Laika 500
Here is the story of the restoration of my Laika. Sometimes pictures say more than words.
This is how I found her on the subito.it platform.
A few pictures of the transport from Palermo to Asti. For more info or for imitators –> “my Laika”.
Transport from Asti to Thun
Interior fittings
This is how the inside of the Laika looked, with major water damage.
Removing the “furniture”
The water ingress damaged the furniture as well.
Chassis
Tow hitch with overrun brake!
Lifting mechanism for the upper shell.
There wasn’t much rust protection to be seen. Bare metal wherever you look!! No wonder I had to drill out more screws than I managed to undo.
Chassis and small parts sandblasted and powder-coated.
Brakes, brake backplates
The leaf springs were overhauled as well.
Assembling the chassis
First lap!!
Floor
With a hole on top and everything sealed underneath, the water had nowhere to drain away. In places the floor rotted through completely and had to be replaced. When dismantling the rotten floor the axe did good service. In the end I had taken the glued panels apart into their individual layers.
Fitting the new floor.
Polyester work
Paintwork, sanding and priming
Lower section freshly painted!
The lifting mechanism is fitted and it works!
Fitting the furniture
fitting and painting more furniture
Laying the floor covering
