Franklin 1974 Reno

[franklin1974]

Hello, I am just about to begin restoring my new/old Franklin van and I am hoping to get some advice on where to start. Due to leaks, I know that I will probably need to deal with some wood rot in the 'sandwich panels'. Am I correct in thinking that the walls are made from the aluminium outer, then polystyrene stuff, then one layer of ply? Is there only one wooden layer that makes up most of the structure- that being the one that I see from the inside of the van??

I am wondering whether I should first waterproof the outside rails (?corner pieces) and windows, then move on to removing some of the inner ply to assess any structural damage from there?

Any advice would be wonderful! Thank you in advance for you help!

[Mustang]

Hi Franklin 74,
Welcome to the Classic Forum.
As you are going to need a reno, we will re-post you to Hall of Fame, there you can tell your story & chat.
Good Luck with your journey, just ask away for help.
Cheers
Brent

[twocutekelpies]

Hi Franklin1974, I've also just bought a 1974 Franklin, a 9ft Regent, in need of a lot of love so will be following along with interest. I need to finish my York before I get stuck in so will be a little while before I start.

There are a few renos on the proboards you can check out, eg vintagecaravans.proboards.com/thread/16212/franklin-regent-78


and this one replaces the styrofoam with frame, though I wouldn't go that heavy for a caravan vintagecaravans.proboards.com/thread/16212/franklin-regent-78

Mine is missing a lot of frame due to rot so will probably remove the trims (rails) to see if there are any fasteners into the frame under them, then assess. I'll also remove the windows (the back window is already out as there is no frame at all left across the back). I've done a Viscount sandwich panel van before and taken the ply off, not sure how different the Franklins are yet. It may even be another chassis off resto for me as I know it needs at least a new drawbar. 

Cheers
Shelley