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. 

[Daniel Long]

Like you, when I got the Tioga home it was a lot of "okay, what did the past owner NOT do" to keep things up and maintain. Some stuff was obvious, some not. Some things like critters getting in and depositing 30 pounds of walnuts under the tub were pretty easy to deal with. Wiring goofs were one of the worst to try and troubleshoot--- resulting in just redoing it from scratch instead of finding all the worn and chewed wires. The nice thing is that if you are familiar with home renovations you can do an RV job. Some modern home products (PEXX tubing, laminate flooring, foam insulation) are just right for redoing an RV. Can't wait to see your progress!

[Michael]

I’m going to start by sealing the outside as good as I can. Then I’m going to go after the inside. Replace any damaged areas. Reframe where it’s needed. I’ll be dealing any additional holes along the way. Thanks for mentioning pinholes. Hadn’t thought about that being an issue. I have the caulk now. The tape should be here in a few days. Then to start this project. I’m going to try to have this done sometime around May or June. Just in time for good camping season in the Midwest. I would love any other input or advice for this project. 

[Daniel Long]

If you have an aluminum skin on the RV and are gutting the outside, I used a lot of aluminum tape you can get at any auto place or hardware store to do patches on the inside that are pin holes from age and corrosion. I couldn't believe how many little pin holes were in my Tioga when I stripped her. All that allowing water inside to the insulation. Then I went back and used foil-backed rigid insulation board (Tuff R). That also has aluminum foil on it (keeping the corrosion issue of dissimilar metals in mind!)

[Daniel Long]

Yes, the "tape" comes in a roll. Available on line. They come in 30' rolls of various widths and such. Here's a link I had:  https://www.amazon.com/Hengs-16-5825-Trimmable-Butyl-Tape/dp/B002N1...

It comes in other colors, too.

[Michael]

The stuff I got is in a roll and you put it on by hand. I don’t know if it comes in a tube or not. 

[C D]

Dan does that butyl tape come in a caulk tube or in a can? Think thats the same stuff used on windshields? Some call it butyl rubber I think. Thanks Chester

[Michael]

I talked to the wife tonight. Sounds like she wants to start doing the remodel right now. So now we’re going to be tearing the inside apart after resealing the outside. We’re going to repair all the damage and modernize it. Any suggestions on what to use to repair/replace walls and interior ceiling after replacing and reframing?

[Daniel Long]

I used flex seal and the Rustoelum brands and on my aluminum roof it just cracked where my patch and vents are. Doesn't do well over material transitions. Maybe works to seal a screen door....

[C D]

How bout that phil flex seal stuff as seen on tv. anyone use. oh doggie.

[Michael]

That’s what I have going on. Someone used a ton of silicone caulking. It looks like hell and is not sealed well. I am going to remove as much as I can. Reseal with better self leveling marine grade sealant. Then I’m going to tape the seams to minimize any further water damage. Might be overkill. But I’d rather have to do it once and be done. Than to have to do it 2 times and be angry about it.