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Post by takeiteasy on Feb 23, 2012 11:50:16 GMT 10
Hi everyone - I was out admiring the new van yesterday evening. I noticed that the glass on the "nondoor" side of the van seems to be buckled outwards. This is above and front of the water inlet area. Other than a small bunch of hairline cracks there is no evident damage.... it almost looks like the glass has just slumped or buckled but I have never seen fiberglass do that before. It will be really hard to get a photo of this I think. It buckles out perhaps 1/2 inch.
The "doorside" of the van is straight. I don't know how I missed it now that I have seen it. The pessimist in me is bracing for bad news.
cheers, Bill
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Post by bobandjacqui on Feb 23, 2012 12:35:55 GMT 10
G'day Bill,
Check the floor under the sink to see if it's soft. If so the floor may need some attention. Also check the top cupboards above the sink to see if there is any sag. The bottom line of the cupboards should be straight.
If the fibreglass has let go from the wall inside the cupboard you may have to jack the side up from the outside till the bulge has gone then do the repair inside the cupboard while you have the van braced from the outside. Jack the van up under the aluminium waist line. Hope this helps.
Cheers Bob.
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Post by takeiteasy on Feb 23, 2012 12:37:59 GMT 10
WAHHHH. Thanks Bob.
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Post by takeiteasy on Feb 23, 2012 18:43:33 GMT 10
I have tried to take a few pictures. My gut feeling is it is not drastic enough to stop me using the van, rather, something I gotta fix this year. In the long distance shot you can hopefully see the change in reflection that indicates the bulge. The other shot is self evident. What do you reckon people?   |
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Post by takeiteasy on Feb 23, 2012 19:06:22 GMT 10
Yep, water damage from a burst pump pipe that wasn't attended to. I knew about under the bed but under the drawers had loose ply covering it. Hidden by drawers  Under the bed  |
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Post by atouchofglass on Feb 24, 2012 22:17:11 GMT 10
Hey Bill
It doesn't look good
While Olympics aren't perfectly straight, that is more than the usual amount of bend, buckle.
Is the ply spongy or soft?
I agree with Bob regarding the lift at the waistline and tackle the problem from there.
If you go down the replacement road.
By supporting the lower half you can work on it without the bulge.
If you replace just a section of the ply use the same thickness as original
Remembering to resin coat both sides before fitting.
How is the ply just inside the entrance/door?
That is the usual place the floor goes first
Perhaps you may need to remove any vinyl to see just how far the problem goes.
There are a couple of good threads in the members photo album section
Seeshell's van comes to mind as does Stephen and Julies stardust rescue.
Have a look at these as the repairs they have done may relate to your situation
It is hard to give good advice without actually seeing the van in person.
All the best with your repairs
Atog
PS: Real nice shine to the gelcoat you have there. ;D
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Post by takeiteasy on Feb 24, 2012 22:27:08 GMT 10
Thanks Atog. The areas photographed have dropped an inch or so because the ply got soft. Everywhere else seems ok. I have decided to remove the double bed and replace the whole floor at that end. I will likely replace right through but not remove the built in furniture as the floor is ok. Bob has sent me some detailed instructions but I confess to being nervous about it. Its actually the levelling of the van that has me mentally stumped at the moment.
Once I have the floor done I will put two single beds in..... that will be panic No. 2.
I will start another thread and post steps as I do them. Please, anyone who has the time and inclination, give me feedback and advice as you see it.
Ah - I only have 2 days a week work this year and was getting bored... so this will keep me out of trouble for a while.
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Post by atouchofglass on Feb 24, 2012 22:35:17 GMT 10
Hey Bill When you replace the floor and fit single beds you will be able to turn them into a really nice double if you want. With just a sheet of ply cut in two. Have a look at my thread and you will see what I've done. We use both the singles and the double configuration. As for removing the floor and replacing it. Once you level the van the rest will become (dare I say) easier....  Again look at the thread by Seeshell Also this thread by Tonyh vintagecaravans.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=photo&action=display&thread=1448Both good info Atog |
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Post by takeiteasy on Feb 25, 2012 0:51:47 GMT 10
Thanks Atog, wow, Tony's project is huge. I am hoping I can get away with jacking up one side to get the chassis level. Its only about 2 metres of floor that has let go so the rest should still be where it's supposed to be. I reckon I just need to jack up where its dropped and lay new over old. wish I had a nice level surface to work on.... I am on the front lawn.
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Post by boblor on Feb 25, 2012 11:30:18 GMT 10
Hi Bill
You do not need level ground but it helps, as I stated in my PM, you prop the van level, using a trolley jack,timber props,and a spirit level will do the job and it does not take long to achieve.
The idea is to "slightly'have the chassis hanging from the shell, allowing the floor to return to its original position or slightly higher. Position can be checked by using a straight edge across the chassis rails to the wall. Iam sure this will pull your "bend' out.
Try the above, if any problem send a PM or use the 'dog n bone', we will get you thru. this.
Cheers boblor
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dawso
Full Member
Posts: 141
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Post by dawso on Feb 25, 2012 11:43:17 GMT 10
Hi Bill,
As a newbie to van restoration myself I know how you feel about replacing the floor.
Have a look at the thread of my reno in members photos and you will see the cradle I made to put my van in.
All the best
Dawso.
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Post by Roehm3108 on Feb 25, 2012 11:56:13 GMT 10
Wow, what a bummer to have this happen  I guess the natural tendancy is to think that nothing (or at least very little) can go wrong with a fibreglass van. While this thread is fresh in our minds, I wonder if it wouldn't be an idea to start a thread in the technical section, dealing with things to look out for in fibreglass vans. We have a wealth of experience on this forum who combined, would give some sound advice on any traps in buying these vans. Ray |
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Post by takeiteasy on Feb 25, 2012 15:25:29 GMT 10
I will start a thread documenting my journey in the members photos section rather than sustain a long thread here. Please please please people keep an eye on it and shout if it looks like I have missed something.
Ray, it is a bummer but I knew about that bit of moisture damage. I just didn't fully understand the work involved in fixing it. On the positive I am only working two days a week and was getting very bored.
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