From looking at the pictures I would try drying out the wood window framework before removing it , either hold the windows out of the way or remove them before using a fan heater directed at the framework ( do not leave heater unattended ) . I think quite a bit of the framework will dry out , obviously where the wood is falling apart it needs to be replaced . Sometimes the shelves have screws from the outside but under the skin , if your lucky you will find the shelf screws up inside the front locker .
most if not all that front frame should dry out and not be rotten inside, when it`s dry poke it with a bradel see if its rotted, in our old van the side window was soaking top and bottom due to a weak leak durring the winter and the with the water freezing inside it pushed the runnder out more so more water go in, me just ducked taped it up let it dry out then went for it, found the wood was ok but to make sure i used penetrating epoxies only when i was sure it was bone dry inside the wood, made a few holes so it went in deep and it turned out fine used wood filler to get some edges back and replaced one section that was past it over all its like new and last another 20 years but the rest of the van wont.
So plug away take you time and you feel great when you done it
Found the original reason for the water ingress and it's not good.There is a big crack in the plastic between two windows at the top...hidden when the windows are closed...i uncovered the crack from the inside.Previous owner applied household sealant to it but obviously it was'nt up to the job. I am going to have to seal this properly...
lol GOOD LUCK!!! im sure you don't need it.My main challenge now is sealing the crack in the plastic,it is about 3mm wide at one point,apart from that i reckon i can handle the rest,but i am running out of time cos i am working away from home for 3 weeks starting this saturday...i don't think i can scratch enough time together to finish the job uh-oh
UPDATE:locker floor now removed as well.
To Wildie..you are right all the wood is dry,so that saves some time,thanks mate.To Syborg..thanks mate,i'm havin fun so far.
Today i bought the wood and cut it so i now have a new locker floor and new front shelf ready to go in.i have covered the locker floor piece with wood preserver.
If Caradad is reading this...i have got hold of some abs plastic and the solvent glue for it so will try to patch the cracks tomorrow.I noticed when you fitted the new wallboard on yours that you did it in two pieces,was that to make it more manageable?
Also did you manage with a manual staple gun ot shall i hire an air one?
Got to cut the new locker floor in half to get it in which is a shame.
I'm back from working in Mexico!! so as long as i don't come down with swine flu then my little fix-it project is back on.
Thanks for the replies regarding the wallpapering,time to put it into practice.
Just been reading through this thread, well done for having a bash at it!, What year is the van?, as I have a Pageant which looks almost identical from the front, except mine has a GRP front and yours is plastic.
I think it is a 1993,but not too sure.You are better off with the GRP front i think because i have found 3 splits in the plastic so far.The one by the handle,the one which caused the damage and also now the window seals are off i found a tiny one which would grow if i don't stop it.
Apart from all this the inside is immaculate,like it's never been used which is why i bought it really.
I can't wait to get on with it again now.Thanks.
Quote: Originally posted by a.sweeney on 04/5/2009
I think it is a 1993,but not too sure.You are better off with the GRP front i think because i have found 3 splits in the plastic so far.The one by the handle,the one which caused the damage and also now the window seals are off i found a tiny one which would grow if i don't stop it.
Apart from all this the inside is immaculate,like it's never been used which is why i bought it really.
I can't wait to get on with it again now.Thanks.
It looks like the earlier ones with a 2 piece front are plastic, then they changed to GRP, then back to plastic again a bit later on. Mines a '94. i've got a plastic rear on mine and there is a small hole about the size of a screw head, i've plugged it with silicon for now but would be interested in a proper fix, if you are feeling really adventurous you could swap the whole front with a later model '94 grp panel I guess?, if you look on Lawrence's website, Bailey 94 you can see the design of the later front, hope Lawrence doesn't mind me putting this link up!. Also a lot of his repairs would be applicable to your van, i've found it a great resource!.
Oh wow thanks for that link! this will be loads of help.
Yes i had thought of changing the front end,because it will never be a proper fix as i don't think you can hide a crack in the plastic, i know i can seal it but i can't hide it and it will always be a weak spot i think,especially as it is on the handle.
Thanks again,and thanks to Lawrence.
An update!,i may just finish tomorrow if the weather holds out as the windows go back on tomorrow.I finally found the time to get something done.The front shelf went back in,the wallboard is on and wall-papered.All is left is to fit the seals back on,refit the windows,refit the locker floor,repair the front crack by the handle and re-seal the front rail.Might get some use out of it this next weekend1,ya never know lol
Will add photos when done.
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Topic: OK i`m gonna have a go
