1972 Amerigo Camper Rebuild

[2cknights]

After posting a few comments on another thread, I decided to start this one under a topic more easily recognized. I also have started a blog at: http://www.tcreviver.com. Okay, MKish, here it is. I'll post to it whenever I get a chance. -Carey

[Amerigo_1]

I read on another forum a guy made the generic fridge vent work on his amerigo with minor modification. The vent at my local supplier looks pretty close to OEM. Does anybody use indoor storage during winter?

[Wagonqueen_Truc]

Just wanted to pass on my blog about my restoration.

sixszekely.wordpress.com

too tired to learn how to copy and paste.

[Wagonqueen_Truc]

Need some advice. Getting towards replacing the fridge vent... This is where a majority of the rot came from (due to leaking) Did you all replace the vent with a newer one? What kind? I read that most newer style won't work with "angled" roof area. Also... did anyone have new "Amerigo" decals created for the outside aluminum? If so what RV graphics company did you use? Thanks!

[Wagonqueen_Truc]

I think the source and formatting of your photo is incorrect. You cannot upload from your computer directly to RV.NET.

Wayne

[1971amerigo]

There's a not bad 75 Amerigo for sale on the Albany CL for $500

[1971amerigo]

1 ton
Is your camper floor supported or is it sitting on jacks ?

[Wagonqueen_Truc]

Machined steel circular feet fabricated to allow the dually truck duck by to pick her up.

[bigbad1ton]

Got started back on mine finaly. I am still having a sag issue in the rear. I installed a metal square tubing floor frame and new wood, so I don't understand why it is doing this. If I place a bottle jack in the center of the rear skirt I can lift it and make it all level and square. The Joys of vintage equipment.

[Wagonqueen_Truc]

1971amerigo wrote:
The one on my camper appears to be a naugahyde type material.
Better known as pleather.
If you replace it just take a good look at how the corners are done.
The P.O. replaced mine and left small flaps that fold in when you open the snap & nap.
These flaps close up the small space left in the top corners.

Oh god no... not pleather.
We got almost all the interior ripped out. It doesn't look as bad as I originally thought. The rot is confined to the window...vents...snap n nap and the damn luggage rack someone added and drilled right through the damn fiberglass roof. In some areas they didn't even hit the studs. (a holes) We are removing the rack and going to fiberglass over all the holes left behind. I am praying we don't have to remove the shower... I will do anything to avoid having to remove that damn shower. Keep ya up to date. Fun Fun Fun!

[1971amerigo]

Dave
Even if you do sell,please check in from time to time.
we can sure use your experience.
I do believe that you built the best Amerigo in the Country.


Bob W.

[76AMERIGO]

Hi Guys!,
Just checking in and saw some activity here. I don't miss the leaks!
I would definitely take the old fabric off to check the hinge condition and to clean and lube it..paint it if it's rusty before putting the new fabric back on. Buy some heavy duty waterproof canvas and butyl tape to seal the moldings back on. Also important are the screws, if the old ones are rusted chances are water will leak past them and in. The tilt out window will probably need to be resealed. I removed the whole assy and swapped the glass with smoke lexan. It made the window lighter and leak free once it was siliconed in place. Some new foam weather stripping around perimeter of frame will seal tight when you lock it closed.
Hope this helps get your leaks fixed.
P.S. still have mine....maybe subliminally I don't want to let it go..
Don't tell wife. 🙂
Take care.

[1971amerigo]

The one on my camper appears to be a naugahyde type material.
Better known as pleather.
If you replace it just take a good look at how the corners are done.
The P.O. replaced mine and left small flaps that fold in when you open the snap & nap.
These flaps close up the small space left in the top corners.

[Wagonqueen_Truc]

Thanks Bob... I knew I could get good advice from this forum. The vinyl material is still on mine. What did you replace that material with?

[1971amerigo]

The top leaking is actually a pretty easy fix.
There should be a 6" peice of vinyl type material that goes across and covers the hinge. it is held in place by the moulding trim . If yours is missing let me know and I can send you a pic of what it should look like.
If the wings are just cracked, I just recovered mine with 1/8 "fiberglass.You can see a pic of what it looks like back on page 21 it's the one with thje dog standing on the bed.


Good luck Bob W.

[Wagonqueen_Truc]

where isn't it leaking... Right now the window leaks, which I know is a pretty easy fix. Re-install with a good sealing window gasket. And of course the worst leak is right where the snap n nap door is attached at the top of the camper. Haven't even ripped that apart yet. Right now we think we are going to tackle rebuilding the wings first. The floor is actually in really good shape. No water spots, soft spots or rot. (at least we think that is where to start)