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missbeira · 04-14-2008, 08:26 PM

I just bought a 78 Sovereign international There is a couple scratches and a few lower dents and gash in the underbelly looks like at the gash there is some corrosion, and there is a leak in the roof have not tried to locate it, heck I have only had it for a couple hours, any suggestions are any of these things I may be able to fix or should I try to find someone who can. Can't wait to take it on a trip!

Zeppelinium · 04-14-2008, 08:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by missbeira

I just bought a 78 Sovereign international There is a couple scratches and a few lower dents and gash in the underbelly looks like at the gash there is some corrosion, and there is a leak in the roof have not tried to locate it, heck I have only had it for a couple hours, any suggestions are any of these things I may be able to fix or should I try to find someone who can. Can't wait to take it on a trip!

First, my recommendation is that you fix your personal info so that at least your location is vaguely know, say, western hemisphere or maybe even a little bit more precise. It can motivate nearby owners to post, knowing they might actually be able to help you out in person.

Second, there are lots of "fix the leak" threads, but I'll be the first to admit that the search function on the Forums is poor. Go to the how-to forum and read INSIDEOUT's post about using the Google search function. Can you tell if the leak might be associated with a vent or vista view window, or is it a skin seam?

Third, post photos so the experts can look at the scratches and gashes and give you some input. If by "lower" you mean the bannana skins, here's a post that shows a crude way of fixing them. Other members have done better.
http://www.airforums.com/forums/f476...air-24690.html

More help one the way--keep posting! And use photos if you can.

Zep

3streams · 04-14-2008, 10:49 PM

Congratulations! There are plenty of resources on the leaks- but you are also going to need to find out how long its been leaking- i.e. the damage

Take an ice pick or screw driver and poke down in where the wall and floor meet - especially under the bathroom & kitchen sink, near the door and wheel wells. Look for rot and pithy wood. Also take a photo of the wheel wells from the outside to see where the trailers sitting- you may need new axles. We don't have an 70's do I would go poking around the threads on the '70s to look for specific issues to be aware of. Good luck. Oh and by the way- THEY ALL LEAK!

Fyrzowt · 04-14-2008, 10:59 PM

Quote:

Oh and by the way- THEY ALL LEAK!

That's a bit like saying all cars run out of gas.
You can put gas in, you can fix the leaks.

3streams · 04-14-2008, 11:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fyrzowt

That's a bit like saying all cars run out of gas.
You can put gas in, you can fix the leaks.

Of course you can fix the leaks- I am just saying that with age, there will be leaks, and therefore damage

Fyrzowt · 04-14-2008, 11:26 PM

I understand, that came across more critical than I meant it to.
I am seeing that phrase a lot lately by various folks, and I just don't happen to agree with it.

I do see what you mean though, they all will leak eventually.
Dave

juel · 04-15-2008, 12:27 AM

I have a "new" 76 International Sovereign sitting right here by my house. Picked it up last October, and am also looking forward to getting it up to "camping" speed. We have repaired and rennovated a 78 Argosy, so we know just enough to be dangerous. My Sovereign has a long scratch down the side that I am being inventive about right now. The dents in the belly pan are to add character to the trailer. Dents anywhere else can be worked on if you want. Holes in the trailer need to be fixed before you do anything else. So far, knock on wood, I can't find the "they all leak" on mine. I keep looking but the Argosy has never leaked and the Sovereign had a crack in the front fan cover's plastic which was an easy fix. If I can be of any help to you, please let me know. I'd be interested in knowing where you are too. Here's the scratch and my fix is in progress. Also repainted that emblem and added new vinyl inserts so far.

missbeira · 04-21-2008, 05:59 AM

Well I think I may have found the Leak it looks like it may be at a bracket for the awning It is in the right area for the leak. The gash is pretty small it is in the banana skin the thing that bothers me is not the gash but the fact that it is corroding at the gash, the dents on the bottom don't really bother me but the scratch is a bit irritating.