Fixing water damage on the old Dodge (pics)

[Spectramac]

I got started on my summer project the last couple days. I found this thing on Craig's list for $100 and drove it home. It's a 78 Dodge Monaco 23' with a 440. Here's what it looked like when I brought it home.





Ok, time to dive in!











Oh man, I can't believe the huge bag of rusty screws I have already! It's actually not as rotten as I was thinking it was going to be. Just in the corners, where the screws need to be. Still so much to remove....

[Spectramac]

A boating friend of mine made the same suggestion about tenting on the floor! :B

I got the 2 last pieces of floor in today! Not sure what to do now but try to keep it dry through the wet that is starting to hit now.

[PapPappy]

Gene in NE wrote:
Spectramac - With over 20,400 views of this topic, you have to know there is a lot of interest in your project. As to the insulation, an insulator once told me not to pack it tightly. Good fit is okay. Dead air space is a better insulator than a solid which can conduct temperature. Thermopane windows are better insulators than thicker panes of glass.

As I understand it, they are talking about the fiberglass insulation, when they suggest it be packed loose. The styrofoam that Malcolm is using can be packed tight...the air is in the foam! Packing it in as tight as you can, should be enough...I don't see a reason to invest in the canned foam for the floor. Maybe around the windows or the drains.

WOW! can't believe it's gotten that many hits! Though I do check it every day!

You've got the dance floor done! Now, you can pitch a tent on it, and go camping!!:B

Keep it going...it's looking great!

[PPCLI-Jim]

Just like a evil plan its all coming together. It looks good like many others i follow this and live vicariously through your pics. Looks good man. if you have any questions on cabinetry PM me as i do it for my job .

[Spectramac]

Wow, I hadn't looked at the view count! I guess I can't give up now. :B

I was outside late tonight. I'm trying to get it ready for the upcoming wet weekend the weather guessers have... 'forecasted'.

I did the jigsaw puzzle thing with the foam and got the rear plywood on... whew!



Just a couple small pieces left and the floor will be done.

[Gene_in_NE]

Spectramac - With over 20,400 views of this topic, you have to know there is a lot of interest in your project. As to the insulation, an insulator once told me not to pack it tightly. Good fit is okay. Dead air space is a better insulator than a solid which can conduct temperature. Thermopane windows are better insulators than thicker panes of glass.

[RVSKIER]

You might think about getting some of that expanding foam, "great stuff" to fill in around the ends of the foam. the tighter the insulation fits the better.

[RedRollingRoadb]

Well I see you got the roof questions solved. Just spread the faithful blue tarp a little further.

[97Ford97Lance]

Nice work.

[Spectramac]

I still had some free time this morning waiting for my job at work, so I hit it hard and got the jigsaw puzzle of foam fit for the center floor.



And got the plywood down! 🙂

[CISCO8325]

just don't get carry away and add a second floor to that.I want to see it finish soon.. hee heee LOL

[pammi]

I'm so impressed I had to write this comment!

[ron_dittmer]

QUOTE: I had to add some 2x2s where the plywood seam will be.

Spec,

When adding the top layer of plywood, consider using a full sheet out to the perimeter where all the cut-outs are. For example, lay a sheet over the entry door and cut it out so there is a single uninterrupted piece of plywood encapsulating the entry area. The same applies for the wheel wells. This will provide more strength where you need it most. Also, stagger plywood seams for additional floor strength. You don't want one single plywood seam running all the way from front to back.

Once done, I would add another layer of thin plywood, 1/4" to 3/8", making sure second layer seam work is not matching the first layer. Staggering increases the strength, many times over.

That is why brick walls have staggered bricks.

It's looking great!

[ALnCORY]

Thats a good idea spec.. should give you a real solid floor.. when I remodeled my house years ago I went in and added blocks all over in the walls anywhere I thought I might hang a towel bar or hook etc before I put sheetrock on... made it alot easier to hang those things shelves etc.... the floor is looking good

[Spectramac]

I kept the miter saw busy today!



I had to add some 2x2s where the plywood seam will be.



I did some measuring and realized the 2x2s in the back didn't line up to the rear cross wall. I can't have that, so I added 3 pieces to line up with it. Then I just went crazy adding boards everywhere I thought it might help. I hate soft spots in floors. 🙂

[Spectramac]

Just for you Mr H! I looked through my info and found my old Paypal account. I haven't used it in a while, but I just tried it and I can still log into it so it must still be good. I only use it on the occasional eBay purchase. I guess you need the email address to get to it??? turbo.diesel at verizon.net

You guys are too much, Thanks!

I ran out of work at the shop today, so I came home early. Lemme see how much of that pesky floor I can finish!!!