Coast Resorts Open Roads Forum: Avion truck campers

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Topic: Avion truck campers - Hundreds of photos

Posted By: SilverPompadour on 11/30/15 11:16am

Trying again
[image]

The interior BEFORE

1968 Avion C-11
1993 Dodge D250 LE Cummins

Posted By: SilverPompadour on 11/30/15 11:24am

Skipping ahead a few steps...
[image]

The construction is similar to the original ply/foam lamination. I only epoxied the perimeter and joints of the panels and left the center free to 'breathe'. Marine ply would have been nice, but way too expensive for my budget.

Posted By: SilverPompadour on 11/30/15 11:33am

The hole where the AC used to be. Whoever installed the AC on this camper cut the hole in the wrong spot. There is a prewired, framed in spot just aft of the bunk where it should have gone. I imagine this happened alot.

Looking good Rastaman! Is that fiberglass insulation?

Posted By: rastaman33609 on 11/30/15 02:26pm

Silver, Yes that is fiberglass insulation...unlike most of the ones I have seen here which have foam.
I called Cayo, and he said that some of them did have that fiber glass, he didnt think that not having foam affected the integrity of the unit. So I am not too concerned, its a 1965,and lasted this long :-)
Your interior, looks good, the PO painted my cupboards so I am just going to repaint a different color.

I have removed the water heater and refrige, I will use a 12volt whynter compressor freezer/frige. Not sure how to use that extra space as I will not be installing a water heater. Anyone have any ideas.
I thought of placing a small water tank where the heater was. not sure how it could be plumbed.
I have a new 20 gallon tank to replace the original.

Still thinking of redesigning the counter top to accept the fridge, which is 23" wide so I would have to move stove and or sink. However I am reluctant to cut out the vertical upright where the original fridge was as I am wondering if it will affect the integrity of the structure.....any thoughts any one???

Posted By: SilverPompadour on 11/30/15 03:52pm

Interesting about the fiberglass, I had only seen spray foam, learn something new every day. Sounds like your goals for end use are a bit different than mine(FL-PA?). My fridge will not be reinstalled, the vent has been removed and patched. My rig is primarily for winter use so heat and hot water are my priorities. I've been so focused on getting the wood replaced before winter, i've given little thought to the interior layout. The ceiling cabinets are the only interior wood I saved, all else was water damaged, Ill be starting from a blank page once I get the 'page' finished.
I am in no position to offer structural advise at this point. It is my observation that with the new wings and floor, a completely gutted(interior skin removed) C11 is a VERY rigid and sound structure, even on the jacks.

Posted By: 67avion on 11/30/15 05:23pm

rastaman wrote:

However I am reluctant to cut out the vertical upright where the original fridge was as I am wondering if it will affect the integrity of the structure.....any thoughts any one???

I don't think there is any danger of affecting the integrity of the structure. The monococque structural support is provided by the aluminum ribs and sheets.

Posted By: 69 Avion on 12/01/15 08:16pm

Its good to see some action going on again. I see some really nice work being done. I can't wait to see it as the restoration continues.

Ford F-350 4x4 Diesel
1988 Avion Triple Axle Trailer
1969 Avion C-11 Camper

Posted By: garryk6 on 12/01/15 11:58pm

67avion wrote:

rastaman wrote:

However I am reluctant to cut out the vertical upright where the original fridge was as I am wondering if it will affect the integrity of the structure.....any thoughts any one???

I don't think there is any danger of affecting the integrity of the structure. The monococque structural support is provided by the aluminum ribs and sheets.

My C10 is a 1966 and was totally gutted when I bought it. It is close to original now except I swapped the fridge for a chest style Engel. And placed it where the sink was, then moved the sink to where the fridge was. You can take everything out and not affect the strength.
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Good luck!
Garry

* This post was edited 12/02/15 12:07am by garryk6 *

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: rastaman33609 on 12/02/15 05:35am

Garryk6.....That looks real nice, your layout was where I got my idea from. I have forgotten the reason why you had to elevate your sink.

I am now thinking that since I will not be replacing my water heater, If I move my sink to where the fridge was I could place a small gray water tank under it,in which I could place a drain valve through the heater service door, to drain when appropriate. Which would free up space for my 12volt fridge,,,as you did.

Now that I have seen yours and 67Avion. I am envious of your wood work. and I am seriously considering trying to strip the paint off my cabinets and seeing if I can take it all the way down to the original wood.....anyone have any thoughts on this process, and if the results would be worth it.

Posted By: SilverPompadour on 12/02/15 07:51am

Rastaman, if your c10 cabinets are similar to my c11 than it might be a bit of a challenge. My wood is mostly particle board with a thin veneer (Maple?). The difficulty will be in stripping the paint without damaging the thin veneer. Sanding is very risky as you may easily sand right thru the veneer. If the paint could be stripped chemically, that would be the way to go. The first step would be to determine what kind of paint you are dealing with(oil, acrylic, etc) that will let you know what kind of stripper to use. Ill have to do some reading to give you more details about identifying the paint used.
As for weather it's worth the trouble, that's up to you, I'd give it a go personally.

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