Making the Garden Caravan

1975 Airstream Trade Wind renovation project

[sharwest]

Thinking about downsizing... This little Caravel might be a better choice than my 25′ beast. It would take me until next year to outfit it into the boutique, but I could learn from all of the lessons I had with the Trade Wind... 

[sharwest]

#dad in his shop with my cabinets. #airstream #airstreamrenovation #soon (at Meridian, Pennsylvania)

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This should work. #ikea #cork #natural #display #airstreamrenovation #liveriveted #makingthegardencaravan (at Garden Caravan)

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Like a #newyork #blackandwhite cookie!#airstreamrenovation #makingthegardencaravan (at Garden Caravan)

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And then there was no #fauxwood #airstreamrenovation #morecoatstocome #makingthegardencaravan (at Garden Caravan)

[sharwest]

Dividers removed!

[sharwest]

Kitchen window is a pain in my ass. The PPO painted the screws, I’ve got 4 I can’t get off, I’ve tried lubricant, hand, drill—won’t budge. Also the plastic caps on the window handles are stuck-screws are spinning in place. These must be removed to get the frame off, then I can remove the plastic frame. The level of effort is ridiculous!

[sharwest]

Even though it was hot as balls, I decided to get the antenna off. Ideally I would have really removed it, but with the rain we are having, I'm hesitant to open yet another hole up there (AC being the first). So my assistant (thanks Jeff) helped me hacksaw it off! But I need to figure out how to really remove it. Hopefully someone on the forums can help.

[sharwest]

Cabinet removal. Stove came out no problem, once Jeff got the fitting free. Evan helped. I hope no one tells me there is a better way to get the sink out. But there are 9 bolts holding it in, well now just one. We have to remove the sink to get at the last screws holding the cabinet in place in the back right. I’m resisting every urge to take the sawzall to it… but once this piece is out the real fun is going to begin.

[sharwest]

The floor. I cut a hole to see what was going on and to what extent the damage was and was pleasantly surprised. I had imagined much worse. I still have to decide what to cut, but I'm thinking I'll go only as far as necessary. For now.

[sharwest]

Awning removal. The only way to get it off was to cut it. I hated to do it. But I plan to get a new ZipDee anyway. You can see the bottom rear bracket is still stuck on with rusted out bolts.

[sharwest]

Preparations. Overall, I'm trying not to be frustrated. But progress is slow.

[sharwest]

Drop. Drop. Drop. 😞

[sharwest]

Made some progress on the closet mildew. And started to investigate what’s going on in there.

[sharwest]

The List

So I made a list. The list is probably by no means complete. But I had to start somewhere. I am a list maker. I need to cross off. 

Finish removing remaining interior hardware (except bath)

Remove interior panels

Remove awning, patch holes

Shore up floor and replace bad pieces

Remove belly pan, inspect

Reinstall water tank and fix plumbing

Fix frame as needed with wire brush, Por-15

Fix/Rewire electrical (need help here)

Buy solar panel and deep charging batteries

Buy and add LED lighting

Fix inside Vista View windows (removing inner glass)

Fix all seals on windows

Paint interior walls + cabinets (swiss coffee), door (chalkboard)

Paint interior bath with marine grade (white)

Paint tambour (Krylon Plastic)

Lay new cork floor

Buy new cork countertops 

Design & build front cabinets 

Install shelves

Buy new awning

Clean exterior

Polish exterior (get a price)

Fix blue trim, license plate cover, misc. exterior

Add AC, Fantastic Fans

Install new axels (Winter)

[sharwest]

48 hours

I am a stubborn woman. Maybe too stubborn for my own good. And I've got a track record out there to prove this statement. Some might say it's a character defect. Some might say it's an asset. 

Recently, before this all started, I hinted with a FB post about what I was starting. I really did buy a house that has burned in a fire and make it into something wonderful. It is proof that I can see things others can't.

I have to remind myself that I'm still that woman. I have vision and perseverance. I need to trust myself. Even when it is hard. Harder than I thought it would be.  

[sharwest]

Before & after, mold & mildew, double.