Replacing framing in fibreglass van - any advice?

[hilldweller]

Hi there
This is a general 'what do I need to know' question Any advice or pointers to earlier threads would be very welcome. My van (the Kennedy-lookalike that's actually a Caravelle) has about half of the original framing missing and what's left is a confusing mess of different sized timbers, single and double thicknesses, 'proper' wood and ply.

There are curved pieces on the ceiling and around the corners. Some have been made from a straight length that's been bent and others are thick ply that's been cut to shape. Does it matter which method I replace them with?

The sides are mostly vertical ribs that sit out from the curved fibreglass shell to create a flat wall and are (or were) held in place with fibreglass strips.

Some bits - eg the delaminating ply across the ceiling that's causing a sag in the roof - are obviously structural and need to be replaced but the rest I'm not sure about. Should I aim to replace everything I think was there originally and then add extras if the new internal layout requires it? And what's the best way to attach the new timber to the fibreglass shell? Strips of fibreglass and glue???

Sorry about all the questions. I have made a bit of progress so far - with easier things like removing/killing rust and old paint on the chassis and the old floor has been patched and covered with a new layer of ply.

[atouchofglass]

Hi Hilldweller

Perhaps some photos with the questions would help.
Because it is very hard to give any appropriate advice otherwise.

Cheers
Atog

[hilldweller]

Thanks Atog. Been reading some of the old threads on here and getting a bit more confident about the next move. Have bought some framing timber, sikaflex glue, normal wood glue and even a small amount of fiberglass and resin etc. Took another look at the van and decided the front end has more of the original framing so better to start on the back. Had a closer look at the back and decided chipboard with wonky square-headed screws was not only not original, but not serving any useful purpose, so out it came along with various other patch-up bits and I think a couple of original bits that came off with later additions.


All that’s left is a couple of short bits coming up at the bottom and those have inexplicably been sawn off about 4in below their intended height.

Fortunately one of the front corners has enough framing left that I can see how it’s supposed to be.

So ready for new framing but decided not in the right headspace today for measuring and cutting things on odd angles so started removing old staples and screws from some of the overhead framing.


Those two lengths pictured are only just hanging on, swinging from their thin casing of fibreglass, having lost their support at both ends. The timber’s good though and I’m hoping I can reattach them before they fall off.

hilldweller
.

[atouchofglass]

Hi Hilldweller
This is the best thread for you to look at.

vintagecaravans.proboards.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=photo&thread=4665&page=1
The man is a genius when it comes to doing up sunliners.

Read and read again.
You can't go wrong following his prep work.

Any chipboard will give you trouble and you are right about the square drive screws ...... definitely a bad add on.

Cheers
Atog

[hilldweller]

Wow that is great. Thanks for the link. You'd have to smile every time you saw that van Particuarly like the 'rust' A brilliant idea, brilliantly executed.

And in case you're wondering, no I will not be attempting anything anyway near that league. Safe and sound and functional with some nice colours is plenty ambitious enough.