BillMcQuade wrote:Koala wrote: Mostly reclad and recovered with calico same as they did in those days.
Interesting, please explain further......
Prior to aluminium caravans and before the sealants which we now have became available they had a problem waterproofing the plywood caravans. The solution was to cover the caravan with canvas or calico.
The method is to wash and iron the calico to remove any fluff and creases, working from one end and using a large roller apply a generous coat of undercoat to the wood, quickly lay the calico down while rolling another coat on top before it starts to dry..........do small strips about a roller width. What happens is that the paint seeps through the calico from both sides becoming one thick smooth coat. Allow to dry and apply the colour coat. The calico seems to shrink and become tight.
Believe me it sticks. I needed to lift a portion of the calico after a short while and it lifted the wood.
And a tip is to do it in the cool of the morning or late evening..........not in full sun or you will have problems.
Early fabric aircraft used this method and it is called `doping'
My van has been out uncovered in Canberra weather for 2 years and has not leaked.
Koala