Redoing 1985 Excella mid-bath.
Have 1960’s ranch that we are updating consistent with 60’s decor and tile.
My suggestion is that the bulkheads will peel and the t-molding will break. All the ABS PLASTIC that is 35 years old isn’t going to last.
First demo but I’d try to keep interior skin intact. We kept the C channel on so we could replace bulkheads in the same place. Remove bulkheads but ID them and set aside as a pattern. The two sides of the AS are NOT symmetric !
Look for floor rot around edges. Replace flooring or get help with that- 5/8’s Marine plywood instead of OSB. Treat mold and epoxy small soft areas on floor.
Replace grey tubing with PEX. Trust me on this. If you don’t want to remove belly pan, run it behind beds. Consider replacing fresh water tank anyway so might as well take it to dealer/restorer for floor/fresh water tank/PEX anyway. Furnace prob. Fine but needs cleaning; consider replacing water heater at this time.
Bulkheads: check your local hardwood store. Ours will put Nevamar laminate on 1/2” BALTIC birch ply for less than we can do it ourselves with Wilsonart from Lowes. We chose Antique White as it goes well with interior skin, but if you really like those dark 70’s colors, knock yourself out. There are lots of patterns and colors to choose from. They will set up a lamination date when they have enough orders to pay a guy to to that for a day; maybe once a month.
Set new material under old bulkheads on saw horses and clamp. Trace outline; use hand-held jigsaw to rough cut, them use router with original panel as a guide. Wear lung eye and ear protection.
T-groove in the front with router or dremel. We skipped this and are having to figure out how to do this on the vertical. Or choose iron-on edging.
Re-place rivets om C-channel as needed. Poly seal the lower edge of your panels or use firring strip to raise panel away from moisture. Slide new panels into place, screw in to secure (pre-drill is good).
We replaced our ABS tub with a fiberglass version from Inland RV. Not perfect, but it won’t crack.
We replaced twin bunks with IKEA double bed. We got the lift-bed. Other companies make lift beds too; we found that the short Queen didn’t give us side room to stand in older AS. We removed upper tambour cabinets in bedroom because of change in bed.
We are stick-building cabinet frames in galley and bathroom for stronger support and using existing aluminum frames as a face. I would shy away from box cabinets if you can; they tend to be too heavy.
I have lots of vinyl tambour, curtain rails etc. if you need parts.
I sold my gaucho to a gay couple from Arizona; we built in a large banquette and repurposing a 70’s round folding table.
Bought 70’a Magic Chef range $100 on Craigs List to replace 80’s since hinges were never upgraded to handle the glass door.
Best of luck!
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