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Smart_Alec's avatar
Smart_Alec
Explorer
Aug 09, 2014

I want to rehabilitate my old Dodge Class C

Taking it in small steps.

First off, I'm not as young as I used to be so I'm in no hurry.

The ceiling leaks, so correcting that should probably be a priority, no?

I want to take the roof panels down so I can look at what is behind them. Replace moldy old insulation with new stuff, what's it called, that lightweight stuff cheap ice chests are made of? Then put up new ceiling panels.

I have a 20 year background in construction work and am familiar with the use of many tools.

I don't want to disturb any of the framing or cabinetry if I can help it but I do want to get a good look behind the ceiling and upper walls.

Of course I want to seal the roof. Replace damaged roof vents, caulk all the cracks, and at the present time I believe the liquid sealer that you can apply with a paint roller is what I should use cross that job off the list. If I am wrong I need to know ASAP (actually, no, as I said I'm in no hurry but it's been raining a lot here in Western NC, which sort of gives me a sense of urgency).

For taking down wall and ceiling panels without disturbing anything else I have a secret weapon, which, sorry, I can't remember what it's called, but I first saw it on a late night infomercial. Expensive, made in Germany. However Harbor Freight jumped into the fray with a much more affordable unit, which is what I have got. It's the little vibrating back and forth thingy to which you can attach various blades. Anybody here know what I am talking about? You can cut around switches and light fixtures without having to remove them.

So, to repeat, I want to take my time here, at some point I'll be looking at building a custom bed and a custom desk in this thing, but those are topics for a future thread.

Thoughts, anyone? :)
Class C
  • Golden_HVAC's avatar
    Golden_HVAC
    Explorer
    Aug 09, 2014
    You could be looking at spending $5,000+ to restore the motorhome.

    You might be better off buying something a little less mileage and newer. . . Something without the problems of roof leaks.

    Something without a carburetor too! Going up into the mountains with fuel injection works so much better. And OVERDRIVE! This brings down the engine RPM and it will run quieter, and better MPG.

    The thirty something RV you are looking at will not get great mileage, might have a problem finding 16.5" tires to fit your rims, might be over it's GVWR before loading it with supplies, among other problems such as the steel rims not rated for Radial tires! Engine mounts that might allow it to move around a bit, steering box flex.

    With the motorhome side, the "Converter" is not voltage regulated, and will boil the battery dry if you forget to fill it with water each month, and have it plugged into 120 volt power. 105 volt power will not charge the coach battery at all - so the new ones are better!

    Fred.
  • dcason's avatar
    dcason
    Explorer
    Aug 09, 2014
    Perhaps you mean a sawzall or reciprocating saw?
    good luck!
  • Bumpyroad's avatar
    Bumpyroad
    Explorer
    Aug 09, 2014
    dcason wrote:
    Perhaps you mean a sawzall or reciprocating saw?
    good luck!


    I think he is talking about a multi function vibrating tool, and I can't think of the proper name either. I have both the Harbor freight 120 volt ones and some of the 18 volt ryobi ones.
    bumpy
  • Cobra21's avatar
    Cobra21
    Explorer
    Aug 09, 2014
    Golden_HVAC wrote:
    You could be looking at spending $5,000+ to restore the motorhome.

    You might be better off buying something a little less mileage and newer. . . Something without the problems of roof leaks.

    Something without a carburetor too! Going up into the mountains with fuel injection works so much better. And OVERDRIVE! This brings down the engine RPM and it will run quieter, and better MPG.

    The thirty something RV you are looking at will not get great mileage, might have a problem finding 16.5" tires to fit your rims, might be over it's GVWR before loading it with supplies, among other problems such as the steel rims not rated for Radial tires! Engine mounts that might allow it to move around a bit, steering box flex.

    With the motorhome side, the "Converter" is not voltage regulated, and will boil the battery dry if you forget to fill it with water each month, and have it plugged into 120 volt power. 105 volt power will not charge the coach battery at all - so the new ones are better!

    Fred.


    Sorry, but this really makes sense to me, unless you want a build project. I know people that really like to rebuild older things like
    boats, cars, tractors, etc. than actually use them.
    Brian
  • Smart_Alec's avatar
    Smart_Alec
    Explorer
    Aug 09, 2014
    Golden_HVAC wrote:
    You could be looking at spending $5,000+ to restore the motorhome.


    Well, "restore" and "rehabilitate" are two different vectors.

    These things are not made of expensive materials. No matter how much styrofoam, paneling, and 3x3 wood I have to buy, I can't imagine it adding up to $5,000!!
  • Smart_Alec's avatar
    Smart_Alec
    Explorer
    Aug 09, 2014
    Golden_HVAC wrote:
    You could be looking at spending $5,000+ to restore the motorhome.

    You might be better off buying something a little less mileage and newer. . . Something without the problems of roof leaks.

    Something without a carburetor too! Going up into the mountains with fuel injection works so much better. And OVERDRIVE! This brings down the engine RPM and it will run quieter, and better MPG.

    The thirty something RV you are looking at will not get great mileage, might have a problem finding 16.5" tires to fit your rims, might be over it's GVWR before loading it with supplies, among other problems such as the steel rims not rated for Radial tires! Engine mounts that might allow it to move around a bit, steering box flex.

    With the motorhome side, the "Converter" is not voltage regulated, and will boil the battery dry if you forget to fill it with water each month, and have it plugged into 120 volt power. 105 volt power will not charge the coach battery at all - so the new ones are better!

    Fred.


    Hey, Fred

    I really appreciate your response. The reason I'm on this forum is to learn, and it sounds like you have a wealth of knowledge on this subject.

    I'm dismayed to learn that tires might be hard to find, but my situation is what it is...
  • Frankedj's avatar
    Frankedj
    Explorer
    Aug 09, 2014
    With 20 years of experience in construction you know that you will find the unexpected. Using one of those saws to cut through ceiling and wall panels without knowing exactly what is in that ceiling or in that wall can cause considerable damage to wiring that might be in there.

    You will also have to add additional framing at every cut edge to have a surface to attach the new panel to. That is also going to reduce the structural integrity of the whole unit. You would be better off to pull out the cabinetry and replace full panels with full panels. If you want your repairs to last you should do them as close to original as possible if not stronger. Never go the route that will be weaker or do it because it is easier. You will end up paying for it in the long run with a job that needs to be done twice instead of once.

    Styrofoam insulation is what you were thinking of.
  • Bordercollie's avatar
    Bordercollie
    Explorer
    Aug 09, 2014
    More power to you. There are a number of old rig refurbishment threads on this forum and those who have done it will provide advice. It is sad, however, when a project like this bogs down for health or other reasons and never gets finished. It is likely that the old appliances, plumbing, 12 and 120 volt systems electrical systems will require replacements and upgrades not to mention engine, cooling system,transmission, brakes, dash AC, wheels and tires, suspension,(etc.) that will need repairs or upgrades to make this sows ear into a silk purse that you can trust for serious motorhoming. Think it over, it's a lot like renovating a termite ridden dry rotted old house.

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