Hi everyone, I'm completely new here and new to owning a motorhome. So, it's probably a little crazy, but I'm undertaking an almost full restore on a 1989 Fleetwood Southwind 36'. I bought the motorhome on ebay under the impression it needed a paint job... it turns out it had a lot of water damage (go figure from what I've read), and now I've decided to completely strip it down and fix everything the right way.I have plenty of carpentry skills, and can turn a wrench, so not much of a problem there, but I'm new to motorhome construction so this is a big learning experience.I started documenting the process withe videos (the first few aren't that good, I'll try to make the next ones better)... so I'm posting that here in hopes of any advice, criticism, instruction... or plain tell me I'm nuts!EDIT: I've uploaded 3 videos so far.. in the first video I mention maybe the body is rotted from the frame... I found it it's not and the driver's side is sagging due to blown strut and air bag.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rUCYh4HtluQEDIT: I was wrong. The box frame was definitely rotted (much if now repaired).

Looks like quite a task. Keep us updated.

welcome.these kind of projects are great learning experience.best of luck

I really wish you had sought some help with your purchase before the purchase. There isn't any nice way to say this but: You have a 36' piece of junk that will never, never be useable without a huge, did I say HUGE? amount of money and labor. And even if you do succeed in making it useable, it will never be worth anywhere near what you will have invested in it. I'm really trying not to be nasty or overly critical but I speak from experience....Years ago I did much the same as you and once I got into the project, it became more and more apparent that this is a disaster. The money I spent on that project could have bought a fairly late model MH in useable condition from the get go. Really think this over before investing any money in your project.

hershey wrote: Really think this over before investing any money in your project.I always wonder what the point of this kind of after-the-fact "advice" is. If it's your position that the O.P. should just tow the rig to the junkyard and kiss off the investment already made, I think that's ridiculous. Since you've done this yourself, surely you learned something that may be of use to him in this project- why not pass that knowledge along instead?

Ok, I can definitely understand where you're coming from in regards to the money... and believe me it's been a consideration of mine, so let me explain why I did decide to do it vs. send it off to the junk yard:I have $3,500 invested. That includes the motorhome, titling and insurance for a year. Everything in the motor home is good.. fridge, ice maker, furnace, stove, etc... just missing washer/dryer and generator. All of the cabinet doors are still good. Chairs and sofa still good.So... I know I can finish the interior rebuild for well under $2k... another $600 for the roof and another $1,000 in mechanical parts (struts, air bags 2 tires).So... I'm estimating to have $7,100 into this project plus my labor. Now, that's my logic... not to say I'm right, but I'm going to go for it. Like I said... I might be crazy, but I'm sure I can pull this off for less than $10k and I cannot find an RV with brand new interior anywhere.. 36' for that money.

Almost complete restoration 89 Fleetwood Southwind

hershey
Explorer
Mar 29, 2014
Francesca Knowles wrote:
hershey wrote:

Really think this over before investing any money in your project.
I always wonder what the point of this kind of after-the-fact "advice" is. If it's your position that the O.P. should just tow the rig to the junkyard and kiss off the investment already made, I think that's ridiculous.

Since you've done this yourself, surely you learned something that may be of use to him in this project- why not pass that knowledge along instead?

Francesca, I thought I did pass on my knowledge. Knowledge from my undertaking such a project years ago. I tried to be as tactful as possible but some things that you want very badly can't be just wished to be.
This has to be a labor of love....love rebuilding something youself and be prepared to work on it at length even after you think its completed. Every return from a trip will involve a laundry list of needed repair items. All spare time will be devoted to this project. Every spare bit of change will be poured into this project. I hate to be the voice of doom, but experience tells me to never go through that experience again.
Save your money and put it into a kitty for the purchase of a useable oldie but a goodie that you can enjoy with your family.
Salvaging out this purchase can re-cope a bit of the investment.
treeDodgingCamp
Explorer
Mar 29, 2014
hershey wrote:
This has to be a labor of love....love rebuilding something youself and be prepared to work on it at length even after you think its completed.

