Complete Renovation Commences Step1. Removing Ensolite

[cadmodel]

My name is Erik and I am an experienced furniture maker and a New member and a New boler owner..

My wife and I are excited to start our first restoration project.

We picked up boler thinking it would be a quick project and we would be camping in a week

However, this boler needs a lot of work. Unfortunately we found a few large cracks in the fiberglass.

So it look like the best way start this project is to strip the ensolite, examining the entire shell,then repairing any holes or cracks.

Look forward to advice and sharing as I go.

Step1. Removing Ensolite
Seems the foam layer separates easy from the skin leaving the foam still attached to the fiberglass shell, so I guess it appears a multi tool is best for this step, and other ideas would be welcome.

Thanks for all the help as I share this project.

[Borrego Dave]

Welcome to the group Erik. Looks like you've got a project going. The only thing I would say is to not remove the ensol all over. Maybe fold it over to do any FG repairs you need then put it back up. Others that have gone through some repairs like this will be along soon.

[Mikmay]

Originally Posted by cadmodel

My name is Erik and I am an experienced furniture maker and a New member and a New boler owner..

My wife and I are excited to start our first restoration project.

We picked up boler thinking it would be a quick project and we would be camping in a week

However, this boler needs a lot of work. Unfortunately we found a few large cracks in the fiberglass.

So it look like the best way start this project is to strip the ensolite, examining the entire shell,then repairing any holes or cracks.

Look forward to advice and sharing as I go.

Step1. Removing Ensolite
Seems the foam layer separates easy from the skin leaving the foam still attached to the fiberglass shell, so I guess it appears a multi tool is best for this step, and other ideas would be welcome.

Thanks for all the help as I share this project.

Erik it looks like you will be doing a a stage 5 five renovation on a 1-5 scale. I have done similar work and know it can be successful. If you are removing all the ensolite you will have the opportunity to make changes to your interior in the way it is attached .i would remove all rivets and fiberglass all cabinets directly to the interior walls.this will make the structure stronger and eliminate the need for cabinet supports. Although reattaching the ensolite is difficult the real problem is finding a glue that will keep it there so be diligent in finding the best you can . I also see you are in calafornia and if you contact the happier camper office in silver lake they have original ensolite available (the real stuff) and they can help you out. Not sure on how your cracking came to be but I would also make sure to check out your frame for weakness as it may be suspect. Good luck on your renovations and you will get much more advice here when needed.

[Johnny M]

I agree with the previous post, looks like either you have some frame issues due to the location of that big crack or a very heavy snow load or possibly a roof top a/c that caused the one over the side window. One of the pictures shows some spider web cracks which may be just in the gel coat. Good luck on the search for the glue too!