Well our maiden voyage was a success! As you know, she isn't fully finished, basically she was an aluminum tent for us, but she worked out great. We figured a great way to fill the Airstream with water for future reference. See waterfall below. If you haven't been to Yosemite before, then go, it's the most beautiful place that I know of.
The bathroom ABS plastic was ugly as you'll see below. We used a 2-part Epoxy Paint from Home Depot to paint the ABS plastic after alot of sanding and prep work. The have two different packages, one is for porcelin and the other for plastic. We used the plastic, and did 3 coats with it, but it had a "flat" finish to it. Glossy would really look better, so I called the manufacturer, and they said I could use the Porcelin Epoxy paint over the Plastic Epoxy paint and it would have a nice Glossy finish. And it did. I definitly recommend it for your yellowed ABS plastic. Before and After photos below.
__________________
'74 Overlander (Rear Bed)
'77 20' Argosy MH (Looking for a new home)
2007 GMC Sierra 2500 HD Duramax
2006 GMC Sierra 5.3 V8
WBCCI 1754 - AIR # 6281 w) www.balrgn.com www.balrgn.com/Airstream.htm
Hey Thanks for the response. It's really nice to see that things are coming together. The condition that we got it in was pretty bad, and it was hard to see any light at the end of the tunnel. Luckily we didn't have any rot or body damage to deal with. More updates coming next week!
Ron
Last edited by Mel; 07-05-2006 at 11:34 AM.
Reason: Changed font to standard size 2
We did a final coat of the gloss epoxy paint using a sprayer to give it a very nice, non textured finish. It came out great. As we started installing the new fixtures, the new shower faucet was a bit difficult because of the angles etc to install it, but it came out great. At this time we're using the trim that was originally on the ABS, however w/o the plastic insert. We spray painted it silver and will eventually put some type of trim inside of it. For now, it looks great. New toilet, maple ply for the surrounding areas of the tub and below the sink, and the behind the toilet. Finally, we are putting Aluminum sheeting on the wall behind the shower to really complete it. I'll have more pic's tomorrow.
As you'll see from the picture, I had to cut small dado's in the 1/4" ply to give it some flexibility to meet the curve in the back part of the bath tub.
We decided to go with Maple instead of Cherry to lighten everything inside as we proceed with the cabinetry. Standard cabinet maple now, but I have some really nice "quilted" maple veneers that I'll fit in to it later on. I would like to replace the tambour that I reinstalled because it looks like junk being all weathered. Anybody know a good source? I'll search the forums for more info.
The first cabinet that I built and installed is for the Fridge. Since the fridge gives off carbon monoxide, we want to enclose the whole area so we can start using it. We're going to San Onofre for a big day of surfing next weekend, and with the babies sleeping inside, I wouldn't feel comfortable with any carbon monoxide leaking inside the cabin while keeping our beers cold.
More work and pic's to come. If you have any questions about my sources or products I used, let me know.
Ron
Last edited by Mel; 07-05-2006 at 11:33 AM.
Reason: Changed font to forums standard
Not only does the fridge flame give off possible carbon monoxide, but it won't work well if it's not enclosed. The fins in the back must be provided some type of airflow. Enclosing the fridge and utilizing the hole in the floor and the upper vent will enable the enclosure to act as a chimney--the draft may be small, but it is effective. Making it work like a chimney is essential, so it has to be reasonably clear and straight.
PS--nice cabinet! Looks exactly like the two I built for my Caravel and Overlander--burch/maple and solid edges with shelf at the same place. Technical requirements and good design sometimes leads to similar solutions! How many trips from shop to shell did it take to fit the partitions? I like the brute force method, eg, uncountable trips to the bandsaw and horizontal sander.
PPS--really nice bath. After seeing yours, I may have to take mine apart and do the same.
Thanks for the reply. The venting of the fridge realy freaks me out, especially since we have a baby. I've got the cabinet installed and the inside totally closed off. I even used sealant in the joints and interior edges to keep any Carbon Monoxide from escaping into the cabin.
As for the carpintry, thanks. I used the old walnut lamiate panels as templates when I cut the new panels from maply ply. The fit was really good the first time, except for the floor being thicker with the new cork. My big mistake, was gluing & building the cabinet in my garage shop then thinking I could fit it through the door of the A/S. Big mistake, I had to take the face frame apart and re-install it once inside the A/S. Luckily I used a Kregg jig for the face frames!
The venting of the fridge realy freaks me out, especially since we have a baby. .....
The gas stove, oven, water heater and although vented outside the furnace also use gas.
We always have lots of air flow, the wife thinks I get carried away. If you are concerned enough there are detectors available. My babies are teenaged monsters but would not trade them for a new Airstream.......well....
R
Progress Progress Progress. I'm still working on the cabinetry and don't have any new photos to share yet. However, we took her down to San Onofre on Saturday for a nice day of surfing and showing off our A/S. It's amazing how many people love to come by and look at her. More good news, we were able to put about 6 surfboards inside her while traveling. Well secured of course.
Also, a special note. A few people have let me know that we are not "restoring" our A/S, however, we are "remodeling or rebuilding", but not "restoring." Sorry Purists!
Also, a special note. A few people have let me know that we are not "restoring" our A/S, however, we are "remodeling or rebuilding", but not "restoring." Sorry Purists!
Just tell them you're fixing it to the way it should have been made in the first place!
Have you ever come up to Tofino on Vancouver Island to try out the surfing?
__________________
Cameron & the Labradors
Kai & Samm
North Vancouver, BC
Canada
Quick Links
Linear Mode
