimes how really nice he is, he is gone so much.

We are going out to dinner tonight, almost done for today.

I had painted and cleaned my little door blind assembly its back up.

I know in the pictures these fixs don't look smooth because of the various layers but they are. He needs one more coat on them.

[Sportsdad]

Tell hubby we're enjoying your mini-blog!

The song "It's a family affair" is going through my mind as I read it!

[PatrioticStabilist]

We work together pretty well.

40% chance of rain today so may not do much. Watching to see if that becomes a hurricane or not. DD and I are leaving for Indiana Tuesday, flying up for my 45th class reunion, actually gathering of girls in the class, back on 17th so no posting, so hubby will be on his own.  Today I may do some vacuuming and cleaning inside the motorhome.  But I have green beans to pick out of my garden and also oranges ready to pick.  Never planted a fall garden before.

I think in the back of the motorhome where he took the paneling out we are going to replace with white beadboard.  It will just be on the bottom half of the back.  It will be a bit thicker and more substantial but like he said you don't want it to ridgid or you will lose the flexibilty you need in the wall so nothing will break when it flexes.  We think that will work, anyone done that?

[PatrioticStabilist]

Whoops wong day leaving Thursday.

Not a lot today, hubby got another coat on the fiberglass, needs to smooth all out.  It started sprinkling so decided to quit.  We were hoping to get a good rain to see if anything leaked but so far no.

We do not have to remove the rear side window.  It has a closure that is round and a little handle on it, but hubby said in the circle there are finger holes and where you insert your fingers and tighten it it goes completely shut.  Good deal, didn't want to have to mess with it.  He is still convinced the water came from the awning brackets at the top, may very well be correct.  I need to double check tomorrow and recaulk.  I  used clear and can't tell where it is, will go back over with white.

Not RV related, but I went to the garden to see how many green beans I had.  Oh my goodness, I picked over half a bushel I think.  Cooking one big pot tonight and another tomorrow.  Then freezing to take to Indiana for Thanksgiving.

[PatrioticStabilist]

Minimal work on home today, registers came, a bit bigger then the old ones so hubby is cutting the laminate a tad bigger, they are pretty, have a nice design on them. It didn't rain enough last night to see if anything leaked, nothing wet inside.  I'm hoping it will so we can tell before all is put back together.

We are getting our carpenter to  build out the new bathroom, walkin closet, and half bath area that was added on for it when we built our garage, he is starting tomorrow so hubby had to buy materials to get him started.  Also 2 pocket doors will go in. Hubby has been saying he would get it done and its been way over a year and a half and its not, I guess he finally realized he can't, thank goodness.

Tomorrow I have to help him mark out where we are finally putting his garage and workshop, same carpenter is to build, it will be 30 X 60, I've been after him for years to do it.  I don't care if he stops on this a bit, to get the site ready, its something I want him to have.  It will also have a nice apron where he can work on vehicles or motorhome or whatever when its done.   

[PatrioticStabilist]

Hubby did the final coats and sanded.  He put primer on this evening, I didn't get pictures yet.  Carpenter was working and I was distracted with doing other things, will tomorrow.  It's all nice and smooth, looks really really good. Can't wait to see final coat.

[PatrioticStabilist]

Ok, now its ready to paint.

[PatrioticStabilist]

That patches he made are where the gray looking squares are.  Now he sanded to feather the edges out.  He is planning on painting all the blue.  Also to redo that one little section of striping.

I'm anxious to see how the paint matches up.

[PatrioticStabilist]

First coat of paint.  He has decided not to paint the whole coach, I couldn't see why he would the paint is all in good condition. I'm glad he listened. But I see he painted the gasket there, now he is going to have to tape off and paint them all.  Man, he makes more work for himself.

Also on the blue he decided to go with a lighter blue so as not make the striping look awful and we won't have to redo it either.  I'm glad he listened about not replacing it too,  I just didn't see the necessity of that.   We do have one black stripe on the cabover we need to replace though.  I still think we can buff out the finish and make it look ok.  Have to be careful on these areas though.

[PatrioticStabilist]

Tom is wetsanding to kind of blend in the old with the new.  Left looks good, if you look you can see the edges on the right still.  He said he will paint again and kind of feather it out. 

The bumper is just sitting there to see how its going to look, not painted yet.

[PatrioticStabilist]

Repair needed and progress now

[PatrioticStabilist]

Well not leaving tomorrow, death in family, hubby to S Carolina for the funeral, so I'm here.  Was a gathering of gals from my high school class in Indiana but had to cancel.  MIL was going to watch DD but its her brother and hubby went so I cancelled out.  But a real class reunion next year so that will do.

