1976 Chevrolet Rockwood motorhome

[Michael]

hello all. I just purchased this motorhome. It’s in pretty amazing shape for its age. I am excited about this new project. I am going to start with a good cleaning of the inside and out. I am going to do run some sea foam through the engine and fuel system, followed by a full tune up and possible brake replacement on the front. I am interested in any information you all may have on this particular task that I have undertaken. I look forward to chatting with you all about this. 

[Michael]

[Daniel Long]

I'd do what we call "sistering" in the construction business. You copy that piece with a new wood piece and attach it right next to the rotted one. This eliminates any issues with removal then replacement but it is always a good idea to treat the rotted piece in a way that eliminates any problems down the road. Things like wires can be spliced using acceptable wire splices with shrink wrap covers or you may decide to pull new wire (BX cable or other better wire) to replace the old wire. Mine had a LOT of varmits chewing on it so replacement was safer vs. patching.

[Michael]

I have been searching the web and have not found any solid info. The roof has wood trusses. I need to replace all or part of the wood that is holding the roof and walls. Any thoughts or opinions for how to go about replacing this without ruining the roof? 

[Michael]

We’re debating using the stove in the remodel. It works!! Original equipment! I am getting the walls and ceiling trim down..we’re going to change thr layout since we have to remove so much due to the water damage. We don’t have a set layout yet but we have some ideas. I’d be open to thoughts from the group....I’ll be back at it tomorrow. Going to try to get the rest of it tore apart and remove all the garbage wood/paneling. Then to make some needed adjustments. 

[Daniel Long]

Don't chuck that stove! If it's working it's worth a great deal to you. Seems like the typical rot areas with water getting in. Great progress with removals!

[Michael]

This is the result of my project so far. Walls are being removed. Ceiling being removed. Counter in kitchen is removed. Found lots of rotting wood. Holes in the wall above the wall where the sink is. Going to have to rebuild the bunk area. Replacing supports. Electrical, plumbing and gas all seem to be in good working order. 

[Michael]

[Michael]

[Lakota Wolf]

Butyl tape (also called plumbers putty) comes in a roll. It varies in widths. It resembles cured black or grey caulking. Used around windows and vents and even on lap over seams. And never ever ever use silicone on an RV, seriously, never ever.  Pay attention, Never ever never.And use metal tape (also called furnace/A/C duct tape) not cloth.

[Rich Thomas]

Hello Michael, I have a 78 Travelcraft on a Chevy G30 cutaway van. It is Titled as a 78 but the van is a 77. back in the day Manufactures used prier year left overs for the next years production campers. I can tell you a few things to look at. First date code your tires. If over 5 years don't trust them. I did and after only twenty miles down interstate 71 lets just say I regretted that decision. Next thing, replace the brake hose's that transition from the hard line to the calipers. Mine looked new and I locked up the right side after just 200 feet from the tire shop that just put on 6 new tires and a spare. yes, 200 feet and flat spotted a brand new tire.( now a spare). they deteriorate from the inside ( the hose's) and cause a check valve type lock up when you hit the brakes; they are cheap at about $20.00 a pop and they are still made today;  in fact you will not have any problems getting any parts for the chassis they were made clear up in to the mid 90's with little change and after market is huge for that era of bow tie's. On the matter of sealing stay away from silicone - period. Not only will it fail if you don't get all of it off or not remove the residue,it will cause what ever you attempt to put over it to fail to bond as well. Butyl tape is good. Eternabond is Gods gift to RV-Er's. For tube caulk I like Sika products but there's a lot of good stuff out there, Dycore (spell check?) is one and probably the best known. I spent days pulling off silicone and scrubbing down with acetone before resealing with the Sikaflex.I haven't read all your post so if some of this is redundant or others have already posted this stuff my apologies; I don't get on much any more and don't want to beat a dead horse. My Travelcraft only had 19.5 k on the clock when I took over as care giver and she still looks good with only 21 on it now, but at 40 years old rubber cracks, gaskets shrink and oil dries out or thickens to almost grease so a good mechanical inspection is a must. All my troubles happened on the road home the day I bought it and for the most part she is in great shape now. The very first thing I did was take it into a local RV place and paid around $100.00 to have two tech's go through all the systems to insure they were safe and good to go. They changed out the LP regulator and later I bought a new control board for the furnace. It didn't look like it had ever been lit but I believe a large capacitor had dried out causing the no spark. Any way the old gal is a jewel I call it the Palace and we have had a good time getting her up and running well. I can't wait till it's a little closer to spring and get back out there. Good luck with your project.