Itasca 37RQ

[Maulepilot]

Originally Posted by PNWGirl

Hi Ian,

I have a 1990 Itaska Suncruiser 32' and love it!!! This coach was very well built and lucky for me, well maintained by her previous three owners. It has a Ford 460 engine and nearly every upgrade available for the year. It drives like a dream!! Better than my car, in fact.

It did take me going through a LOT of used RV's over 14 months to find this one. The only reason I got her was due to a divorce of the owners, he had never planned on selling her. They had to sell at a loss.

I lived in it for a month, after I bought her and was more comfortable than in my stix 'n brix.

The oak cabinets were very dry (not cracked) and (after cleaning) a girl friend & I put on two coats of tung oil and one coat of lemon oil (her hubby checked out my engine for me ). The image below: right is the restored cabinet, left the dry one.



The previous owner smoked and I do not, so had to get that odor out of the coach. I used bowls of baking soda, set around the coach, along with bowls of charcoal (the kind w/out firestarter ).

I had a professional cleaner come in and clean the carpets, sofa, dinette seats, all chairs and the matresses.

The headliner was the worst. First we cleaned that with white vinegar. Once that was completely dry, the next day we went back over it with peroxide (that is antibacterial and antiviral). I let it air dry. The combination took out all of the nicotine stains and removed the odor completely. That was in October and the coach does not have a smoke smell to this day. I have friends, who are also non smokers and they said that they had no idea it was ever smoked in- there is no smell nor stains. It can be done, it just takes work.

As you can see by the above photo, there is material around all of the windows that can not be removed for cleaning. On those, I used white vinegar. Test a small, out of the way, area before doing this. My material had no change so I used a clean cloth, soaked in white vinegar, to clean any material that could not be taken down and washed. I dabbed the vinegar into the material, so as not to wear it, but also to get into the batting below as that will hold odor too.

The 'curtains' in the bathroom can not be removed, so I put the vinegar in a bucket and dipped the curtains into that. The curtains did not look dirty but, wow, were they!!! After dipping both curtains, repeatedly, I had to throw out the vinegar. Was too filthy to do anything else with.

The vinegar was also used on all of the walls, glass, shower stall, counter tops, appliances and both sides of the mini blinds. Literally every square inch, inside, was washed.

I left the baking soda and charcoal in for about a week, then removed those.

Just went into the coach, yesterday, and she is still sweet smelling

I hope that this helps you when you get your own, vintage, coach. You sound like you can do much, much more- inside- than I can. I look forward to seeing before and after shots of your coach.

Sheila

Nice work. The tung oil really makes a difference. Thank you for the cleaning tips. I know this one I am looking at will need a thorough going through along with everything else mechanically it will likely need. The Suncruiser looks pretty nice.

Cheers

Ian

[DeOrellana]

Originally Posted by Maulepilot

Hi Erik

I had seen the Elandan in my searching around and assumed it was a difference in badging and maybe some interior appointments etc. That is very good information re axle and suspension. The person I have spoken to about it says it rises up after a few minutes of running however after 23 years I would not be surprised to find decayed bladders and leaks in general. I have a 10 yr old Range Rover with air suspension which I have replaced the bladders on and I am still chasing down leaks in the lines. Lots and lots of "o"rings to replace. It is not hard just tedious. What condition was yours in when you got it and how much of a restoration are you doing? I have one son 13 and I am divorced so it would likely be Ian and I. One thing I am trying to figure out is how much modification of floor plan can be done. My work is custom woodworking, I have a cabinet shop and all the equipment and resources to do nearly anything. I thought it would be fun to do a custom interior using lightweight materials used in aircraft interiors. While it may only be my son and I and possibly a third it still would be nice to be able to accomodate more. Would love to see photos of yours if you have them.

Tack sa mycket !

Ian

Hej Ian,

The air suspension in mine is the same way. There is a large tank between the frame rails by the rear wheels that needs to be filled before the rear suspension rises. The air leaks out over time, kind of like with a home air compressor. It takes a few days for the air to leak out. If it is rising up, then there are probably no major leaks in the system. The thing to check is how often the compressor cycles. If the compressor cycles regularly, you have a small leak. The ride height is controlled by the tag axle droop. I plan on changing out my bags eventually not because they are bad, just because they are old. I know the system on the Range Rover – much more complicated than on the Elandan’s.

When it comes to the interior, I am pretty happy with the layout, and I think it would be hard to change. I would change out the not very sturdy construction of the settee. When doing your interior, keep in mind the weight of the material you are adding – even with the tag, once you load up passengers, the water and gas tank the coach is pretty close to max. I added a flat screen TV above the cockpit in mine, but I haven’t done much else than chase water leaks and electrical gremlins. I am also planning on replacing the little table between the swivel chairs with an electrical fireplace. I wish I was better at woodworking and upholstery, though.

