Repairing water damage to composite camper - UNIMOG

[Gandalftheblack]

Hi guys,

I am restoring a composite (plastic, foam, plywood) camper body that is currently on a Unimog 1300L.

The box had been sitting leaking for a decade in hot summers, full of condensation. It had subsequently grown mouldy.

I stripped the interior of the box back to the plywood surface and sanded everything down to remove the mold. I then treated the plywood with a natural mold remedy. This has worked successfully in removing the visible mould and the smell is certainly gone. The leaks have also been repaired so the box is dry.

My plan now is to use filler in any gaps and coat the entire interior plywood surface with a medical grade two part epoxy resin - in several layers to ensure a good seal.

I will then be gluing a wood cladding to this surface.


I want to ask if this sounds like a correct procedure? Or am I mad for thinking I can save this thing...

These pictures show how it was before I started stripping it out - you can see the mould clearest in the bed area, this is how it was all over the box.












Here she is back in the day!

 

[Joe917]

New thread same response, the box is a write off and way to big for that chassis.

 

[luthj]

If the mold penetration is as bad as it looks, then the plywood is badly compromised. You would need to run a dehumidifier in the box (closed) for weeks in warm weather in order to get a decent amount of the moisture out of the wood.

With the amount of effort/labor to end up with a compromised box, you would be better off getting a new composite box made. If desired some of the fittings could be recovered for reuse.

It depends on where the vehicle is registered, but I believe that rear overhang may violate some design rules, where typically the overhang cannot exceed 50% of the wheelbase.

The bottom line, I think its foolish to put large amount of time and money into something with a compromised foundation.

 

[juha_teuvonnen]

The mold grows "roots" into the wood. That's why if you spray it with bleach and wipe off it always comes back. Bleach and sandpaper does nothing to kill the "roots" of the mold. There is a product called "concrobium" that is used for mold remediation by professionals. Available at your local Home Deport by the gallon. It kills the mold for good. I would dry out the plywood, soak it with concrobium multiple times, soak all of it, even areas that don't appear to be moldy. Once the plywood dries out thoroughly I would paint it with mold-resistant acrylic paint. If done correctly, you will never have the mold problem again.