Hopefully working back on flooring tomorrow or Friday while he is gone.I have only 2 or 3 pieces left to cut and that is done.  But boy does he have lots to put back together!!

[PatrioticStabilist]

Had quite a hard rain with wind this morning.  I went out and checked for leaks.  No water in the bedroom, good and dry on the passenger side area by the floor and all around.  Checked the cabover window and no moisture there either, so that looks good.  Also nothing in floor area where I took a small area of rotten wood out and the old paneling by the living room long window.  All that is good and dry.  However, on the right side of the step I noticed moisture, not soaked like it was before and running water but still water from somewhere.  I'm thinking its from the door gasket that is loose at the top but don't know.  I will put more caulk in behind the awning bracket, not sure I got enough as its very hard to get in under that one little area. Also will check around the door and see if it needs resealed.

[PatrioticStabilist]

Nothing happening with the motorhome right now.  We have gotten all wrapped up in building out a bathroom for our daughter, new walkin closet for me, and half bath in the garage.  Hubby is doing the rest of the wiring and plumbing.  Carpenter has everything drywalled except end of tub where shower and drain pipes are.  1 or 2 coats of spackle on everything.  Tile guy coming to look tomorrow and give estimate for the tile walls in her bathroom.

I have started to go out and work on the floor in the motorhome to finish the laminate and everytime I do something else to do on this so kind of sidelined for now.  It's sure messy trying to remodel while we are living there, about to work me to death trying to at least keep the house liveable.

Next week we are off to Indiana to MIL's for turkey day and carpenter gone too, so nothing happening then.  Hubby has also had a death in the family and jury duty of all things, again! I want to get it done but the poor man only has 2 hands.

Everyone have a wonderful Thanksgiving and holiday.  It's that time of year again for cheer!!

[clarkgriswold]

I'll have to say that this is one of the most interesting series on RV Forum.  Thanks for taking time to write it up as you go...and the photos!  You two are full of energy and great to see such a family affair.  And to think, I was beginning to think that I should slow down some on my remodel of the flooring in mine!  Keep the good work up ....and keep the post going. 

[PatrioticStabilist]

My husband Tom, got the 2 little pieces of flooring replaced today.  We didn't have much rot but still fixed it. He used self tapping stainless screws to screw into the metal crossmembers to secure the flooring.

The front cabover is fine as is the place in the corner, but the step still got some moisture.  We are going to put a new seal around the door, I really think its coming down there and we still have the place in the back, less moisture but still some, we are leaving the paneling off till we can leak test it with a hose.  One of us outside and the other inside and see if we can tell where its coming from.  I agree that I need to seal much better at the rear awning bracket.  He is going to put the drivers side bed back in tomorrow and put new screws in the back and refasten it.  Or that is the plan, shall see tomorrow.

[Sportsdad]

Exact same screws I used for my Cabover rebuild.

[PatrioticStabilist]

Sounds like you guys are on the same page, doesn't it

He is working on the corner today.  He ordered some sheet aluminum and remade the little corner piece we could not find.  Then he is also going to fabricate a new storage door for the side of it that was pretty messed up.  We couldn't find replacements.  He said he will have to oxidize them a bit to get them to take and hold paint.  Think I got all this right.

[PatrioticStabilist]

He was able to straighten and reuse the plastic corner.

[PatrioticStabilist]

Closeup of corner piece.

[PatrioticStabilist]

He put the bumper on to see how it fits together.  There is still painting and stuff to do but wanted to see if it fit.

We are leaving for Indiana this morning so that's it for now.

[PatrioticStabilist]

Picture of before and after repair.  Still has side panel to do though.

[clarkgriswold]

Great looking so far.  You two have more energy than our kids do! ....and they're 26 & 27. 

[Ian]

Sue Ann this has been a great series and I thank you for taking the time to put it up for all of us to enjoy. I don't even have an RV (of any type or style) but still found it very interesting to see what had to be done and then see the excellent job that you did.

Hope things go well for you and the family for Turkey Day.

[PatrioticStabilist]

Remodel has slowed down for awhile.  We had a great Thanksgiving, to Indiana and back.  Saw our few relatives and some friends, had many a smile and good laughs, and lots of great food.  Never enough time to get around.

