1971 EXCELLA 500 Restoration

[tennesseejed]

New to the forum. Didn’t see any post like this. I just bought a 1971 EXCELLA 500. Like most vintage things it needs some work. The shell is in good shape and all the exterior and interior are for the most part original with a few add ons along the way.

For all the members who have undertaken a restoration or renovation, what are the things you wish you had done? What would you have done different? Looking for advice as it relates to: do you wish you had taken the shell off? Would you sand and coat the old frame if ok or build a new one if there is mild frame rot? If you upgraded the interior, would you have done it differently? Would you have saved more? Keep original appliances or upgrade to newer and presumably lighter ones? Looking really any advice along the lines of: what would you have done differently or what are you glad you did?

Will add some photos later. I would really like to rebuild this and put it back together to clean and make sure all the running gear is pristine.

Thanks! And sorry for the long post!

Daniel

[tennesseejed]

Here are some photos as is.

[LisaE]

Hi Daniel - congrats on your new A/S looks like a beauty. Mine was newer - an ‘81 Excella II - similar deal - some original, some bad re-do. We have been working on it for two years. Mine was in great exterior condition, nice shine job, no leaks and a solid floor, but ugly. I started with the intention of paint, countertops, blinds & upholstery only and it snowballed from there. I set the absolute limit at not removing or stripping the interior skins, but stripped it otherwise. We tore out cabinets, the floor, the sub floor, one gaucho, table, appliances, heat pump, ceiling fans, vintage antenna, inverter.... we left bathroom, one gaucho, overhead lockers in living room, a/c unit, water heater, spice cupboard and interior walls. The only real problems we’ve had with this compromise approach is that re-wiring is hard & I’ve had to call on some pros to fish around in the walls, and I’ve had to live with older holes & previous choices like speakers etc. I understand the total gut seems smarter to re-wire, re-insulate, and re-build but I did not have the tools, the knowledge, time or money....plus I had a pretty good coach to start with. Hope that answer helps somewhat & good luck!