Well everyone, progress continues... slowly, but surely. The inside is almost completely gutted, and the driver's side wall is half removed.
Something that was really bothering me was flex in the floor below the driver's feet when driving... turns out my concern was well justified, as the box frame was completely rotted out around the driver's side door in the front (see photos). The sidewall frame above the driver was also broken away from the roof frame, and the mounting bracket to the frame is fractured. The original construction leaves a bit to be desired... not much to it. Along with replacing the rotten metal, I'll be adding a bit of additional reinforcement to original structure.
I'm sticking with my original plan, although it's become more involved than I wanted (but not unexpected). At least I know this motorhome will be safe when I'm done.
Since these photos were taken I've replaced most of the frame around the front driver's side. The subfloor in the rear of the MH also has rot, and I will be replacing all of the cross-members with new metal back there as well.
After the box frame is rock solid all around the coach I'll continue with the mechanics (been doing some here and there anyway). Then I'll replace the roof, take care of exterior cosmetics and paint, and then build the interior.
Down to the box frame
Completely rotted and broken away. Only thing holding this together was the exterior sheeting and the door frame.
One of 3 main structure breaks causing the motorhome to flex when driving
The sidewall popped out 2-3 inches from pressure once the sheeting was removed.
Here you can see how far the sidewall pushed out. Should be flush with the metal plate on the right (is now that it's repaired).
Bottom frame in rear. Will be replacing all the bottom side rails and all of this cross members. Bolts lag through the floor joyces into these steel tubes, so I really wanted to be sure they're solid.
