Rot in side walls of franki.

[frankidownunder]

Hi all,
Just thought I might put a few pictures up of some of the rot I found in franki, my Franklin Caravelle. I have since cut out the damaged areas and re built them .also replaced inner sidewall, installed insulation , plus sisalation and refitted skin.
The rot is not very evident except for loose screws outside and water stains inside, however once the outer skin came off..... Still have Rh side to do (probably as bad) but should be good when finished. I will post more photos later (when Primus speed up my connection again.)







Hope this is of help to some of you with your restorations.

Frankidownunder.

[Franklin1]

Frankidownunder, I think your photos should be mandatory viewing for all newer prospective vintage caravan purchasers. I have a similar situation with my Franklin, and I now explode with mirth when I read descriptions of vans for sale as being in "good condition", and highly priced. It is not until you strip back the "covers" that you see what really lurks underneath. Newer enthusiasts would do well to remember that any "beauty" you see on the outside, may truly only be skin deep. And I don't mean to turn anyone off buying a van, but please do consider potentially hidden damage that will require attention, and adjust your valuation of the van accordingly.

Al.

[Roehm3108]

Great pics. I agree, this should me mandatory viewing for all buyers of VV's. Makes you wonder how it stayed together!!!!! But, it makes us better restorers of these treasures, and in the end we know how it all works!
Ray

[humpty2]

Never came across this problem restoring Fibreglass vans! ;D ;D ;D

[Deleted]

Ho Ho Humpty Ho
Vvvvveeeerrrryyyyy Funnnnnnnnyyyy

Onya 2 heads
e---POXY....... has its own side effects

Reddo- C/- RSPBCA

[lulu]

You read my mind Humpty

[tinnie]

Ok you fiber-glassers. Mean to say never had rot any timber under the layer of glass??? ;D

Seriously, these pics are a big lesson to newies out there. I have seen plenty of older vans for sale on ebay that boast a 'fresh paint job'. Rules are a bit like an old car, fresh paint usually hiding something. And like my franklin egg, the photos I was given showed none of the very-evident rot. Either the seller was not very observant or had selective vision. Fortunately I bought it cheaply allowing for such things.....
Good luck with the resto Franki, it really looks like a fairly solid base!. Anyway it's well worth it, it's a Franklin after all!
Cheers,
Gristy

[whippy]

You have got me worried, there are signs of a leak on the rear driver side on the Franklin Caravelle. I have to replace the Draw bar & now this worry !!!!!!

My god what have I bought

[frankidownunder]

A Franklin,

the best you can buy. (read gristy's avatar, it says it all.)

[whippy]

I am very happy with the Franklin, it was a tongue in cheek comment

Crikey it only cost me $662.00 to buy

I have several questions :-

1. How do I take the cladding off?

2. What is the timber used in the frame?

3. Has anyone used the epoxy sealant used in houses to seal suspect rotted timber?

4. The ceiling plywood at the rear is damaged & I want to replace it. Does it go to the outer walls or finish at the cupboards?