Renovation Finally Begins - 28' Argosy MH Silver Bullet

[Don Landis]

Spent the last six months getting the beast checked out mechanically thanks to much help and insight on this forum. Have much to fix, but so far I've gotten repaired:

BRAKES:
1. Installed new front rotors
2. Prepacked bearings
3. Replaced grease seals
4. Flushed brake fluid
5. Replaced rear outer axle seals
6. Replaced parking brake cable.

TRANSMISSION
1. Replaced three U-joints
2. Replaced center support bearing
3. Replaced differential seal
4. Serviced Differential
5. Replaced transmission rear seal
6. Drained and flush transmission
7. Replaced transmission pan
8. Replaced coolant lines
9. Replaced transmission mounts
10. Added synthetic ATF

ELECTRICAL
1. Replace auto battery
2. Replace shore power cord

While I wait for the coffers to refill, I've finally begun tearing out the interior to fix it, paint it, and slap the panels back up. I have lots of questions and will have more in the next coming months. I've attached some pictures of what I've started to redo. I'm not interested in taking it down to the studs, but I am interested in restoring and painting those bits that can be seen. There are various molded plastic panels up front -- including the big front interior end cap, which I plan to take off, fix with epoxy, sand, repaint, and then reinstall with rivets. As I've read here, I ordered Marine Clean to degrease and clean up the ABS plastic.

But what is the best patch kit for ABS plastic/epoxy moldings? I've patched surfboard, so I know the program, but that's with resin. From what I understand here, epoxy is different to work with. I also need something like fiberglass cloth to put on those areas in the back that are cracked to strength it. Then it needs to be sandable. Any suggestions?

Second, what is the best paint for the ABS plastic/epoxy molding pieces? I've heard Krylon. But is there something better out there? Also, something more "green" so I don't off gas my little boys to death? What this paint work equally as well on the vinyl covered aluminum sheathing covering the walls?

Finally, I would like to replace some of the vinyl covered aluminum sheathing that covers the wall. But what with? I've been told 1/8" veneer doorsking plywood. Anyone else have any ideas? White plastic sheets? Lexan?

I have some crazy ideas for a modern retro interior. With an Orange strip for the top molding going into the front interior end cap. Then pea green for the eye level mold trims. Waist level and below I haven't decided. But to give it a contemporary feel, we're thinking of just having a straight plywood floor - nothing else. If that doesn't work, then I read of something covering their floor with interlocking rubber mats found in kids rooms or gyms. Finally, I'm going to cover the dash on the passenger side with very shaggy white carpet, because I know my wife will have her feet up on the dash when we're traveling.

don

[ROBERTSUNRUS]

Hi, looks like an awful lot of work. Have fun and keep us posted.

[Don Landis]

Got the front end cap head liner off today with the help of my son. Started working on the fridge compartment. The PO had put a beautiful piece of Cherry Wood as the entry wall piece. But that's one heavy piece of wood. I'm thinking of restoring a much lighter version. It looks like, but I think I need to reduce the weight as much as possible - especially if I put bunk beds in the back.

Started to remove the fridge - boy, that's heavy as well. I unplugged it and took off the battery wires. But I'm unsure on how to disconnect the gas line. What lines need to be turned off? What value do I need to remove or twist off or take out to take the fridge out? Does the fridge even fit through the door? An how many guys does it take to get it out? Are there places that rehab them? Can I trade it in and get money for a new one?

Next weekend, I'll start tackling the kitchen sink, stove, and cabinet unit. Will need to read up on that, because it looks difficult. Again, I'm concerned about the stove and it's gas line. Do I remove the stove out of the unit first, and then the rest? And how about the plumbing.

Soon I'll be washing down all the plastic moldings to begin repairing them. I still need a good tip on a good epoxy or ABS plastics kit to handle the repairs. I"ll definitely need to use some fiberglass cloth to add strength to quite a bit of places seriously cracked.

don