On the way back check engine light on our 2001 truck came on, thankfully ran fine, so today Tom put in a new thermostat and flushed the radiator.  Our tenant has a check engine monitor that gives the code and he looked it up on the net and fixed it.  He also has to either have the rotors turned for the brakes or new ones, said probably past time to change the brake fluid, so off my remodel for a day or so.  Then maybe to work downtown for awhile, we don't know yet.  Shouldn't say it but the older truck to us is more comfortable on trips then the newer one, so we tend to drive it more.

I think its going to rain a lot tonight and tomorrow.  Tom had recaulked the brackets for the awning, I didn't realize he did, he said on the back one I didn't get the voids filled.  I didn't think I did, had picked up a tube of clear and couldn't see what was filled and what wasn't.  Now we will see if that fixes the problem.   Crossing my fingers here. Hope to start back on my flooring and finish it.  He doesn't want to put the other parts together till we see if we got the 2 leaks fixed, makes sense to me. Hope all of you had a great Thanksgiving.

[PatrioticStabilist]

Checked after the rain last night and all appears to be dry in the 2 areas inside, so think he and I got it.  Hubby said maybe he needs to move it and let it set differently to see for sure. Think its supposed to rain all day but doesn't appear to be heavy.

[clarkgriswold]

Remodel has slowed down for awhile.  We had a great Thanksgiving, to Indiana and back.  Saw our few relatives and some friends, had many a smile and good laughs, and lots of great food.  Never enough time to get around.

On the way back check engine light on our 2001 truck came on, thankfully ran fine, so today Tom put in a new thermostat and flushed the radiator.  Our tenant has a check engine monitor that gives the code and he looked it up on the net and fixed it.  He also has to either have the rotors turned for the brakes or new ones, said probably past time to change the brake fluid, so off my remodel for a day or so.  Then maybe to work downtown for awhile, we don't know yet.  Shouldn't say it but the older truck to us is more comfortable on trips then the newer one, so we tend to drive it more.

I think its going to rain a lot tonight and tomorrow.  Tom had recaulked the brackets for the awning, I didn't realize he did, he said on the back one I didn't get the voids filled.  I didn't think I did, had picked up a tube of clear and couldn't see what was filled and what wasn't.  Now we will see if that fixes the problem.   Crossing my fingers here. Hope to start back on my flooring and finish it.  He doesn't want to put the other parts together till we see if we got the 2 leaks fixed, makes sense to me. Hope all of you had a great Thanksgiving.

Our son did the deep fry turkey last year.  He was anxious to try it and I'll have to say that it turned out pretty good.  Glad to hear you didn't have a major problem with the check engine light. 

I can relate to going out in the RV and checking for damp spots!  Did that about a hundred times and still feel a twist in my stomach when it rains, even though I haven't found a damp spot around the areas I 'fixed'.  :-)

[PatrioticStabilist]

Hubby had me go move it to see if different directions will make it leak or not. It's rainy here north of Houston and in the next few nights its to be in the 30's and one night in the 20's, brrr.  We just hate to button everything up to see it wet again later.

We got some white paneling for the area below the seam in the back at the end. Then we need to get a piece of trim to make them match, not much of it will show with the mattresses in and pillows, and the nightstand in the middle back.  Then we bought inexpensive carpet, some of the low loop indoor outdoor stuff to put under the beds before putting them back.  Like he said will give a cushion so stuff under there doesn't rattle and bang around. 

Of course this gave hubby an excuse for MORE tools!

He just had to have the new little air compressor with an air stapler and 2 brad nailers, I said Merry Christmas!  He said a compressor for your garage and one for my new garage!  His and her air compressors, are we funny or what? Then he says well I got another little tool.  A battery operated jigsaw, he said you will use that too, yes I will.

Hope to do some work on it tomorrow, maybe, but soon as it dries up some for sure.  It usually doesn't stay cold here for long.

[PatrioticStabilist]

It is really raining. Hubby had me moved the motorhome earlier all was dry, well this time not so.  No leak on the cabover, its good and dry.  But seems to be water either coming in the front long window by the door or down the left side of the window.  Also in the back area.  Both are not a 1/4 of what they were but still there, drat. 

I resealed everything on the roof with eternabond except around the antenna.  It won't crank up and hubby needs to fix it so I didn't. But now who knows if its that or not, wish I had.

So a step back, we don't want to close anything up till these are stopped. 

