Post by esmerelda on Jul 30, 2012 12:29:02 GMT
Hi
Thanks for forum members so far for helping with dating our Safari.
Here are some updates on what we've been doing this year with it.
We've opened up the corners to replace timbers and strengthen everything up, as during touring last year three of these were beginning to move a bit. On this front corner the side panel had come away. You can also see where we've replaced the bottom horizontal pieces that had also rotted.
The paint needed a lot of work, so all has been sanded back to sounds paint, and all joins in Alu been gouged out a resealed with car seam sealer, then primed and over painted. Big job, but the van is now completely waterproof again (as opposed to nearly).
Also replaced various internal / structural corner pieces which had completely rotted out and were also causing movement when towing. Also given something decent to attach front and rear alu panels to, as these fixings had all rotted & rusted. All a lot tighter now.
Also completely lined the bottom of the chipboard floor with 3mm ply, held up with screws and batons and sealed all round. Water wasgetting into the stows through the florr, so this will seal everything, and also prolong the life of and strengthen the floor. Not as good as a floor replacement, but functionally as good, and much cheaper (doesn't require removing everything from inside).
Lots more happened, but here's a taster.
Would love to hear from anyone with any comments or questions on this. We're not trying to do a historical restoration, rather keep it on the road for another 55 years with sensitive high quality work that makes it work as a family tourer.
A few questions to follow...
Jonathan
Thanks for forum members so far for helping with dating our Safari.
Here are some updates on what we've been doing this year with it.
We've opened up the corners to replace timbers and strengthen everything up, as during touring last year three of these were beginning to move a bit. On this front corner the side panel had come away. You can also see where we've replaced the bottom horizontal pieces that had also rotted.
The paint needed a lot of work, so all has been sanded back to sounds paint, and all joins in Alu been gouged out a resealed with car seam sealer, then primed and over painted. Big job, but the van is now completely waterproof again (as opposed to nearly).
Also replaced various internal / structural corner pieces which had completely rotted out and were also causing movement when towing. Also given something decent to attach front and rear alu panels to, as these fixings had all rotted & rusted. All a lot tighter now.
Also completely lined the bottom of the chipboard floor with 3mm ply, held up with screws and batons and sealed all round. Water wasgetting into the stows through the florr, so this will seal everything, and also prolong the life of and strengthen the floor. Not as good as a floor replacement, but functionally as good, and much cheaper (doesn't require removing everything from inside).
Lots more happened, but here's a taster.
Would love to hear from anyone with any comments or questions on this. We're not trying to do a historical restoration, rather keep it on the road for another 55 years with sensitive high quality work that makes it work as a family tourer.
A few questions to follow...
Jonathan