You can see some pictures here: http://www.irv2.com/forums/f61/greet...den-92202.html

Erik

[Maulepilot]

Originally Posted by DeOrellana

Hej Ian,

The air suspension in mine is the same way. There is a large tank between the frame rails by the rear wheels that needs to be filled before the rear suspension rises. The air leaks out over time, kind of like with a home air compressor. It takes a few days for the air to leak out. If it is rising up, then there are probably no major leaks in the system. The thing to check is how often the compressor cycles. If the compressor cycles regularly, you have a small leak. The ride height is controlled by the tag axle droop. I plan on changing out my bags eventually not because they are bad, just because they are old. I know the system on the Range Rover – much more complicated than on the Elandan’s.

When it comes to the interior, I am pretty happy with the layout, and I think it would be hard to change. I would change out the not very sturdy construction of the settee. When doing your interior, keep in mind the weight of the material you are adding – even with the tag, once you load up passengers, the water and gas tank the coach is pretty close to max. I added a flat screen TV above the cockpit in mine, but I haven’t done much else than chase water leaks and electrical gremlins. I am also planning on replacing the little table between the swivel chairs with an electrical fireplace. I wish I was better at woodworking and upholstery, though.

You can see some pictures here: http://www.irv2.com/forums/f61/greet...den-92202.html

Erik

Hi Erik

Your Elandan looks great ! I think the Windcruiser I am looking at has a few cosmetic issues. Looks good from far away but up close the paint is quite faded. Not to worry. I am equipped to respray. Interesting to know the air susp. is simpler than Range Rover. I know an interior rework will have its challenges. The materials I plan to use are foamcore plywood which is available in 13,19,and 25 mm thickness (1/2",3/4",1") it weighs 23lbs/26lbs and 29/lbs per 4'x8' sheet. This is half the weight of conventional plywood. It has a birch or maple face on one side which can be stained in any color or painted. My plan is to stain and shoot precatalyzed lacquer in a satin finish. The ply is used for bulkheads and divisions and cabinets in general then there is thinner material 1/8" which can be used to panel wall areas where desired. The 1/8" is finished the same way stain and lacquer. Some solid wood is incorporated for face frames etc but over all the whole thing does not weigh too much in the end. This is how the interior of a biz jet gets outfitted only they typically incorporate elaborate veneers. Have to keep up appearances in the old Gulftream ! You would be surprised how nice you can make a simple birch plywood panel look with careful staining and finishing. I know this is a major undertaking but thought if I can establish a good design it would really be something amazing. I enjoy the process as well. If you can do mechanical work on your Elandan I am quite sure you could tackle cabinetry as well. Please dont hesitate to ask a question about any of it.

Cheers

Ian

[DeOrellana]

Hi Ian,

The large flat interior panels of the Elandan is made with lauan plywood and plastic veneer. With age, they start to peel in some places, shake loose and it looks a bit cheap. I have been thinking I of fixing the intior cabinetry when the mechanicals are done. The material you describe sounds interesting - it should both give a good feeling of quality as well as reduce resonance while driving. The outer walls ar built that way, but with lauan on the inside.

Have you decided to purchase the Windcruiser? Please let us know and post pictures!

Erik

[PNWGirl]

Originally Posted by Maulepilot

Nice work. The tung oil really makes a difference. Thank you for the cleaning tips. I know this one I am looking at will need a thorough going through along with everything else mechanically it will likely need. The Suncruiser looks pretty nice.

Cheers

Ian

Hi Ian,

You are welcome!!!

I am such a fan of this coach! Not to mention that it has 139 cu ft of basement storage! You would be hard pressed to find a modern 31' 10" coach with storage like that. Then you have all the inside coach storage. I do love my coach and I am very glad that I didn't give up before I found her. I hope that you are as equally lucky

Sheila

[Maulepilot]

Originally Posted by DeOrellana

Hi Ian,

The large flat interior panels of the Elandan is made with lauan plywood and plastic veneer. With age, they start to peel in some places, shake loose and it looks a bit cheap. I have been thinking I of fixing the intior cabinetry when the mechanicals are done. The material you describe sounds interesting - it should both give a good feeling of quality as well as reduce resonance while driving. The outer walls ar built that way, but with lauan on the inside.

Have you decided to purchase the Windcruiser? Please let us know and post pictures!

