Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

[stehaggan]

Hi there, this is my first post on here.

I bought a sprite ariel today and want to renovate it and transform it into a shabby chic caravan for weekend trips.

Could anyone give me some pointers please as to where to start with this.

I want to repaint all of the outside - so how do I strip it and repaint it.

How do I get rid of any little nicks and dents before painting it?

I will hammerite all of the chassis and tow bar.

How do I get the original hub caps to look like new?

Inside - can I just do normal wallpaper or does it have to be special one? its currently got some wallpaper in but I just want it to be a cream colour.

What is the best type of flooring to put in? What do others have in their caravans is it just Lino?

It has a broken lock - the key doesnt seem to lock so I think the barrel is broke - is this easily replaced?

The lights seem a bit grubby - how do I make these look like new?

Thanks in advance

Ste

[Uncle Alec]

Hi Ste, welcome
There's a lot of questions there. Where are you based?

[stehaggan]

I know sorry

I am a complete newbie. I am based in Manchester.

I didn't pay much for it so Ive not got much to lose. I was advised what checks to do, damp, chassis for rust, tyres, seals, windows etc and everything seems fine.

So its just decorating it and touching up really as it seems completeley useable as it is but I want it to be a lot nicer

[Uncle Alec]

Good man. PM on way.

[stehaggan]

thanks alec any help will be greatly appreciated.

[ajlelectronics]

Interior, you can just paint it if you wish. Be easier if the original wallboards are OK.

No need to strip the outside. Just use Scotchbrite pads to key the original paint, fill dents if not too deep with body filler, then repaint. Deep dents can be pulled out first by driling a small hole, inserting self tapper and pulling with pliers. Then refinish as per small dent.

Hub caps. If they are chrome, then metal polish. If aluminium, polishing mops after a "Wet and Dry" session through the grades to remove surface marks.

Flooring, your choice. Cushionfloor seems good.

Rear light lenses will come up a treat in the dishwasher.

Chassis etc, STAY AWAY FROM HAMMERITE! Like many things, it is not what it used to be, plus it is too hard for areas liable to stonechip damage. What happens is that you will get a chip, moisture gets in and the chassis dissolves unseen. If you want to do a cheap job, then wire brush it, use a rust converter where required, then use "Chassis black". If you want to do a good, once only job, wire brush followed by POR-15.