HELP!!!!!! (1 Viewer)

[lisa robins]

Hi everyone,

We have recently purchased a 1989 Swift Kon-tiki based on a Fiat Ducato, as a project.
However, upon closer examination, the damage is more severe than we first thought!

It seems as though we need to completely replace the floor as upon lifting the carpet the ply is completely black with damp. Also the leaks to the motorhome frame are more extensive than we first thought. We have never taken on repairs of this magnitude before and would appreciate any helpful tips or useful links to sites that could help.

Thanks

Lisa and Jason

 

[haganap]

Ok Im going to be honest with you, It sounds like a really severe case of damp. There is a great repairer in Stoke on Trent that takes on completely damaged vans and brings them back to life.
Yes you can attempt this your self, but, it is by no means easy, in fact from what you describe, could be a nightmare job to take on with little experience.

Did you know it was this damp when you purchased it? you say it was/is a project so I assume you did.

Good luck with it, if you need the services of the place in Stoke, I can try and find there details for you, they were on a recent thread on here.

 

[wasp]

I think one or two funsters have repaired bodies it`s just a matter of time and someone will offer you some wise info, by the way welcome!!
Rob

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[Wildman]

The damaged floor is the result of a long term leak, they are not called con leaky for nothing. So first find you leak or leaks, could be the roof, window frames or even internal plumbing.
To replace a floor will entail removal of all internal fittings not too bad on a fibreglass body but an ali skined one it will require the outer skin removed to get at the screws. Personally I would take it back where you got it from. No point in doing the floor until you cure the leak. Good luck sounds like you will need it.

 

[hilldweller]

would appreciate any helpful tips
Lisa and Jason

Either sell it at a loss or hang in there for the Long Haul.

Big risk is bodging by adding wood to strengthen, then all you'll end up with is a MH so heavy you can use it.

I suppose you have a couple of choices, gut it and rebuild in one go.

Or if it's safe enough do a side at a time and get some use out of it.

Your biggest problem is that these things are built from the inside out. Big lumps are put on the chassis then the outer skin fitted last. So you may have to cut up units to move or get them out to repair under and behind them.

Good luck, at least you have something better to do than be watching the Olympics next year.

 

[lisa robins]

Thanks for your comments so far.

We are planning to completely gut the van before tackling the leaky shell. What we really need are any recommendations for specialists who can repair the shell before we replace the floor and interior.

We are in Cornwall but on the border of Devon so either would be fine.

Thanks again.

Lisa & Jason

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[Terry]

Hi Lisa & Jason and welcome :thumb: I have done exactly what you are planning to do :thumb:Firstly just take time to think is it worth doing - cost of van plus cost of bits,then cost /worth of van when done ?A1989 kon-tiki is going to be worth aprox 8k ish when done.My van cost about 2.5k in bits so say 3k plus the cost of the van ?It took 2 of us to remove and replace everything inside the van about 20 days working 9 till 4 ish but we had a virtually new van inside.:thumb:IF you have the skills to do it and the figures add up then go for it :thumb:If you are going to have to pay someone to do it I would forget it,cut your losses and buy wiser next time
Start by gutting the inside,then look where the leaks are coming from and seal :thumb:After that it is a case of removing the floor in panels and replacing as you go along-ie 1 out 1 in :thumb:Once the floor is done then start on the inside walls and ceiling :thumb:Then you can start on the inside furniture and fittings :thumb:
Sounds dead easy but I forgot to mention CHECK that the van will pass a MOT before you start with anything :thumb:
terry
edit- are you sure the floor is rotten,is it pappy or just wet from the leaks? check this out because if you find the leaks the floor may be OK if you simply dry it out -fingers crossed.

 

[rainbow chasers]

I don't mind coming over and taking a browse - have done a few rebuilds! I can certainly help you and show you how to trace and cure leaks etc.

It will give you an indication, after which you can discuss what you want to do.