Erik

Hi Erik

It does have good sound attenuating qualities. I will post pics as soon as I can. The process is going a little slow. I am trying to speed it up. In the meantime I am learning quite a lot about all of this from all of you. The possibilities are intriguing as far as customizing the interior. The plywood I have mentioned is available from specialty plywood dealers here in the states. I would think you have similar in Sweden. Interesting to hear that the side walls are lauan plastic veneer , probably 1/4" thick ? That is good. If you are interested check out veneering online as well. My idea is to treat the bulk of the interior with stained wood panelling (replace the lauan/plastic with panelling) then accent with some burlwood veneer on some of the table surfaces where possible. This will require rebuild new tops and some redesign but it really adds to the whole look and feel. Veneering is not that difficult either. None of this is that difficult as long as you know the steps and methodically approach it. Here is a link to a site here in USA just so you can see some of what is availble in veneers. You do not need to vacuum press flat surfaces in the sizes we are dealing with. You can simply clamp with two layers of 3/4" ply when gluing. At any rate The important thing is uniform pressure. I can tell you more later if you want. Exotic Wood Veneer, Vacuum Press Systems, Veneering Tools and Veneering Supplies



Cheers

Ian

[DeOrellana]

Wow! I'm impressed! I am really looking forward to seeing pictures of the renovation taking place - and more on how you do the vacuum sandwiching. It shouldn't weigh much more than the existing interior, but the final look would be awesome.

In my bathroom, the laminate counter top is decaying due to moisture. The particleboard has absorbed moisture and has expanded. Some of the plastic film covered particle board shelves have had the same demise. I'll see if I can't get you some pictures this weekend so you can start planning

I am really curious as to how you would change the interior. I am kind of in a draw between keeping it original or updating it but keeping the '80s style with a few modern conveniences. At the very least, I am going to integrate the European systems like 220v and safety requirements so that they look original. The problem I am having is finding some of the appliances in 220v or the correct size, such as the microwave / hot air oven combo unit. Right now, I don't feel like tearing things apart just to make stuff fit.

Erik

[Maulepilot]

Originally Posted by DeOrellana

Wow! I'm impressed! I am really looking forward to seeing pictures of the renovation taking place - and more on how you do the vacuum sandwiching. It shouldn't weigh much more than the existing interior, but the final look would be awesome.

In my bathroom, the laminate counter top is decaying due to moisture. The particleboard has absorbed moisture and has expanded. Some of the plastic film covered particle board shelves have had the same demise. I'll see if I can't get you some pictures this weekend so you can start planning

I am really curious as to how you would change the interior. I am kind of in a draw between keeping it original or updating it but keeping the '80s style with a few modern conveniences. At the very least, I am going to integrate the European systems like 220v and safety requirements so that they look original. The problem I am having is finding some of the appliances in 220v or the correct size, such as the microwave / hot air oven combo unit. Right now, I don't feel like tearing things apart just to make stuff fit.

Erik

Hi Erik

I have to get it first. The owner's daughter who I am dealing with is very slow to respond. I am going to call today.

Vacuum bagging/sandwiching is not that hard with the right equipment, however you do not need to do this on flat surfaces. Simple clamping set ups will work as well if done right. I am still working on redesign of interior . The big change to the interior I am thinking about....thinking is the operative term....is to modify the bathroom layout so that you do not walk through to get to back master bedroom. Instead of the current central walk thru there woud be a narrow passage to the rear on the left as you are heading back. You would enter he bath from the isle and maybe if design permits from bedroom as well depending on layout. I am still trying to work this out. I like the idea of isolating the back section more. Getting it done , I know would require some serious reworking, but I think it can be done well.

I will forward floor plan as soon as I establish. Right now I have a large sketch on graph paper and cutouts of sinks, toilets and showers, the necessities, to see how everything fits. It also requires rework of kitchen layout a little as well. This is where some custom cabinetry comes into play in designing/building new storage unit/s to fit reconfigured space.

More later

Cheers

Ian

[dakleis]

I have an 89 Windcruiser 32RQ. My wife and I lived in it for about 9 months while our house was being built. Not a problem. Now getting it ready for some traveling. I have the head liner drop issue. How do I hold it back in place? Do I need to get behind it and glue it up? I also have a leak in the back probably from the end cap seem. Will start removing the old goo off the roof and hopefully discover the cause.

[Barrier2]

Hi, I owned a 1986 32' Windcruiser from 1986-1993 it was a Great Motorhome. We traveled every summer for seven years and loved it.Pay attension to the front and rear Cap seams, make sure they are sealed well Eternabond comes to mind. Mine had AirBags in the front Coil Springs and Leaf Springs in the rear with supplemental Firestone Air Bags in the rear (no tag axle on the 32').
Good Luck with it they were/are beautiful Motor Homes, reminiscent of the Classic GMC Motorhome in looks.
Robert