1978 34V Finally Moved!

[JanetSanCarlos]

It has taken a while, but I finally got my Avion moved from the empty lot it has been sitting in for the past 5+ years to it's nice home for the next 6 months or so. I will have water, electric and shade until the end of October.

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Now here is the big question...where is the best place to start with this restoration? It will take me a while to get it cleaned out...lots of gecko poop and old junk in the cabinets. Then what? Do I start with the electrical and water systems? Or should something else be worked on first?

Oh, and he needs a name...any suggestions?

Thanks in advance.

[Rostam]

I would first make the trailer water tight (Eternabond tape on roof seams, new ac gasket, parbond around window trims and awning brackets, new window glazing beads, and new gasket for storage doors.).

I would then check the floor for soft spots and fix them accordingly. Floor near the entry door, water heater, and around the curved area in front and back of trailer are the usual spots to check. If you have soft spots, when you remove the floor you can inspect the frame.

I would then clean the interior. I used 5 gallons of white vinegar and it completely eliminated the bad smell.

I would then check the plumbing. Does water pump work? Do you have any leaks in the pipes? In fresh, gray and waste tanks? You may have to remove part or all of bellypan to check any leaks in tanks. You can apply POR 15 to frame while you are there, and replace the support for water tanks.

I think I provided you with weeks of work already

[JanetSanCarlos]

Thanks so much! That is all great advice. I bug bombed it last night and will start pulling all the old food and junk out of the cabinets today. Then I will move on to your list.

Thanks!

[Razorback]

I think that was a great list..... I have nothing to add.

[Rostam]

Thanks so much! That is all great advice. I bug bombed it last night and will start pulling all the old food and junk out of the cabinets today. Then I will move on to your list.

Thanks!

You are welcome!

BTW, when I was cleaning the trailer, I replaced all the original cloths to get rid of old camper scent. I re-upholstered the dinette, and put in new curtains.

After the steps in my previous post, I'll inspect the drivetrain. Tires, brakes, shocks, emergency brake, battery, and safety chains. I replaced all the original running lights with LED, and replaced the lenses for taillights.

Next would be checking the appliances (fridge, range, AC, furnace, water heater).

Next, would be safety. Get a new fire extinguisher, new smoke/CO/LP detectors. Make sure the emergency exit window in rear works (have someone stand outside so you don't drop and brake the window!)

Next would be the electrical system. Inspect the outlets, and verify that the converter works.

I'll add more items as I remember more

Attached are a couple of photos of applying Eternabond tape to roof seams and rivet, and the re-upholstered dinette.

Good luck!

[JanetSanCarlos]

Thanks again! I really appreciate the direction. Makes me a little nervous with all there is to do, but I am not in a hurry. Thanks for the picture of the roof. I was researching the Eternabond last night and it helps to see it in place. Is that 4"? And how many rolls did you need?

Here is a picture of all the junk I pulled out of the cabinets over the weekend! Crazy the amount of stuff!

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[Rostam]

Thanks again! I really appreciate the direction. Makes me a little nervous with all there is to do, but I am not in a hurry. Thanks for the picture of the roof. I was researching the Eternabond last night and it helps to see it in place. Is that 4"? And how many rolls did you need?

Here is a picture of all the junk I pulled out of the cabinets over the weekend! Crazy the amount of stuff!

20180415_143609_resized_1.jpg

Sorry, I did not mean to stress you out! It took me over 2 years to do what I've listed for you. So, please don't feel any pressure.

Paul (one of the moderators) just did a write up on applying Eternabond tape to roof:

viewtopic.php?f=9&t=621

I used his instructions when taping the roof of my Avion.

Good luck!