I'm looking to get some pointers on how to proceed restoration on my 67
Sovereign. I acquired it for $300.00 and its in bad shape. Someone had removed the windows next to the front door as well as the skin below the window. I assume that they needed greater access. I believe it was an empty hunting shelter and I intend to bring it back to showroom shape. The issues I am looking at are:
1. Frame
2. Door (Anyone in need of a door will want to read this)
3. Subfloor
4. Interior skin
5. Insulation
6. Exterior skin
7. Sources for Aluminum Sheet, stock, exterior rivets, and Windows
8. Polishing
All the other issues such as Infrastructure for H20, gas, AC, & plumbing, I will have little or no problem knockingout.
FRAME
A section of the frame which is supposed to support the subfloor has been cutout. Located beneath the window next to door, this frame section is about 4ft wide. I intend to buy some Aluminum stock and fabricate a new section. I own a metal scrolling machine and Tig welder to achieve a clean seamless repair. Anyone who has already done this I would be eager to hear from in case there are issues I have overlooked.
DOOR
Because I'm told that doors are impossible to find I have decided to fabricate one myself. I've seen some nice examples at the vintage vacations website and am sure I can make myself exactly what I'm looking for. Anyone else interested in having a door being built for their rig can contact me at
TheMobileSafari@aol.com (pls. use "airstream" for your subject matter).
SUBFLOOR
As best as I can tell, it looks as if one must disconnect the shell to replace a subfloor. I would be interested in speaking with anyone having 1st hand information on this. For stock, I intend to use 3/4 chemically treated plywood.
INTERIOR SKIN
I had seen and liked photos of an AS which featured untreated aluminum skins inside. I assume that its owner found someway to remove the zolotone type spray finish that is present on my interior skins. I doubt that the owner purchase a whole new set of interior skins but perhaps I am wrong. I will try to include a photo of the fellows resto for reference. I would be interested in speaking with anyone having 1st hand information on this.
INSULATION
I believe I may have 2 choices here, RJ12 or the foam spray type. Don't know which way to go so I would be interested in speaking with anyone having 1st hand information on this.
EXTERIOR SKIN
It looks as if the Aluminum is easy to identify but difficult to find inexpensive. Anyone knowing of a good source for sheet, rivets, & windows, please contact me.
POLISHING
Seems to be 2 schools of thought here. I spoke with InlandRV and they tell me not to Cycle mirror-like polish the cab. And then there are those that do. Not meaning to open Pandora's box, I'd sure like to hear from you real-live-owners-out-there who know 1st hand.
Anyhow, that's my story (for now). Thanks for reading this and best to all.
-Trent P. Troy