WTH Did I Just Get Into - '72 Ambassador

[Swrider]

So on a different matter, lets talk about electrical wires, and their reliability vs. peace of mind.
I found places where the aires come out and connect to outlets and lights and noticed some browning around the areas. Something of a concern?
Also, can someone tell me what the heck is up with the last pic? That outlet is located behind the curbside wheel well.

[Iansk]

The stains certainly look like they are from water leaks. Looks like water pooled up at the tack strips.

The dark spots around the bushings are probably just stains from the rubber getting old and reacting with the plastic covering on the walls. I don’t believe that electricity caused that.

That last pic, assuming it’s upside down, looks like the rear side of the exterior outlet. On mine, it’s about there and inset pretty deep to sit in it’s housing.

Ian

[Swrider]

Awning question.
Somehow i am thinking that this awning is not original to the trailer, otherwise, why put it over a window [emoji848]

[Iansk]

That’s a shame... and annoying. Also, the “form fit” leaves much to be desired.

Did you figure out what the outlet was in your previous post?

Ian

[skyguyscott]

My '69 has an outlet by the wheel well used to supply the fridge with electricity.

[MAJORJDB]

Please don't take this the wrong way, but you need to focus on your main house that your building. Not sure what you paid for it, but it appears that to be made reasonably serviceable will be pricey, and for what, an AS that is just like the thousands already out there. You would be better off dumping this one and paying a bit more for a unit in better shape. If you don't have much do it yourself experience, it will be pricey to go where you want to go, even with experience, surprises abound with older AS tts!! We got lucky with a late-80s unit and luck plays a part in it as well. Hope it works out for you!!
Regards, Jim and Gretchen

[Swrider]

Hello everyone, sorry for the lack of updates, been a bit busy with work and the trailer.
I am still not sure what that outlet is there for, seems like it was placed there so that u could access it from a compartment door on the outside. Weird.
I've bought the service manual so i will look it up and see whats up.
Yes i know i should concentrate on the house, but... plans are submited and everyone is telling us to sit tight, it will be anywhere between 6 months to a year before they get approved...
Sooo, seems like i have some time to kill.
I am sure this will take a lot, i do have eyes and they don't lie. But i am also faily sure that i can have it stripped/rebuilt to how i need it and sealed properly for not much of a hassle. This is NOT my primary camping trailer, i have a 2018 22' Sport for that.
Consider this old Ambassador an extended living room. A place to relax, watch tv, and have the dogs in winter. Hence the whole sealing up nice and tight.
And so, some progress pics [emoji16]
The floor definitely shows signs of leaks, and after noticing that my roof vents are cracked and or non existing, i am not surprised. But i don't see anything too bad.

[Swrider]

Next up will be the rear curb closet followed by the bathroom. At which point i will stop and evaluate as much as i can. Also, take some time to clean up the exterior and seal up all windows and vents. Afterwards it'll be time to test all circuits and appliances and see what works, what can be fixed, and what will need to be replaced.

[Swrider]

Quick question, anyone know what these brackets were used for?
There are four of them. I am thinking they were for privacy curtains. It's the only thing that comes to mind.

[Iansk]

Those brackets are part of bunk bed hardware.
Too bad the rest isn’t there. Don’t ditch those someone will want them.

Ian

[Iansk]

Those brackets are part of bunk bed hardware.
Too bad the rest isn’t there. Don’t ditch those someone will want them.

Ian

[Swrider]

Originally Posted by Iansk

Those brackets are part of bunk bed hardware.
Too bad the rest isn’t there. Don’t ditch those someone will want them.

Ian

Actually I probably do have them somewhere, I had a couple of things that look like stretchers, they were probably for the bunk beds.

[Iansk]

Aside from the frames, there should also be what look like towel hooks that the frame would sit on and either aircraft cable or grip chain that hooks into the above apparatus.

Ian

[Swrider]

Originally Posted by Iansk

Aside from the frames, there should also be what look like towel hooks that the frame would sit on and either aircraft cable or grip chain that hooks into the above apparatus.

