DIY - Rot, Repairs, and Renovations!

Topic: DIY - Rot, Repairs, and Renovations! (Read 2220 times) previous topic - next topic

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December 03, 2021, 06:23:33 pm

My partner, Brad, and I purchased our '99 RB in September, well aware of its laundry list of needed repairs. But with low miles and a great price, we decided it would be worth the effort in the end. So far, we have resolved problems with the generator, awning, leveling jacks, taillights, furnace, passenger side mirror, rotted/loose entry step, and a few of the cracks in the end caps. We also upgraded the radio to a double DIN stereo with Apple CarPlay. And in addition to repairs, we dream of renovating the interior and customizing the space as we plan to live out of our LD full-time.

The remaining issues:
1. water heater won't stay lit
2. marker lights need new housings
3. water damage in the rear passenger-side storage compartment
4. wood rot in the back wall

We have replaced the water heater's thermostat and circuit board. The water tank is empty, so our next idea is to fill it in hopes that it's not staying lit due to a safety feature. We have new housings for the marker lights that have yet be installed. We've removed the rotted wood from the storage compartment and exposed the aluminum. It has several holes we plan to fix up with aluminum patches and JB Weld Steel Epoxy. The wood framework isn't in the best condition either and will need at least partially replaced. From there, we aren't sure what to layer on top but considering flex seal or something similar. I'll attach photos so you can see what we are working with. Opinions and ideas are encouraged!

Now for the dreaded back wall. We've seen other LD'ers get through this tedious restoration and although it was helpful to read and gain a visual beforehand (thank you, Cor2man), the project was still incredibly daunting. So we have avoided it up until a few days ago. We removed the spare tire compartment, ladder, lower half of both end caps, and mid section of paneling - in that order. Chisel/putty knife, hammer, and a lot of patience. Yesterday, we began the process of removing the bumper by driving out the bolts connected to the body. It wasn't fun. We think our next step is getting underneath and cutting through the adhesive that's holding it to the paneling/body. Then remove the bolts connected to the chassis with an impact wrench. Once the bumper is off, we will be able to remove the lowest section of paneling. And then out comes the window so we can reseal it thoroughly and replace the gasket. We suspect our leaks have come from the end caps and/or rear window. I asked the previous owner and neither has ever been resealed. We know we will need a LOT of sealant and adhesive for this project and would love your two cents on what products to use. We'd like to stay budget friendly, but it's hard to know what instances splurging becomes necessary.

We plan to replace as much wood as necessary and possible. With that being said neither my partner or I have experience with these types of repairs. But we do believe we have enough logic and plenty of resources to get the job done ourselves. I will attach photos all along the way. Posting this thread for fun, for awareness, and for your assistance. So feel free to enjoy, learn, and chime in!