Slow but Steady . . .

[techquaikach]

When i first joined this forum i got a kick out of the people who had strict timelines for their restoration projects (some even had trips planned!). I started with no particular plan in mind. It actually started with a naive belief that i could just patch up some of the bad spots. Ha!! One rotten place led to another and to make a long story short the entire floor needed to be replaced, then the axle, then the windows, then . . . etc. etc. These pics probably don't look like much but they represent the best part of two summer's work for me! Removing the shell, fixing the frame . . . yadda yadda. All the rain this summer really helped me locate and seal the remaining leaks. She is all dry now. Seems like a natural place to take a break and start plotting the next stage. I am appreciating all the ideas i'm getting from this site. Thanks to everyone!

[uncle_bob]

Hi

That's a very neat little AS. It will be interesting to see what you turn it into. Just be sure to tow it with at least an F-350 (if not a 450).....

Bob

[Argonaut20]

It do take time. Floor looks good. Electrical on aluminum or copper wire? That was a 'must replace' with mine as well as running wire for the fridge and other accessories. I had to replace both curb and street side panels so I redid the service entry and the city water connection and left the access door in the street side out. Lots of fun!

[techquaikach]

Are you speaking from experience there Bob?

[techquaikach]

It has solid aluminum wire. I'm thinking of replacing it with stranded copper as i'm planning to power it mostly with photovoltaics.

[uncle_bob]

Originally Posted by techquaikach

Are you speaking from experience there Bob?

Hi

Doesn't *everybody* have a 17' ?

=======

Dump the aluminum wire while you have things all torn apart. Working with copper is *much* easier. A "modern" approach (if you go that way) would have both 12V and 120V wiring. I suspect your trailer was not set up that way when new.

Bob

[Argonaut20]

I stayed with Romex for both the 120V and 12V wiring, but made it 12 Gauge copper rather than aluminum. The rigidity of solid wire is a PITA at times, but I was looking at connections that stayed connected for 50 years and ?? miles even with aluminum wire, hence the decision to go with solid wire. Leads to the lights, heater, and DSI water heater are stranded wire, but they are accessible and short. Maybe over engineered?

As an aside, I also put seam sealer on the inside seams while I had the shell bare. It already had some from 1966, but parts were hard and flaking. There were also some explosive rivets used that I think were factory and those I replaced with bucked rivets.

[mrdfred]

Originally Posted by uncle_bob

Hi

That's a very neat little AS. It will be interesting to see what you turn it into. Just be sure to tow it with at least an F-350 (if not a 450).....

Bob

Why not a MDT or semi?

[kendrick.l.j]

Love you AS and it looks awesome. Excellent good. Now don't forget that WD/anti-sway hitch pullled by nothing less than. 350/3500, maybe a dually. : )

[RGJZ06]

Your AS is going to be one nice looking rig. Congratulations on the effort you are putting into it.

[bellonaples]

Hi,
Great little AS. I did virtually the same type of treatment on my AS 23 Safari 1972. One idea that I did , that worked out well was designed a custom dinette and had it welded out of tubular aluminum. The size was determined by available space as well as available cushions from a RV surplus company I found on eBay the cushions where originally made for a class A motor home and I had a guy weld me a frame to match the cushions. I also purchased a marine adjustable table base that allowed me to drop the table and is this as a full sized bed. It is easy to customize your rig at this stage. I also recycled the original cabinets and created a galley style kitchen. Enjoy and I hope my ideas helps
Greg

[Aerowood]

Originally Posted by techquaikach

It has solid aluminum wire. I'm thinking of replacing it with stranded copper as i'm planning to power it mostly with photovoltaics.

Stranded copper is the way to go, take a look at the marine stranded copper.

[uncle_bob]

Hi

So what are the plans for the inside layout once you get that far?

Bob