I've been negligent in my blog-writing duties, as well as posting photos. So, wanted to share that some more current photo's have been uploaded to Photobucket.

A few things have happened in the last few weeks - DH has also gotten the LED lights installed on the exterior; got another coat of Kilz on the sleeping area floor; more thorough cleanings of the "debris" (read the lesser remains of rat nests and what not, as still left from when we did the initial brush through)...

Quick update.

We removed the rub rails and banana wrap, got some floor cut out and replaced. DH got the floor bolted up and the skin re-riveted (is that a word?). I was on caulk cleanup duty. (Who said silicone caulk won't adhere to aluminum?)

While we had the rub rail and banana wrap off, we did a little body work. Reshaped the dent from the trailer's run through an Arkansas creekbed on it's trip to Kansas, before it came to live with us. With the new piece of floor...

Work continues . . .

I pulled out more carpet and pad staples today (it was screamin' hot!) and we're trying to get psyched up to cut the floor in the rear sleeping area so we can start the shell-on subfloor replacement.

DH got new propane tanks and has modified the old mounts so they fit.

He removed the screen door to replace its screen and clean it up, so now all screens have been replaced.

Washed most of the trailer this week, too - I say...

Did some more scrubbing, pulled up the remaining tack strips and started pulling up more carpet staples.

DH finished the last window screen replacement and got the seal on the rock guard! With the rockguard off, he removed the mounting strip so he could clean up the old Vulkem and will reseal it with new Vulkem before replacing the rock guard.

Need to figure out what's the best way to replace the screen on the door - suggestions are welcome!

DH also scrubbed...

DH fixed the double steps so they feel more secure! Yay! Also bought screen and has been replacing throughout.

Scrubbed more walls - tried both Westley's Bleche Wite and Soft Scrub with bleach on vinyl - being careful to avoid exposed aluminum and rinsing well with water. Used a TSP solution for cleaning the "paneled" walls/doors.

Looking into several options for drapes. We're going for a lighter look, so think we'll stick with standard off-white, so it leaves...

Replacement lenses/lights arrived and DH removed additional interior panels in rear sleeping area. I was of minimal help with my work schedule.

I had already vacumed the padding. Brought it in and gave it a go with some Tuff Stuff today, and it looks highly acceptable.

Windows with new gaskets are much more effective than with the old ones. Still have the one window that doesn't want to "let go" to deal with.

Got the rock guard and front window off without any problems. Front window has new gaskets and is rehung. Awaiting the seals that are on order for the rock guard.

DH is still trying to decide what to do about the streetside rear window that doesn't want to come off. Might be different if we hadn't done at least 4 windows before this one and 3 more since he first tried to remove it; might think it was just something we were doing incorrectly. He's not excited about the possibility of...

Putting gaskets on windows continues. The back window presented some problems going back in, but with Andy from Inland RV's words of wisdom, and three people, we finally manhandled it into place. Thank goodness for friends and forums!

For those of you who might also have some difficulties with this - Here are Andy's instructions:

Takes 2 people.

One on each end of the window.

Raise the window over your heads and engage the "double J hinge"....

DH has continued to put new gaskets on the windows and has learned some valuable lessons. The fast drying adhesive needs to be applied in about 6-12" segments, because it is really fast drying! You also need to be careful not to lose/misplace the bushings for the link arms that support the window. I think he's about halfway there.

Also received parts to repair the rear awning, thanks to Zip-Dee, and it works beautifully.

Received gaskets for windows and door today and the first window was tackled. Once the process is known, the rest should go more quickly. Received clecos and lots of rivets!

Started cleaning the panel removed from the sleeping area with TSP. Still some pinkish staining where the bolster was mounted, but it looks better. We'll see how the rest of the panels clean up.

For anyone who has a vintage Airstream and doesn't have a service manual, we would highly recommend getting one! This is a great investment already Details for rib splicing, side/roof panel replacement and all the great stuff you (at least we) need to know!

DH moved the trailer to be more accessible and level today and started removing the drapery track in the sleeping area. He also took the rear awning down/apart and identified the part that broke. Has it ordered and on the way....

Well, we made it back to Kentucky with the "new" Airstream - new to us! To our knowledge, this trailer went from Texas to Arkansas, to Kansas, to Kentucky in the most recent years.

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