Started digging into the new project this weekend, removed about 5 pounds of silicone from the windows and vents in preparation for removal. I really hate that stuff!! The roof vents were a mess, roof asphalt on top of silicone on top of caulking on top of what looked like glazing putty... and they STILL leaked! Was under the camper, the axle appears to be in good shape with alot of spring still. I also noticed that my axle has electric brakes! I'm not sure if they were standard in '79, but the connections are wrapped around the axle and tied off. The harness is a 4 pin and looks original. I'm thinking that they were never hooked up. Also found that the hose storage tube is mounted underneath, wonder if that was a standard location. All of them that I've seen are mounted on the front of the shell.
Here are a few pics after the first round of cleaning
A couple of interior shots...
The "escape hatch"
the vent with all the goop
The earlier S-16 had 2.2K axles with 7in brakes with 4x4 bolts holding on the wheels. In the mid 80's they changed 3.5K axles with 10" brakes with wheel studs and nuts. If you are planning on doing a complete overhaul you might highly consider an 3.5K axle upgrade. On your vent I can't tell if it is a 14x14 or an escape hatch. I you have a plastic frame escape hatch the frame cracks where you cant see it and the leaks are impossible to find and stop. It is best to upgrade to a larger standard size metal frame escape hatch. If you have a 14x14 vent consider a max air or fantastic fan. For silicone clean up try mineral spirits with a plastic putty knife.
Eddie