mmh
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Post by mmh on Oct 28, 2023 14:48:47 GMT -8
I have a friend that is giving away a 74 American Clipper and I'm not familiar with motorhomes. It's got water damage around the vent which has scared me off but he said that he thinks that it's just the fan needing to be replaced. Anyone familiar with these kinds of things? I don't want an albatross. clipper |
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Hamlet
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Post by Hamlet on Oct 29, 2023 12:24:05 GMT -8
It’s hard to tell what you have there. Do you have a better picture/pictures? How long is the box? But first, just a couple clarifications. It doesn’t look like a motor home in the picture, it looks like a travel trailer. Structurally, there are some significant differences between the two. If it is, indeed, a.trailer from the 60s or 70s, that water damage isn’t just because it needs a new fan, it needs to have the roof skins pulled to assess the damage to the wood beneath. Significant amounts of rot are not uncommon on these trailers. Common places are beneath and around window and vents, in corners, on the floor in front of the door.
We are here to help folks get their trailers road worthy, comfortable and gorgeous, but only you know how much work you’re willing/able to put into a restoration. More info and pictures will be helpful, just know that you will get honest, truly helpful advice, and lots of encouragement. Those of us who have taken real wrecks and turned them into beautiful rolling examples of 50s, 60s, or 70s culture, will tell you that it’s worth the blood, sweat, tears and $$$.
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Post by vikx on Oct 29, 2023 13:04:59 GMT -8
The fan has nothing to do with the vent leaks.
The picture I saw is indeed a motorhome. (Click on "Clipper") The first thing I would do is have a qualified mechanic check the drive train; motor, transmission, drive line, rear end, etc. If it doesn't run now and has been sitting, any old gas can cause terrible damage to the fuel system. Repairs involve either a new tank or at the very least, draining and treating the tank and lines. Nowadays, 1000s can be spent for mechanical repairs. So not worth it.
The motor home actually looks pretty nice body wise. What does the interior look like? If you see signs of water damage, there's ROT behind. Also, ascertain the type of structure of the walls. If they are formed foam, almost impossible to repair. If it's framed with wood (stick and tin) rotted areas can be rebuilt.
Honestly, this seems an albatross to me. There's so much more to go wrong with a motorhome than a trailer. The sewer system is often antiquated and needs to be completely replaced. (obsolete parts) Mileage points to what wear and tear needs work. Unless you want a project and intend to drive very little, this is a pass.
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mmh
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Post by mmh on Oct 30, 2023 9:39:18 GMT -8
The fan has nothing to do with the vent leaks. The picture I saw is indeed a motorhome. (Click on "Clipper") The first thing I would do is have a qualified mechanic check the drive train; motor, transmission, drive line, rear end, etc. If it doesn't run now and has been sitting, any old gas can cause terrible damage to the fuel system. Repairs involve either a new tank or at the very least, draining and treating the tank and lines. Nowadays, 1000s can be spent for mechanical repairs. So not worth it. The motor home actually looks pretty nice body wise. What does the interior look like? If you see signs of water damage, there's ROT behind. Also, ascertain the type of structure of the walls. If they are formed foam, almost impossible to repair. If it's framed with wood (stick and tin) rotted areas can be rebuilt. Honestly, this seems an albatross to me. There's so much more to go wrong with a motorhome than a trailer. The sewer system is often antiquated and needs to be completely replaced. (obsolete parts) Mileage points to what wear and tear needs work. Unless you want a project and intend to drive very little, this is a pass. Thanks so much Vikx, that's all exactly what I thought and some of what I said to him. I told him that wood frame I could do but since I have my canned ham in pieces right now I can't take on another major project, especially with no garage to store it longer term. He only sent pictures of the interior water damage at the ceiling and it was more than he made it seem like initially. Probably for the best that I didn't see any other interior pics lol, if they had been nice it would have stung even more! This looks just like the one my family had when I was a kid so my nostalgia was kicking in. Not to mention it really would be a perfect addition to our fleet haha. |
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