1960 SO-23 A.K.A. Gunther

[Mike Kever Kombi]

Dear L,

Signed,
Not so Awesome

[Marla]

It has been a while since I have given an update on Gunther.

The engine work and 12 V upgrade process continues... When the weather gets warmer I will focus my attention on that.

In the meantime, I have been focusing on the interior of the bus. Bill is working on my rear seat upholstery and I have my aunt making me new curtains throughout. While that is being done, I decided to work on cleaning up the cabinetry.

Mike was kind enough to come over yesterday to help me take all of the cabinets out of the bus and bring them into my basement. I am going to work on getting the clear coat off, repairing damaged wood and getting rid of watermarks as best as I can. Then a nice new clear coat will be applied. Everything will be kept original, my goal is to restore them back to what they were. So, we
will see how it goes. I started on one seat base, it's going to be a time consuming process, but I think well worth it.

A few pictures below... in no particular order.

[Mike Kever Kombi]

[NIKLES1974]

THE ASSET LIST JUST KEEPS GETTING LONGER

[Marla]

I continue to work on the cabinets. I made pretty good progress on stripping the clear coat.

I only have the wardrobe and wash basin cabinet left to strip, then it is on to repairing damages. The edge banding is damaged or missing in quite a few spots so that will be a step added to the process.

Here are just a few pictures. I am not as good as others in documenting progress.

[Ken]

What kind/brand of clear coat are you using? I need to do something similar on my SO-42.

[Marla]

I am planning on using a brushable lacquer for the clear coat. I will probably do 1 coat sanding sealer, 3 coats of the lacquer and finish it with a paste wax. I think I will just use Minwax products for it all, keep it simple.

[SlashKirk]

When I did some cabinet repairs to mine; I used several colors mixed together to get the desired results. Used a satin or semi I think...I never liked it when people used a gloss, looks out of place to me.

[Mike Kever Kombi]

..I never liked it when people used a gloss, looks out of place to me.

^this.

Stay away from urethane and poly, it will look "plasticy".

Stick with shellac, lacquer, and varnish.

Always apply in a non ventilated room, taking deep breaths, and use a candle or other open flame as your only light source.

[Marla]

When I did some cabinet repairs to mine; I used several colors mixed together to get the desired results. Used a satin or semi I think...I never liked it when people used a gloss, looks out of place to me.

Being that I am going down to the natural wood and not trying to blend it with the aged lacquer... I won't be using any color on my wood... Clear, semi-gloss only. Back to the original all natural wood, let it's true colors shine through.