Digging deeper.

The back half of the trailer is now gutted. I took this picture before the curbside bed platform was removed as I was running out of daylight and I wanted to get photos for the blog. Everything from the kitchen walls back is out. Well, except for all the crap, dirt, and dust all over the floor. That all comes out this afternoon. Then I can get started on pulling the floor up, so I can get started on the frame repairs, so I can install a grey tank, so I can get started on plumbing...one step at a time.
Pile of "templates" ready to go to Frank.

Getting back at it

It's been 2 months since my last blog entry. I have all of the normal excuses; other projects to wrap up, home repairs, spring cleaning, little league games and practices to attend, too many work hours, etc. Well, most of that is done and I can now focus on the trailer again. Here's a picture of the Airstream peaking out from behind the shop, wondering where I am.
I got the black tank out and took the closet flange off. Like most things, what should have been a simple job turned into a real job. The flange was held onto the tank with pounds of JB Weld. I spent one evening chipping most of that off so that I could unscrew the flange from the tank.
I was very careful about not damaging the black tank, at it appeared to be in good shape. However, once I got all the JB Weld off, I found some serious damage to the area where the flange screws in. I guess now I know why the PO used JB Weld. I'm looking into having a stainless black tank built by the welder that Rob Baker uses. I'm going to try and use the philosophy of "fix it once, fix it forever" on this project, so a nice stainless tank makes sense.
Anybody need a closet flange?

"Time for your bath (tub)!"

Last night Rob and I spent a few hours in my shop, prepping and painting our bathtubs. Above, my son Joey checks the sinks prostate.
Peek a boo! Messy shop, dirty tubs, hard work, great friend.
Here's Rob's tub. It came out very nice. Once I get done adding the green glitter flake it'll be even nicer!

No Components Were Harmed During the Deconstruction of this Airstream.

Well, now we're getting into it. Yesterday we finally had some warm weather (33 degrees) and I was able to get out into the trailer to get more pieces out. I'm going nice and slow, being careful to take everything apart without destroying anything. Serendipidously, as I was working on getting the curb-side closet out I was listenting to old episodes of The VAP, and they were talking about going slow and finding all of the hidden fasteners. With their guidance I was able to find the two screws underneath the bed that go into the closet. Thanks guys!
This is where the magic happens. I have finished refurbishing the vanity,and it came out beautifully. It is set aside and now I'm working on the vanity counter top and medicine cabinet. The plywood top had delaminated in one spot, so I've glued it back and clamped it. I'm having a blast bringing this stuff back to life.
Here's something I said I would never do: bag and label fasteners. I have rebuilt a few motorcycles and have never had to resort to this kind of organization. However, I think it is going to be a very good idea since a 1961 Airstream has so much hardware to keep track of, especially when compared to a Triumph motorcycle of the same vintage.

Out for refurb.

After wrestling with the vanity for a few days, and then wrestling with the tub drain for another few days, I've got most of the bathroom out. I took my time and was very careful, as I want to be able to put everything back in after I've had a chance to clean it up and rebuild what needs rebuilding. I could have new custom cabinetry made, but I like the utilitarian feel of the original furniture and cabinetry.
Hey Frank, your trailer is one year newer than mine, but your tub is 17 days older.
On the bench and ready to be cleaned up for re-use.
This is the only spot on the vanity that will need to be cut away. I need to decide if I want to just replace the rotten wood, or replace the entire vanity front with new plywood. Opinions? Keep in mind that I am not a woodworker.

Say hello to Pete.

Yesterday I spent a few hours in the back of my trailer taking the bathroom apart. I had a heater going, the music playing, and I was just grooving along. By the time I had finished up, it was nearly dark so I did not get a chance to look things over. Today when I went out to the trailer, I found this. Apparently, "Pete" worked in the Airstream factory back in the early 1960's. He left his name on the vanity underneath the counter top. I have decided that I shall name my trailer in honor of this unknown worker. This worker obviously had a sense of history, and was aware that this trailer that he was building would not end up in a dump rotting as it aged. Pete realised that he was building something worthwhile and had such pride in his workmanship that he wanted somebody, years later when the trailer was refurbished, to see his mark and appreciate what he did. Pete, I salute you.

Not to worry, Frank.

I heard from a good friend that Frank was worried that I had lost my fire since I haven't posted on my blog in a while. The fire is there, not to worry. However, the thermometer has been in the single digits for much of the past 2 weeks, making getting out and working on the trailer very uncomfortable. This is supposed to be fun, and working in the freezing cold is not fun for me.
Somehow my door locked itself, so I enlisted the help of my 9 year old son, Jake, to crawl in through a hatch and save the day. Good thing I got rid of the big mouse nest that he would have had to crawl through to get into the trailer!
Even though it has been cold, I have been busy working on the trailer little by little in my heated shop. Here is a stack of drawers from the kitchen area, all cleaned up and ready to go back in (once the area that they go back into is ready).
Screwdriver, meet Airstream. Airstream, this is Screwdriver.
Progress. I can tell already that this will take much longer than I had anticipated, but that's ok. The process is fun. I have heard many people comment on how much they learned during the process of rebuilding their own Airstream, and I look forward to enjoying the same type of education.