texanaussie
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Posts posted by texanaussie
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Looks like I will be attending the university of youtube for this project. Thanks goodness for the internet!
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2 minutes ago, Derek up North said:
Assuming (as I have to) that the Vader is 'stick-built' (wood framing), I think one of these would be a good early purchase. Good for joining new good wood to old good wood. They also make smaller 'portable' jigs.
It is stick built
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4 minutes ago, Derek up North said:
Start with something small that you can complete, start to finish. Might I suggest removing and completely rebuilding the door? Even IF it doesn't need it, it'll be good practice! And maybe showing your S.O. the end result will get him 'on board' with the bigger project. :).
great idea. thanks!
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1 minute ago, Derek up North said:
I don't know if you saw this other thread, but it's along the lines of what you were originally thinking of.
Ah yes, I did, but thanks for posting it here, it will be good to go back to.
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26 minutes ago, Derek up North said:
I'll confirm that from the photos the axle isn't in need of upgrading.
The siding, though grubby, looks straight and reusable. I'd say the a good scrub will make it look 100% better and lift your spirits.
You can spend hours watching this guys videos. All rebuilds more or less from the inside out without demolishing everything (which might overwhelm you).
http://www.cannedhamtrailers.com/
I know they're trailers, but construction methods will be very similar.
Thanks!
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1 hour ago, linda s said:
Until you start pulling down paneling you won't know what it needs. By deck do you mean the floor? Not sure but yes the floor can usually be reinforced without removing the entire shell. Yes your axle was recalled. All Toyota motorhomes after 1978 or 79 were. Yours is pretty small so single wheels in the back might be an option. It was the dually wheels that caused the problem. OMG. Just took another look at your rear wheels. Your rig has already been upgraded to the full float axle. You don't need anything there. The guys will start chiming in in the morning with tons of suggestions. Welcome to the group
Linda S
Glad you can tell from the pics! That's a great first piece of news. Thanks for your help. And yes by deck I mean floor.
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I think all of the wood inside the walls is rotted, and my husband thinks the deck is too. There is a lot of water damage. If the deck is rotted wouldnt I have to take the whole back off? ALso, where does one go to buy the siding anyway?
I'm also reading up about the axle issues - this is a 17' rv so there is no recall in the data base at NHTSA. I'm going to take a look at the back wheel config tomorrow.
Thanks for replying!
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I think all of the wood inside the walls is rotted, and my husband thinks the deck is too. There is a lot of water damage. If the deck is rotted wouldnt I have to take the whole back off? ALso, where does one go to buy the siding anyway?
I'm also reading up about the axle issues - this is a 17' rv so there is no recall in the data base at NHTSA. I'm going to take a look at the back wheel config tomorrow.
Thanks for replying!
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Hi All,
Been stalking the forum for a short while. I have a 1981 Toyota Vader with 80,000ish miles on it. I have had it for 12 years and for most of that time it has been deteriorating in my driveway. I recently have had the opportunity to move it to my friends giant steel building on her farm where I have tools and electricty at my disposal to do a complete restoration. It will need to have the entire motorhome portion removed and rebuilt. I want to stay as true to the original as possible, but with modern improvements in terms of materials and components (nice new toilet etc) that are available now that weren't when it was built.
I have no time limit on the project, and the point of it is to gain skill sets that I do not have - mechanical, electrical, plumbing, construction etc. Right now when I read the forums I find the jargon and terminology quite overwhelming. My husband doesn't think I can do this. But I am ready to improve my brain and take on a big challenge.
Before I get started I would like to know where the experienced restorer would start? And then what would you do next? Assume that it needs a full rebuild, and it does have the solid 22R engine. I plan to take copious amounts of notes and pictures as I go so as to ensure that I am recreating it fairly faithfully. I like the layout as it is, so I don't want to reinvent that.
I don't have many pictures at hand right now. The full length one is from years ago, before the water got in. The others are from the other day when we put a new battery in, fired it up (after 5 years just sitting there), and drove it out to the farm. The engine is solid.
Thanks in advance!
Virginia (in Central Texas)
For Sale 1981 Toyota Motorhome Central Texas
in General Discussion
Posted
I know this isn't the classifids section - I see it is offline. So please delete if not allowed.
I am moving to Australia and can't take my rv with me. It's in rough shape but has a lot of original parts and did get the factory fix on the rear axle when the recall happened. We are in Georgetown Tx. It's such a shame, I had big plans but they weren't to be. I hope someone can bring her back to her former glory. What isn't shown in these pics is the oven which I have but pulled out. It runs, but has been sitting for 3-4 years. About 78,000 miles on original engine. I bought her in 2005 for $7,500, and then life just got in the way. I am ashamed of the condition she is in, she was my daily driver when my kids were little! I even used to drive her to the grocery store. Anyway, if anyone is interested and would like to make an offer let me know. I can get more pictures too. The Ac was installed new when we bought her from the local RV dealership.