Autosleeper fittings removal

[Cosmoslite]

Hi Folks,

 

I'm a new-comer to this forum and hope that some of you can give me some advice. My problem is a 1994 Autosleeper Omega (Ford Transit) which has developed serious rusting leading to MOT failure. Before any welding can be attempted, the interior fittings (furniture and flooring) will need to be removed. Can anyone give any pointers on the best way of going about this.

 

Thanks for reading this.

 

[George Collings]

Sorry to hear of your problems.

I take it the repairer is very aware of the risk of fire and understandably wants a clear run.

 

The dodgy bit is if the welding is to the van floor as there is almost certainly a ply and foam insulation board over the steel floor. Removing the complete boardis barely practical as all the furniture will be fastened to it.

With normal welding speeds the risk of fire is very high as heat rapidly build up. Sometimes by only welding say a quarter of an ich at a time and allowing cooling (needs a welders mate with water pistol in one hand and fire extinguisher in the othe) risk can be reduced but the labour costs rapidly go the other way. Really it only a proposition if its complete DIY job with you standing the risk yourself.

 

Furniture removal from a panel van is likely to be a pig of a job. Old timber /plywood is easily damaged.

 

Auto-Sleepers of that age were largely held together by dozens of self tapping screws. The screws are often hidden by glued down carpet. Find the screws by touch, The latex based glue sticks to the screws and the carpet fabric and the fibres wind into a ball that stops the screw unwinding.

 

Best of luck

[Cosmoslite]

Hi George

 

Thanks for your response.

 

Yes, three different garages advised that I'd have to get the flooring out before welding could be attempted. Last year a local garage/workshop was completely burned down after a welding induced fire, luckily no serious injuries to any of the staff. So, everyone is even more wary than usual about welding if there's any fire risk.

 

Of course to get the flooring out I need to get the furniture out. Anyway, I've made a start; slow progress as I'm no mechanic and as you said, Autosleepers liked to "hide" lots of screws amongst the carpet lining. I have been in touch with Autosleepers and was advised that I'd have problems with the floor as it is bonded to the van floor. I'll plug on regardless. I can't afford to just scrap the 'van, though I was sorely tempted just to dump it and go back to pulling a caravan.

 

Thanks again for your interest.