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Topic: Avion truck campers - Hundreds of photos

Posted By: rfuerst911sc on 12/20/11 10:15am

OK I'm now over on this topic forum still learning the ropes. Yes the pictures are very helpful. I'm sure I have some rot where the passenger side skin is dimpled from a minor collapse. Mont from Stable lift just called me as I had sent him an email for some follow up questions. Nice guy but I'm not ready for the lift jacks yet as I have structural repairs to make first.

Posted By: ticki2 on 12/20/11 10:30am

Not sure this pic will work . This is a Stable Lift on an Avion . Not mine '68 Avion C-11 '02 GMC DRW D/A flatbed

Posted By: 67avion on 12/20/11 10:42am

Ticki, you find the darndest stuff!. Is that a hatch in the cabover? I see that there is also an awning arrangement that is not OEM, I don't think.

Posted By: rfuerst911sc on 12/20/11 10:42am

Ticki2 perfect ! Thanks

Posted By: rfuerst911sc on 12/21/11 03:56am

My Avion does not have an " escape hatch " in the cabover and I think that is the way they were designed. If I'm going to remove most of the interior to check/repair leaks should one be added ? If it matters I have roof AC. I have so many questions. Or is having proper fire extinguishers the way to go ?

Posted By: Avion C-11 on 12/21/11 10:53am

I think "escape hatch" was just a euphemisim for a larger than normal vent. I would put the escape hatch modification at the very end of your to-do list! Happy Camping! Avioncamper.wordpress.com

Posted By: 67avion on 12/21/11 11:15am

No there was no escape hatch, at least in my C10. The integrity of the entire cab over depends on the superstructure embodied in the ribs of the frame. That's why I was curious if the fellow with the Stable Lifts had somehow modified his coach. I agree with C-11 that anything dealing with that should be at the end of your list. I would urge you to check the integrity of the "tub" meaning the wings and floor. The material used is a sandwich that includes a foam insulation. We had to completely remove all of the bottom supports and fasten it again. It had gapped over the years to the degree that you could see the ground from inside the coach. Here is the repair: This image is looking towards the back from the driver's side. We removed the original trim and repaired the soft spots and rot.We also screwed in cleats inside that could fasten from above. Then we used clamps across the entire section to squeeze the floor back in place. The new trim was completely covered with vulkam and extra long screws were inserted in holes that were pre-screwed and apart from the old, soft holes. we may have erred in using stainless steel screws, but the area is not subject to much moisture, so we think it will be OK. The aluminum - to - aluminum with screws and other parts is a bit of a hassle.

Posted By: 67avion on 12/21/11 01:14pm

I seem to be posting a lot all of a sudden. No doubt its because we are getting closer to actually having a working camper. Soon, we will turn from restoring this wonderful piece of Americana to actually hitting the road. The cabinets are going in. All of the original wood was refinished with Danish Oil and then 5 coats of Spar Varnish. Spar varnish has a very strong resistance to UV, and should hold its finish for a long time. In addition, it will take some abuse and is easy to refinish if there is a problem. Here is the first cabinet in place several weeks ago. Here are the driver's side cabinets in place. The "squeeze" latches are close to OEM and are available at Vintage Trailer Supply. Its tough to get a picture inside the confines of the coach, but here is one looking back at the drivers side. Note that the Wave 3 heater is being placed in the cabinet for fitting though it will be installed on the door and face the opposite direction when stowed. We also are placing a sheet of aluminum on the wall where it is stowed. You may see that we have cut out the cabinet to install a cutting board just above it. Its strange that there was nothing like that initially. Here is a close up of one of the cabinets in the back. Some of our wood was damaged. Any replacement would be almost impossible to match in terms of the beautiful glowing color of the original wood. So, we chose the cabinets in the very back to be painted with an old fashioned oil boat paint.Its called Kirby Topside paint and the company has been in business for over a century. Their paint is formulated to have very dense solids and to be RV resistant. We're using the boat paint all around the bottom of the tub because of the potential scuff marks. When I actually get the cabinets in along with all their hardware, etc, along with the Corian countertops, stainless steel backsplash, and reinstalled stove vent. I'll post a picture or so. We'll soon run power and place all of the LED fixtures in place. Then the laminate floors will be installed. * This post was last edited 12/21/11 01:47pm by 67avion *

Posted By: garryk6 on 12/21/11 01:58pm

I don't know if you have already bought your laminate flooring yet. But there is a reletively new product on the block, called "Allure" and it is sold exclusively by Home Depot. The standard Allure is a floating floor with peel-and-stick edges that connect the panels together. It is 100% water-proof, so it will never delaminate, like laminate floors can and will over time with exposure to moisture. THe Allure Ultra is another floating floor, and is 100% waterproof, but goes together like laminate, with the lift and click tongueand groove set-up. You can get it in wood finishes, stone finishes and tile/grout finishes, and is more of a vinyl product than a wood product. Many others here on RV.net have installed in their TT's and MH's. I have bought some to put in my Avion and in the entry way to my house. You might want to look into it, as something that is easy to repair/replace if damaged, and 100% water-proof was a real selling point for me. Just another idea Garry K Wife + 4 kids Retired Military Family.... Alway's on the move.... 2002 F350 CCSB 5.4 6spd 4x4 in AK 1966 Avion C-10 Truck Camper

Posted By: Avion C-11 on 12/21/11 02:01pm

Wow it's looking great! I am interested how your painted tub comes out. I was thinking of doing similarly with rhino liner type stuff.

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