Ian

I'll see what i find and take some pictures of it.
Not much progress the last couple of days. It's still pretty hot outside, which means inside the trailer is stupid hot. But some progress none the less. So far the floor seems to show signs of water staining, but still looks solid, no noticeable rot, and not bouncy/squishy. Will keep fingers crossed.
Also, you will see in one of the pics, the exterior compartment door is partly covered by the interiod skin. Thats just weird. Oh well.
I think that going forward i will use this post for the main restoration progress and comments and general questions, but i will also go to thw more specific forums for other questions, as in, how to test a refrigerator, or how to wire a fan. That kind of thing.
Is there a way to link posts asked elsewhere to this post???
I'm hoping that tomorrowni get to start in on the bathroom!
Anywho, to the pictures...

[Swrider]

Another, well, something else was done. I was doi g pretty good tearing into the bathrm until it was time to take the tub off and realized that i somehow have to disconnect it from the drain. Stumped.
Only way i see it coming off is to open the outside compartment door, reach in and unscrew it...
I'll have to check the manual and see what it says, but for now, its too dark and im too tired.
But on a good note, so far i haven't found any floor rot. Even looking down the back of the trailer i can see nothing. So keeping.my fingwrs crossed.

[Iansk]

I think if you post everything here on this thread as a general repair/restoration thread that would be the best way to keep track of everything.

Your tubs drain should unscrew from the top, you may need to make some sort of spanner to unseat it. It’s probably pretty stuck on there from years of being stuck on there.

That’s great you’re finding so little floor damage, kind of amazing actually.

That interior partial skin cover is indeed strange. I wonder if your trailer was made right before a holiday and the workers had other things on their minds...

Ian

[Swrider]

Hey Iansk, it probably was made during the holidays [emoji23]
So progress was maxe yet again, the bathrm is gutted and i managed to save all the pladtic pieces incase we decide to use them again. The toilet came out after i fugured out those two bolts that hold it in place. The flange, on the other hand, is a different story. Seems like it screws into the tank, which sucks because i haven't been able to budget it.
Anyone out there have any thoughts???
Well as far as gutting it goes, i think i am at the stoping point. After removing everything i have i don't see any floor rot. Stepping everywhere seems solid and i don't see any seperation of frame anywhere. I will leave pics below so that someone with more experience can comment, but i think moving forward, i am at the stage where i start cleaning everything out, painting and verifying what works and what should be updated.
Anyone.have any thoughts on where i should proceed from here???

[Iansk]

Make another spanner for your toilet flange, some 1/4-20 bolts should work through a 1x2. It’s how I got mine off.

Is everything labeled? Even if you don’t plan on reinstalling you should label and store for future reference.

Even though you say there is no rot, there are some suspect areas in the pics. Take an awl or an ice pick (who has an ice pick anymore?) and probe those areas that look funky and anywhere around the perimeter. If indeed you have no rot, proceed to double checking and sealing any and all exterior penetrations to keep things like they are.

Go buy a sh!t ton of cleaning supplies and go to town on the interior skins and floor.
Then go get a bunch of high quality paint supplies and start prepping.

Don’t jump the gun on actual paint, prep takes a lot longer than painting and it’s better to have the paint freshly shook when actually dipping a brush.

What do you want to do next? This is your lounge area right?

Ian

[Swrider]

So the plan is, after talking it over with the wife:
- start cleaning/prepping for paint
- Remove all light fixtures and upgrade to led's
- Jump on roof and start sealing all vents
- Replace roof vents with working units
- Figure out why the AC is not working
- Seal up the Ambassafor to keep water out
I could go on and on, but that list will probably keep me busy for the next month!
A quick pic of the roof. Not too bad, but needs tlc.
On a related note. Anyone know where i can get a new shroud for my AC?

[Iansk]

Is that an old Armstrong unit?
If it is, my buddy and I just removed one off of his '78 Avion. It works and the shroud is in good shape.
The Armstrong units are known to be pretty bulletproof. The capacitor is the first thing I'd check after ensuring you are getting power up there.

Ian