[PatrioticStabilist]

One positive, the furnace runs and cycles off and on.  Initially it didn't but he plugged some wires up he had apart to remove the items in the bedroom, I assume that is why.  We cranked it up today, first couple of times it came on heard a squeek, hubby said a little oil will likely fix that.  Didn't hear it last time, probably years since its been used.  It's nice and toasty out there and the floor registers all have heat coming out. Think I will put the piece of paneling in under the cabover window and complete that.

That's another item that works but we are going to clean and vacuum what we can out.

But still got to find the 2 pesky leaks, we still think it is from the railing on the awning.

[PatrioticStabilist]

Nothing much happening with the motorhome right now.  Tom checked out the generator today, said initially it turned off when the truck did.  I'm not sure what he adjusted but he said it works now.  He said he is not sure how reliable it will be but its working. 1600 hours is quite a few hours.  But one more thing checked and working.

We are devoting time to the  house remodel right now, hope to get most of it out of the way the next 2 weeks.  More projects later in the house but  back to the motorhome remodel in the short term.

[waynenandylarson]

You are my hero. I am going to start the first of my RV projects and have been impressed by your intrepid spirit. Thanks for the posts and photos.

[clarkgriswold]

You are my hero. I am going to start the first of my RV projects and have been impressed by your intrepid spirit. Thanks for the posts and photos.

I agree. I've done a few jobs on the RV since buying it this summer.  But, I need to buckle down and get that flooring redone.  I'm using the excuse of the holidays but I see it doesn't hold up those that are actually dedicated!    Oh well, I'll get the 'get up and go' pretty soon.....I think. 

[Ian]

  Oh well, I'll get the 'get up and go' pretty soon.....I think. 

Clark, you might have to start soon or you'll find that your 'get-up-and-go' has 'got-up-and-went'  ROFL

[PatrioticStabilist]

We are wanting to get back to this so badly but can't just yet.

We along with some help have built out DD's new bathroom, a walkin closet, and a 1/2 bath in the garage plus a laundry sink and countertop in the garage.  I also got hubby to finish out the ceiling in the garage while he had a carpenter to help him.  I had them put up plywood, didn't want drywall, and insulate it all, its nice.  Also our big dog, BJ, all 70 pounds of him is terrifed of thunderstorms and firecrackers, so this should make him feel more safe. We have his big igloo doghouse in the garage! Hubby also ran more wiring in it for lighting.  He put a heated floor in DD's bathroom and my closet.  Right now he is putting in cabinets with a countertop for her computer in her room, it looks nice.  We bought unfinished cabinets and I stained and polyurethaned them to match her other furniture.  We think we will be done with this and the new lighting in the garage in the next few days, we hope, we hope.  I promised to not have him start anything else right now so we can finish the motorhome. Pictures are of the new bathroom. You can see we have been busy.

We have decided to pressurize the home and see if we can pin down those 2 sources of leaks, they are less but still there.  I'm going to look and seal around the antenna.  He is taking off the AC cover an see if there is anything there and also check the clearance lights.

[PatrioticStabilist]

We are wondering if we can just take our big shop fan and make a tunnel to a window or some place and blow air in there with it directed by a box or duct and would that put enough air in it.  It's one of the big fans so we are thinking it will.  How have others done this? And what did you use?

[PatrioticStabilist]

HAPPY NEW YEAR ALL!!  MAY IT BRING ALL OF YOU HAPPINESS AND JOY!!

[PatrioticStabilist]

I have read a lot of or at least glanced at the 61 pages of tech information.  We were having a problem with the furnace blower squealing and the manual said nothing about how to fix it.  I found similar information under tech info, hubby followed what the info said and fixed it in short order.  Now it is running smoothly and quietly.  He thought it was hitting the housing but wasn't sure how to adjust it.  Good information there. 

He drained the water heater today, man did that smell, yuck.  It's supposed to get in the teens temperature wise Thurs through Sat so he is checking water everywhere.  We are going to flush it and chlorinate all the lines and tanks.

He also started the generator and let it run under the load of 2 electric heaters for a couple of hours.  We hadn't done that yet.  We are ready to start back on it, but its so durn cold.  We want to make sure our 2 leaks are fixed before putting it back together, that should go pretty quickly once we do that.

[Mike and Paula]

Hello
Nice to see another HR being saved! I also have a 27’ AlumaLite. It is a few years older than yours. The outside just need some needs some touch up on the Cab.
The inside is a different story. Just before we bought it the PO replaced the counter tops. I had to repair the floor at the door. I replaced the rear carpet with laminate.
I had to get the refrigerator running right. I have a DNE2 overdrive unit to install when the weather breaks here in Chicago. The wife and the mother in law are re-covering the couch.

