How to deal with water damaged interior/replace interior wall and ceiling lining

[theoverlander]

Hi all,

We're new to this forum so any advice would be appreciated.

We have a 1977 CF270 4-berth campervan conversion bought cheap, but we're in the process of doing up the whole thing, and have so far spent around $7,000 on a whole host of stuff to get this thing roadworthy, including: brakes, electrics, gas system updated, repairs on engine, gas tanks stamped, new wheels, lights, batteries, and labour costs(!), etc, etc, etc.  It goes on!  When I was faxed with all the necessary items to get it roadworthy, it was three full pages!  Anyway, we're nearly there now (phew!), which is why it's time we turn our attention to the interior.

Currently there is water damage around the roof hatch, and some big ripples in the ugly brown vinyl-type wall covering.  Should we just rip this off?  What would be underneath?  How do we replace it with more modern material?  Does this need to be done by a specialist, or can anyone give it a go?!  We're out of the country at the moment, so unable to post pics currently.  We'll do this when we get our van upon return to Australia.  In the meantime, we'd love to hear from anyone with any possible answers.

Many thanks,

James & Lisa

[restoreid]

Hi guys welcome to the beddie circus Seeing that you have spent so much to get roadworthy it would be sensible to doo the rest properly If you are handy with carpentry tools just take it slow & use the old panels as templates It prob has a timber frame but you can glue the panels on with licquid nails & fix with screws where their not seen Its a big job but would cost a fortune to have a pro do it so roll up the sleves & give it a go Lots of luck You will get plenty ideas of this site & support Cheers Reid

[eddy]

oh Reid forever the humble quite acheiver  ..... hey James and Lisa check out the restoreid gallery he is a guru regarding camper van rebuilds ... oh and welcome to buga 

[theoverlander]

Hello Reid and Eddy, thanks both for your replies (and kind welcome).  I've taken a look at the gallery and, yes, VERY impressive work, Reid.  In fact, there's a lot of good ideas - and some handy people - in the BUGA Community.  Really glad we found this forum.  I'll be sure to post some 'before' and 'after' pictures of our project.  We are total noobies to all this, so do expect to hear from us again - next time with pics.

Thanks again, guys!