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treeDodgingCamp's avatar
treeDodgingCamp
Explorer
Mar 28, 2014

Almost complete restoration 89 Fleetwood Southwind

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=rUCYh4HtluQ

EDIT: I was wrong. The box frame was definitely rotted (much if now repaired).
  • treeDodgingCamp's avatar
    treeDodgingCamp
    Explorer
    Mar 28, 2014
    Also.. since my videos aren't that far along I'll explain some of what I plan to do... we are going to reupholster all the seats and sofa with help of Mother-in-Law (fun lol)... for the walls I'm going to use lauan, which I can sand real nice then stain and poly for a real nice finish. That will be where all the woodwork was... very cheap solution. I'll refinish the old doors and drawers the same. As for the rest of the walls, not sure yet if I'm going with paneling or wallpapering the lauan. The biggest expense inside I think is going to be new carpet and tarquet (not sure how it's spelled)

    My biggest concern with this project isn't so much expense, as it is safety. I certainly don't want to compromise the safety of the vehicle in any way, so any suggestions or advice along those lines is greatly welcomed. Thanks everyone.
  • treeDodgingCamp's avatar
    treeDodgingCamp
    Explorer
    Mar 28, 2014
    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.
  • Francesca_Knowl's avatar
    Francesca_Knowl
    Explorer
    Mar 28, 2014
    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?
  • hershey's avatar
    hershey
    Explorer
    Mar 28, 2014
    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.

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