What to do first?

[NorthWallsBoo]

Hi gang,
Just joined and introduced myself, so here's the nitty-gritty.

I don't have many skills - I can bang a hammer, I can sweep out spiders and I can tape things down.

Current van (VW LT35) is pretty much as bought from a man in an alley in Brum a few years back - I repainted it, dyed the curtains and that was it. Heating is still untested, as is the shower (we sort of gave up on the cassette loo as no one could bear to empty it).

• Damp has got into the cupboards, and the floor is springy, this doesn't affect everyday use but I know it needs sorting.
• Rear window area has damage, probably needs cutting out and replacing.
• Side door lock and catch unusable from the outside.
• Zig unit has given up the ghost, no idea why.
• Trim is falling off, inside cupboard and door fixings are knackered - cosmetically totally URGH.
• Mechanically good, comfort-wise, absolutely awesome

The question is - what do I do first? Should I try patching it a little bit, sorting the Zig and taking it on holiday, or should we get everything stripped down and replaced at a huge cost (is it even worth it?)

Is there anything I can try myself? Quick wins? Get the gorilla glue out and stick bits back on? How the hell do you fix a Zig unit?

I daresay I'l be be posting again soon, but right now, general advice greatly appreciated.

Sharon

 

[DerryW]

NorthWallsBoo (Sharon)
Welcome to the FUN. It sounds like you have your work cut out for a while, however the good news is, it' all what I'd generally term as "cosmetic". any chance you could post some images of the areas mentioned above. I'm sure there'll be lots advice and tip's from fellow funster. who have encountered similar tasks.

 

[TheBig1]

First priority is find where water is getting in and seal it properly. post photos here and we can advise
Then the internal essentials like the zig unit. describe in detail what the issue is. has the leisure battery been changed? if not, start there

 

[NorthWallsBoo]

thanks Big1 - a skylight ripped off in a storm while standing in the driveway and we didn't notice for a while - it's now been replaced (yay, I did it!) so the primary source is sorted. Unfortunately looks like the damage is done.

 

[TheBig1]

Then let it dry out fully to identify what really needs ripping out and replacing due to water ingress, and what you can live with. It's a balancing act between cost and value of the vehicle when repaired

get the electrics and gas system working to make it usable

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[TheBig1]

Then let it dry out fully to identify what really needs ripping out and replacing due to water ingress, and what you can live with. It's a balancing act between cost and value of the vehicle when repaired

get the electrics and gas system working to make it usable

 

[NorthWallsBoo]

internal essentials like the zig unit. describe in detail what the issue is. has the leisure battery been changed? if not, start there

yes leisure battery all good (and new this year). Van is parked up at home on hookup but no power. Power worked until recently so baffled.

 

[TheBig1]

Then have you checked fuses from the battery and that the incoming mains hookup has not tripped. Even with a dead battery, the charger would supply 12volts to power the lights/pump

 

[Camping Gaza]

Decide if the van is structurally worth it then do the rest, electrics trim plumbing etc

Identify if there are any leaks in the roof, walls, floor and fix them first

Dry and repair replace rotten wood

check the floor and try a floor fix solution

 

[TheBig1]

do you have a multimeter and know how to check for voltage at the battery?

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[NorthWallsBoo]

Then have you checked fuses from the battery and that the incoming mains hookup has not tripped. Even with a dead battery, the charger would supply 12volts to power the lights/pump

Thanks, this is getting into uncharted territory for me, I agree that the electrics should be a priority, just terrified of fiddling with it. I'm going to have to get a man out

 

[NorthWallsBoo]

do you have a multimeter and know how to check for voltage at the battery?

erm no. I may need to invest in one!

 

[TheBig1]

erm no. I may need to invest in one!

erm no. I may need to invest in one!

If you stand any chance of fixing the electrics, you need one or borrow one. But it is essential kit for any electrical fault and with older vans, there will be plenty of practice. you can buy a basic one for under £10 that is plenty good enough for diy needs

 

[TheBig1]

erm no. I may need to invest in one!

erm no. I may need to invest in one!

If you stand any chance of fixing the electrics, you need one or borrow one. But it is essential kit for any electrical fault and with older vans, there will be plenty of practice. you can buy a basic one for under £10 that is plenty good enough for diy needs

 

[Jev88]

Electrics and basic use of a multimeter.

If you are happy to do so then shout out for help as there must be another Funster that has a meter and can show you at least how to check voltage at battery, voltage when plugged in to see if charging , voltage when engine running to check alternator. Etc....

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[Aerialmark]

Maybe put a dehumidifier in it for a week or so and that will help with the damp.

 

[jockaneezer]

What age and mileage is the LT ?

 

[movan]

Nothing to do with your query ..... but boy are you the image of the beautiful Mary Hopkins!

Welcome to the forum.

 

[suavecarve]

Whack a couple of pound of salt in there which is open to the elements within and let that soak up any excess water.

Electrics shouldnt be too much of an issue after use of the meter.

Sounds like the van might now be secure from weather.

Rear window next then the door. WD40 and your hammer ?

Multi purchase off ebay of door handles ?

Good luck with it.

Start posting some photos and you ll get all sorts of advice on the best and easiest way of fixing these things. Look in the self build section as well.

 

[QueenD]

Can I add a question to this. On my MH where the water has come in and marked the ceiling is there anyway of cleaning or replacing the ceiling fabric that anybody can recommend?

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[Jo662]

 

[TheBig1]

Can I add a question to this. On my MH where the water has come in and marked the ceiling is there anyway of cleaning or replacing the ceiling fabric that anybody can recommend?

controversial, but paint will seal and cover the stain. Or to do it right, reboard it, which is expensive and messy

 

[f6c]

Welcome aboard

 

[QueenD]

It’s just the fabric that got marked and the ingress issue was tackled straight away but it’s left an unsightly mark.

 

[movan]

It’s just the fabric that got marked and the ingress issue was tackled straight away but it’s left an unsightly mark.

There was a tgread on this very issue just few days ago. I will try and find the link for you. Please keep checking this thread.

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[QueenD]

Thank you

 

[suavecarve]

Can I add a question to this. On my MH where the water has come in and marked the ceiling is there anyway of cleaning or replacing the ceiling fabric that anybody can recommend?

No from me is the quick answer.

Start a new thread entitled water ingress solution in the chat section. You ll have a few answers then

 

[suavecarve]

Come on movan i m waiting to read it now.

Just had a look and could only find a thread in may about taking th ehole thing off and putting it through a washing machine !

 

[movan]

Thank you

Hi sunshine ..looked but can't find it. It was a thread from someone who had glue stains from where the metal ceiling bar was inside his motorhome and he had wiped it and it was worse. Hopefully someone will remember and come along. Message from me was DON'T make my mistake. Someone used diluted fairy liquid and it is 100 times worse. If, however, it is fabric I used upholstery spray cleaner on another section and it worked a treat.

hilldweller can you help please. I think you responded on that thread.

 

[QueenD]

Thanks everyone.