Here is a few pics

[PatrioticStabilist]

Wow, the outside of yours is in wonderful condition, wish ours was as good.  I talked about getting it painted but hubby says to much money.  It's got 100k miles on it and we haven't had it out but briefly so don't know how good it will run. He keeps saying if we really like it he will get a newer one, but honestly I will be perfectly satisified with this one.  We shall see how it all shakes out.

We have been busy with the house and also the cold weather hit which stopped everything.  We have had the furnace on in it for 3 days now so any residual water anywhere won't freeze.  The tank is out and water heater drained, man did that stink, but still we didn't blow it out so sure some is somewhere.

It's looking like the weather will improve next week and we hope to get back to it and get it done.  I hope you really enjoy yours, hope we can too.  It's overall a very nice looking motorhome a good find.

[PatrioticStabilist]

We tried the small box fan in the window and its not putting out enough air to pressurize it enough. So now hubby is trying to use our big utility fan and see if it produces more, hope we don't blow windows out with that sucker. 

I really want to find those leaks and fix them before we start putting it back together.  I found a plug under the water inlet that when it was put back in the hole helped but its behind an access door.  Still I'm sure some water came in there.  Also the inlet itself needs sealed better.  But that is right in the area where we found water, we also know the pipe between the tank and pump was leaking a bit, and he took the water storage tank out so we could replace the carpet and check the floor under it.

I fixed the one in the cabover, but still some moisture by the tall window by the door.  Hubby is trying to find new gasket material for the entrance door, have to look on the net I guess.  The other is back by the bed, both has slowed a lot, but still there.

[PatrioticStabilist]

Found no leaks on top but still hubby is going to reseal the AC, take it off and do it and the antenna.  We had to order a new gear and shaft for the antenna as it wouldn't raise up, so have those parts.

The leaks we found 2 or 3 are just places that need routine resealing. Nothing earthshattering, but I don't think anything has been resealed on it in 20 years. However, the back up light in the middle back was really blowing bubbles so need to do something there.

Sooo, tomorrow when it dries good my trusty caulk gun and I will be out doing our thing.

[PatrioticStabilist]

Not much done today.  I sealed the places we saw bubbles when we pressurized yesterday.  It's supposed to rain tomorrow.  Tom sealed around the antenna.  He also added some bracing in the back for the new ladder we are putting on. We ordered it from PPL.  He said he didn't like how floppy the back end was, it has never had bracing apparently. So tomorrow if its not raining he is attaching the new ladder.  He also cut some of the paneling for the back wall.  On the lower half we are putting white laminated bead board, not much will show.  This is not the heftier kind we wanted but won't hurt as the twin bed frames go up against it and the stand with drawers in the middle so little of it will show. 

[PatrioticStabilist]

Today I started late but got the piece of paneling in below the cabover section.  I could find nothing to match but this will be behind the mattress so won't show.  It was the thinnest thing I could find.  Also the styrofoam that was behind it is a very thin piece.  I had to take the pink sheet and trim it back half the width of it to make it fit down in the groves behind the paneling.  Tom tried to find the same trim pieces but could not, so the right hand one is normal paneling trim.  But again none of this will ever show.

[PatrioticStabilist]

Ok, we are 99% sure we got our leak.  We kept looking and finally Tom took off the bracket on the awning at the top rear.  There were 2 sets of holes under there.  They had either put on a new awning or reset it or something.  He said the holes just had to funnel the water down there.  It didn't show bubbles because there was some caulk in front of it but minimal. He filled the one set full of silicone and used butyl tape to screw the other screws through to seal them.

Tomorrow he is taking the front bracket off just to make sure it doesn't need sealing.  It would make sense if there are 2 sets of holes in the back there are 2 in the front also.  Here I did all this resealing that likely wasn't necessary.  Oh well I suppose it doesn't hurt for routine maintenance as I don't think anything had ever been resealed on the roof.

We had taken the back window out and there was no evidence of any leaking around or under it.  After he finishes I'm going to water test it and see.  I'm excited.

[PatrioticStabilist]

He beefed up the back, it had been made with practically no bracing at all back there, just fiberglass outside and paneling inside, you could push you hand and the whole back moved, its not ridgid but a bit firmer.  We could find nothing to match and I hate the fact we have this in the back and something different 2 places in the front, not sure what else we could do other then replace it all or patch it and paint it.  Anyway, this too will be covered when the bedframes go in, the nightstand, the curtains.  And with pillows there you will see hardly anything.

