RV Restoration places in Ontario

[Von Moritz]

Hello Everyone!!

I have recently purchased a 1968 Land Yacht Overlander, 26 footer. I am very much looking to restore it this winter (2013) but finding a restoration guy is very difficult so it seems. I am in Kitchener Ontario and the local "restoration RV" guys don't touch such an older trailer. I am confused because they use the word "restoration" lol

I would like to do a lot of the work my self or have someone that I can ask question to and get advice. I like helping out the little guys business as I am one my self. Anyone know of someone?

The winter is fast approaching and I am eager to get started

[Aage]

Looks like you might need new axles, but what else do you want to do?

[Von Moritz]

Originally Posted by Aage

Looks like you might need new axles, but what else do you want to do?

Hey!

I have taken it in to a local place here and they redid all the brakes, bearings and such. I was told the axles where fine. I wanted the trailer to be safe and legal for the road. Looking to redo the entire thing, what I have seen it's called a 'shell off' it's going to need frame work and a new floor. So far, I haven't been scared away for all this work, I am looking forwards to it all

[Aage]

The thing to do is to start by reading some of the longer threads on shell-off work. Read till your eyes fall out, then go back and do it again.

Seriously, you need to get more specific in what you are doing and what problems you are seeing in order to get comments on those issues.

What you are contemplating is a huge job, and I sure hope you have an indoor heated are to do it in.

Post a lot of photos and keep us informed, OK?

[BigAl]

Check out Doug on the forum. He uses the handle "shackman" He is near Stratford I believe.
Al

[BIGED52]

The reasons you need new axles are: 1) Your trailer is sitting too low at the wheel wells. This indicates that the torsion rods that provide a for a smooth ride have lost their ability to spring back to the up position. When this occurs it causes a rough ride with more shock being transferred to the trailer from road issues such as pot holes and imperfections. That can result in damage to the frame as well as the interior and exterior of the trailer over time. 2) It makes for a harder time changing out a tire in the event of a flat or blowout. Many times RV techs that don't have experience with these type of axles don't recognize the issue that worn axles can have on the ride of the trailer. Check the search function tab on the blue bar above and use keywords like torsion axles, rubber rods, axle replacement and the like to see posts and threads regarding what others here have experienced. You should also check the website InlandRV.com and read up on how to check for worn axles. Hope this helps, Ed

[blkmagikca]

Did you contact Brian in Dorchester? You may also want to speak with Steve Garbacz at Can-Am (he used to do clear coating etc before he got into sales). Steve did some good work for me when I had a LY motor home.

[Von Moritz]

Originally Posted by Aage

The thing to do is to start by reading some of the longer threads on shell-off work. Read till your eyes fall out, then go back and do it again.

Seriously, you need to get more specific in what you are doing and what problems you are seeing in order to get comments on those issues.

What you are contemplating is a huge job, and I sure hope you have an indoor heated are to do it in.

Post a lot of photos and keep us informed, OK?

Hey Aage!

I hear you reading all these forums, I have taken up to Youtube as well to search it for everything Airstream.

With what needs to be done, well I think its everything. I need to get to the frame to insure its good to go, or fix what needs to be fixed. I am learning that I am needing new axles (on top of the work I have completed and told they were good) and I ok with that. My main concern is to make it safe!!

So with needing to get to the frame, its all got to come apart. Total tear down. So with that, should I redesign the inside or reinstall everything back into it?

I hear you on a big job! But I have definitely been bit by the AS bug My AS is sitting indoors currently! its the first time in 27 yrs

[Von Moritz]

Hey BigEd52!!

Thank you very much for that info. I agree with you, they need to be replaced. Wish the guy I took it to would have noticed that and changed them out instead of just all the brakes.

Von

[Von Moritz]

Hey blkmagikca

Brian in Drochester? Is that Can-Am? I have phoned them in the past when I first purchased my AS and wanted someone to go over it. The lady I spoke with told me that don't like to work on such an older trailer.

[Shacksman]

Originally Posted by BigAl

Check out Doug on the forum. He uses the handle "shackman" He is near Stratford I believe.
Al

Hey Al, he did find me even though I try to stay hidden . Welcome to come in and check out the trailers and see how much work there can be in renovating.

[blkmagikca]

Originally Posted by Von Moritz

Hey blkmagikca

Brian in Drochester? Is that Can-Am? I have phoned them in the past when I first purchased my AS and wanted someone to go over it. The lady I spoke with told me that don't like to work on such an older trailer.

Brian in Dorchester used to work for Can-Am and went out on his won. When Steve Garbacz worked on my motorhome, he ordered stuff through Brian. My suggestion is to call Can-Am and ask to speak with Steve Garbacz. Tell him that Howard who used to have a 34-ft LY motorhome suggested that you speak with him. He can give you all kinds of info and who to call.