I'm actually okay with that. I think I'll enjoy the project, just wish I had a huge garage for it :)

After I tear up the floor around the rear wheel wells I'll make a final decision on restoring it... but right now I'm fairly confident I have the *ability* to do this... and I do realize the time and money it'll take.

I have to replace the roof... and since I'm going to have the inside gutted and the insulation pulled out (so I can rivet the aluminum side panels to the frame) I think I might just go the whole way and lift the roof up and completely sand blast the entire frame, then undercoat it, welding and replacing any really damaged channeling. Fortunately I do have a few friends who have offered to pitch in... one a very good auto body repairman. He has a sandblaster and mig welder.

I know it's a rabbit hole... and likely a time/money pit, but I know I'll enjoy doing it, and in the end I'll have something well-built.
Tyler0215
Explorer
Mar 29, 2014
I say good for you. When you are finished you will not only have a MH that fits your needs but bragging rights on how you got it.
treeDodgingCamp
Explorer
Mar 29, 2014
twins89 wrote:
This is quite the undertaking. Wouldn't ebay stand behind the deceit that the previous owner on the listing. I am surprised that you didn't take that up with them.

I suppose they would... maybe.. I don't know. He did word the listing in such a way that I could easily see him getting out of it... things like "I think the only thing it needs is a paint job.. but don't know much about it"... I think the guy knew perfectly the damage. Nonetheless, I did know what I was gambling when I bid, so that's on me... at least how I see it.

Edit: Also, he did offer for anyone to look at it ahead of time, but because of distance and work at the time I couldn't.
gbopp
Explorer
Mar 29, 2014
When will we see pics? :)
Keep us updated on your progress. I like to see older RV's maintained and restored. They have more class than the new units.
treeDodgingCamp
Explorer
Mar 29, 2014
gbopp wrote:
When will we see pics? :)
Keep us updated on your progress. I like to see older RV's maintained and restored. They have more class than the new units.

I'll put up some pics soon, in the meantime you can see a video of it here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpKOG3yzXPFHOLF-Oe5-Zbg
TyroneandGladys
Explorer
Mar 31, 2014
The way I look it a new RV payment would be a MINIUM of 400.00 a month do not want to even think of what full coverage insurance and tags would be. And still have repair costs.
With that in mind I can spend $4000.00 in a year for repairs if needed to keep my RV going and still be ahead. And in the 4 years we have had her have not spent near that. To each his own.
campigloo
Explorer
Mar 31, 2014
If you are going as far as roof framing, ours has a domed roof. It not only helps to drain rain water, but it seems much roomier inside with the added head room. If you go to that extent, ceiling fans seem really nice too.
SteveB
Explorer
Mar 31, 2014
Just watched your 4 videos. Its a cool looking camper. It has potential. This project would need a steady, methodical approach to complete. I would not touch the roof until the interior is completely gutted. Cover the roof with green tarps. That plastic you had in the video will not hold up for long. Anchor the tarps to the ground like a tent so you can get inside. Just keep any more water out while ripping out the interior.
Take out all of the appliances and fixtures and store them so that they can be reused or disposed of later. You might be able to shore the roof frame temporarily from the inside but the A/C units need to come down. At least from the inside you could safely assess the condition of the roof framing before proceeding

Way down the line new plastic covers are available for about $200 if those are cracked. White Fusion paint works too.

Good luck with your project. It might take a while but if you're up for it you'll have a decent unit and fun times.
westend
Explorer
Mar 31, 2014
Cool, I'm actually kind of liking the Army issue paint. :B

Thanks for posting the videos. There are a lot of diy'ers on the forum and we like pictures. Who knows when I can steal one of your great ideas? :B

I think you've got a real good process in mind. In fact, I did just the same thing but with a travel trailer. My rebuild thread is in my signature line, "The Cowboy/Hilton".

Once gutted, you'll have a real good idea of what needs to be done. If I had a few good ideas about the process it would be: Don't lose hope or momentum, draw out mechanical plans (doesn't have to be architectural grade), insulate to the max, plan on using solar in the future, try to incorporate more efficient appliances and your own ideas into the build.

If you have any questions, post them up. There are some really talented and helpful folks on this Forum.