water damage - fix it or forget it?

[bigskypc50]

Hoping someone can give me some input or advice, because I am questioning what did I get myself into or if I should even move forward. How much water damage is considered ok and at what point do you decide to rip out and rebuild it?

One of my rigs (the 78) you can see things are warped in some places but there is no major holes and all the paneling is still 99% solid meaning you just can't push your finger thought it to the metal skin. Would it be acceptable to seal the roof and paint over things and spruce it up and use wood filler on the few holes there is? The wall feels a little bit soft right around one of the side windows. Meaning the wall feels weak and if you push on it flex a bit. And you can lift the celling a little bit around the bathroom.

My other rig (the 73) there are some holes in the paneling like around the rear window were the ladder is you can just push your finger though the paneling, also a good sized section of the celling above the rear door is soft were you just push you finger thought the plastic covering and paneling. Also the joist are lose meaning if you if push up on the roof the you can see it lift and move the cabinets above the stove and you can hear the metal on the roof moving. It also does this around the bathroom right behind the cab over you can lift the ceiling and inch or two away from the tops of the walls. Also a section below the kitchen window has a hole and soft paneling.


What kind of advice or input would guys have to give?
 

[brians1969]

It sounds like both need extensive repairs. It really depends on how much of a project you want to get into? Anything can be fixed with enough determination, money and elbow grease (in that order).  Being able to push you finger through the paneling, although an indicator, isn't the ultimate test. It is the framing structure (what little there is in a camper) that is a bigger concern. Being able to lift ceilings and move walls is not good. If your not up for a major project, you might want to think about parting them out.

Maybe do a walk around video?

[bigskypc50]

Thanks for your input, Yes, I am not up for that kind of major project, If I was to take on that kind of project, I would do a van conversion.

[brians1969]

Maybe do a video and some others on here can add some input.

[bigskypc50]

Here are some photos of the worst of the 78, As you can see the cab over section is a total mess and will need to be rebuilt. I am more worried about rest of the camper. The cabinets have pulled away from the fridge wall and that part of the celling is still wet up there.  There are sections were the walls are wavy.  Let me know if you need better photos, I can handle rebuilding that cab over section, but if I have tare it down the walls on the whole side of the camper, I am will get out, good news is the rear wood and rear corners are still soild, i know because I have skin ripped off back there fixing some broke wood.


Bad news on the 73 after more digging around I could the entire back side of the 73, both corners are totally gone paneling soft and major rot, I think I am ready to write off the 73.

[bigskypc50]

Video link on the 73: https://youtu.be/74eEKY81wvo

[M & J]

As another member stated - anything can be fixed with enough time, money and commitment.
You have to decide which if either you are willing to make an investment with.
No easy answer since we don't know your skills or resources. IMO choose the one that is more structurally sound since you can fix the inside easier.

[bigskypc50]

My skills and tools, I am not a pro but have built decks sheds and furniture.

No easy answer since we don't know your skills or resources.

[brians1969]

I think I would agree with you that the 78 might be a better prospect.  Still going to a be a project! Have you viewed some of the camper repair/rebuild videos on youtube? Might give you an idea of what your in for.

Could you use anything off these for your van conversion?