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possummamma · 07-08-2010, 04:18 PM

I am posting more pictures of my roof removal. It is going well, but is a big job. I am learning so much about how it's all put together. Making notes of all the things I need to do before putting on the new roof. Things are much more accessible now. One thing I learned. Overhead cabinets are anchored to the wall (figured that) and a thin piece of aluminum that runs the length of the coach. Does not actually tie into the roof support system. Had a small cabinet come down on me yesterday as I removed all the rotten louan and foam above it. Caused the thin strip of aluminum to release since it is mounted towards the end of the strip.
Check out my pics. looks like it's been through a tornado. Notice how the entire steel roof structure is rotten. More pics in gallery.

easyride · 07-08-2010, 04:45 PM

Wow what a job,don`t believe I have the nerve to even tackle that job. Good Luck,Dave

richinny · 07-08-2010, 06:22 PM

hey, it looks ready to install the second floor ;-)

possummamma · 07-08-2010, 08:00 PM

I'd love to have a second floor. Going to take it out for a drive without the roof. Telling my friends I will be arriving in a convertible limo and to be ready. They'll want to die

possummamma · 07-08-2010, 08:08 PM

Had to remove the two long cabinets today. Really didn't want to but couldn't see any way around it. I kinda like the openness. May not put them back up. I don't travel long distances and really don't need all that storage. OMG the wires in it go on forever! I know nothing about wiring and electrical stuff scares me.

drag'nwagon · 07-08-2010, 08:15 PM

You should replace it with plexi-glass. You would have the worlds largest mobile sky-light.

vswingfield · 07-08-2010, 08:47 PM

Well, you have your own answer for all those questions about how to get on an Airstream roof, "Throw it on the ground and walk all over it."

I'll be watching your progress. What an undertaking.

Paul Dobbin · 07-09-2010, 01:59 PM

Don't forget the most important part that Airstream forgot.
INSULATION !!!

Roadrunner · 07-09-2010, 03:53 PM

WOW...what a job! How old is the coach? Other than a visual inspection of the roof top, what other indications did you have of this condition? Water leaks inside? Guess this reinforces the point that we should be more diligent about inspecting the roofs on our units. Keep us posted with pictures as you rehab it.

Bob

Dakota's Dad · 07-09-2010, 04:53 PM

Holy project creep batman!! I have huge respect for the fact that anyone would tackle that. We are going to end up doing some kind of frontal lobotomy on ours, but not the full monty, thank the Lord.

LJH · 07-09-2010, 05:45 PM

You could make it look like one of those British tour busses.

LJH

BIGED52 · 07-09-2010, 07:48 PM

You could always contact those folks that modify the Presidential Limos and have a bulletproof bubble installed. Yikes, would that be ex-pensive! Sorry to see all this work having to be done just to get it where it should've been when your dad traded the trailer for it. Hope it works out okay! I know one thing for sure. When you are all done it will have to be a keeper and at least you will be confident the roof was replaced and sealed correctly. Good Luck and Happy Trails, Ed

possummamma · 07-09-2010, 09:37 PM

The roof is going to be great when done. I have wonderful friends and local guys willing to do the work way less than Camper's World. Now, I'm trying very hard NOT to end up with a totally gutted MH. It has some pretty bad delamination in the walls and (like a sore) I'm trying not to pick at it. My dh has given me a budget that I have to stay within (he isn't too thrilled over this whole thing as it is, but he is being a good sport and helping me a lot). Really not looking for a complete overhaul, just a dry MH.

I had hoped to save the ceiling fabric, but that was impossible. Between the glue (which was unbelievably strong, regardless of the water damage) and the fact that the fabric runs from side to side as one piece, we had to cut it down. Now the question, what am I going to use to cover the plywood on the interior ceiling side? Presently accepting any ideas you may have!!!!!

Will keep you all posted!

BIGED52 · 07-10-2010, 12:29 AM

Well, Have you considered having an upholstery shop do a nice fabric with padded tucks and buttons? Using a tasteful faux leather product that matched the interior color scheme could look very nice. Since the interior ceiling is plywood it would be easy to attach for a good shop. It would also add more insulating value to the ceiling. Just a thought. Ed

possummamma · 07-10-2010, 07:52 AM

The sticker on the door says it's a '92. I thought it was a '94. Thanks for the reminder about insulation. Any recommendations on what kind? Could I use that in place of the "foam sandwich" technique? The new roof will be a rubber roof, so the final sub-roof has to be flush and smooth. Also strong enough so if I have to get on it, I have a strong support. The insulation I found when I removed the header above the drivers seat was R-13. Is that sufficient? Should I be thinking of the blown in kind that hardens a bit? Thanks for all your wonderful advice!

BIGED52 · 07-11-2010, 01:06 AM

What ever you do don't use the foam stuff that hardens! It drys and then can turn to dust when vibrations on road surface affect it. They make a rigid closed cell bubble/foil panel insulation that others have used in place of sidewall insulation in trailers that would probably work better for you sandwiched between the outer and inner plywood of your roof. Do a search here and you will likely find it under insulation. I forget the R-value but I am sure you will find it superior to R-13 bats and easier to install. I believe it can be glued to the plywood and would make for a stiffer roof. Hope this gives you more to consider. Happy Trails, Ed

possummamma · 07-12-2010, 08:00 AM

Thanks for the info, Biged. My head is now spinning with insulation questions. I did search the forums and what I found was info dated 2006. I like more updated info. I'll put a post on the insulation specific forum and see what comes up.

Update.....welder has given me a very reasonable price to remove, fab., weld, reinstall my new rood structure.

richinny · 07-12-2010, 04:56 PM

when the welding is done, please have some fire extinguishers and water hose available. safety first :-)

Alimom4 · 07-23-2010, 08:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by richinny

hey, it looks ready to install the second floor ;-)

**grin!**

raveson · 07-23-2010, 08:57 AM

I referbed the complete inside of a '77 GMC 26 Palm Beach. Was impressed with the original sprayed in foam insulation. Also foamed a van back in 1980 and the thing not only was rattle free for the 7 years I owned it, but was like a styrofoam cooler! If I were to do the task you've started, definitely would find someone to spray foam on before closing the roof.