When we get read to sell it one day I will tell them just go to this RV forum to see what all we did to it.  It's documented that's for sure.

[PatrioticStabilist]

YAHRAH!  He got it.  The other part of the leak was the fresh water door.  There were the 2 serious ones back there between with the 2 awning holes and then this little door.  We took the door off and there wasn't even any sealant, it was just a swipe around the outside of the door.  Also we realized there was a gasket missing inside the door. When you sprayed water from above it you could see it come in, no more.  Now that whole section is dry as can be.  Hubby went ahead and fixed the front screws even if there was no leak.  He also found new gasket material for the front door at Home Depot, now its replaced, so we are tight and dry.  What a job chasing those dang leaks down, whew!

Now he is cutting the piece for that wall replacement and we are on our way to finishing this.  You just can't let leaks go, in time they will eventually ruin the RV. I stil can't believe it took us this long to find them.

[PatrioticStabilist]

Hubby is putting the bedroom back together.  I didn't take any pics today, will tomorrow.  I think he will get that part together tomorrow. He had to put the water tank back in, he cloroxed it and and anchored the tank.  It had the bands broken before and wasn't even anchored in good, it is now.  All the connections in.  We put new carpet under the bed area before resetting this. 

Since we have done all this the horrible smell is gone.  It must have been all the leaking in the back, no mildew or mold but just the smell.

He put a new fan blade on our shower fan, I cleaned the frame off.

[dolphin_tales]

Congrats on finding your leaks. We are now tackling one in one of our windows. It seems to be coming from the glass itself so Im not exactly sure how to to stop it. Have to try spraying it with some water and try to find it.

[PatrioticStabilist]

Hubby got the bedroom back together.  I have a strip to paint across the back, quarterround needs to go back in and register needs replaced, have picture of new ones.  We didn't want to get them all beat up while remodeling.  Also, need to mop of course.  I will put the curtains up and clean the bedroom today.  I think that kids had been in the bedroom and hit the wall below the strip and pushed the old paneling back or I guess anyone could have, that won't happen again and though its different, once the curtains are up it will look ok, I think.

Hubby said the water pump pressurizes and holds pressure, he had a leak on the fill line to the storage tank so replaced it.

Also a picture of Miss Sue Anne and I.

[PatrioticStabilist]

The cabover area is complete, curtains up, mattresses up there.

I have to remake one set of curtains in the back window.  It looks like there was another pair somewhere but I don't have them.  I took out the pleats and am going to make rod pockets and just stretch these onto the rods, think they are wide enough, if not will fill in with something. I would like the back to be open when driving as I can see out of the back window which I think would be handy.

Hubby is fixing all the lights. All overheads work, even the closet lights work, so no repairs needed to them. We have nightlights at the floor, one in the bedroom, one in the bathroom, one in the kitchen, at the step inside, under the step outside and the outside light at the door.  He has the bathroom one and inside step lights to fix, and bedroom one. There is a switch in the bedroom that turns them on and off and one in the kitchen, so making sure all those work, that will be really handy. I imagine most of you have these.

[PatrioticStabilist]

Stopped again.  Hubby tore out all our kitchen cabinets, new ones shipped as of 2/1, made at the factory for our house kitchen, probably here Friday.  So I expect 2 to 3 week delay on motorhome work again.  I told him, we may need to finish a couple of things in it so I can go ahead and use the kitchen out there.  We are hoping to get things done in the next month in case he gets sent back to work somewhere.

But its raining and cold, so not much I can do out there right now nor he.  I'm going to finish the flooring and the corner in the living room wall and clean so we can use it some.  He may get sent out before the kitchen or the motorhome is complete, if so an 8 week delay.  Stay calm old girl, stay calm.

[PatrioticStabilist]

We are still out here but not back on the RV remodeling yet.

We stopped to remodel our kitchen, completely!  Almost to the granite stage but lots of trim and finish work to do. Ordered the sink and faucets today, not picking out tile backsplash material till we are done with granite.  Hubby put in undercabinet lighting which I love, he rewired it in there.  Then we have a rentor who got transferred and had to move so some work there, not much thankfully, they were really good tenants.  But we will be back to finish our motorhome. (Well I'm out to till in the garden in a few minutes)

2 pics of the kitchen so far! They are coming to measure for granite Monday so hubby has to get the bar top finished.

I can't wait to get back to the motorhome and finish it and use it too!!
Back later

[PatrioticStabilist]

Moderator delete that one, wrong one.