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06-13-2010, 01:01 AM
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#1
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3 Rivet Member
1975 31' Excella 500
undetermined
, Washington
Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 125
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Introducing myself
I just bought a 1975 31' Excella 500 a few days ago. I'll be living in it full time shortly, while I'm going to college (Feeling a bit old to be in school but anyhow..). I have a Great Dane, a Malamute Husky, and seven cats. And we're all going to cram in there.
I've named her Alma.
It's in pretty good condition, the windows are all bubbly (what a bummer) and the toilet had a leaky connection from the water so the carpet is out of the bathroom right now so the floor can dry. The furnace and water heater are new, the fridge only works on gas (the covering is off of it so it's just like brown paper on the face, does anyone know what I can put over that?) and only one of the three roof fans work. I've gone through a bottle of Krud Kutter already (awesome stuff) and a bottle of Windex and a pack of paper towels but it's coming along. I'm hoping to make some curtains, which is going to be quite the task since I don't have a sewing machine and am no great talent. I'd also like to replace the carpet with some peel and stick tile, I've always wanted black and white tiles so I'm thinking I might as well go for the retro look now (a little anxious about them looking cheesy though, since they are peel and stick, so I havent taken the plunge to buy any yet...but that's what's in the budget range). It does have the vacuum (minus the long metal piece..hmm), and a dishmaster (which I think may be broke, the faucets leak a little...anyone have any tips on how to remove the dishmaster or tighten leaks please let me know) and these cool little lights in each closet and the outdoor storage compartments. The doorbell doesnt work, which is a tragedy, I cant even find a box for it though so I cant wiggle any wires or anything. Overall I think it was a good buy, I'm a little anxious that I paid a bit too much for it but, well I cant complain now. If anyone has any tips for cleaning screens I'd like to hear them, I'm not going to take them out of the windows so I figure I'll wash them with a sponge and some soapy water and then use a spray bottle from the inside to rinse them off.
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06-13-2010, 12:35 PM
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#2
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Rivet Master
2007 23' International CCD
Lapeer
, Michigan
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 7,080
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Hey Monax, let's see pics of the family. I think a blog on your progress would be awesome. We will be rooting for you. Let us know if you get in the Metro Detroit area. Sure would like to meet you. Animal people are primo and you certainly have that covered! Congratulations on a great looking Airstream. Looking forward to seeing what you do with her.
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06-15-2010, 12:11 PM
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#3
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3 Rivet Member
1975 31' Excella 500
undetermined
, Washington
Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 125
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Ok, you asked for photos so here they are
I moved from WA to ME 2.5 years ago and just came back. We've put about 8000 miles on the truck so far (pickup with a cabover camper, the AS is gonna be so roomy after that!)
My Great Dane Jimmy and me at the Grand Canyon
Sweetgrass the Husky
Ruby
Munchkin
Nermal
Kinky
Arthur and Garfield
And Chester
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06-15-2010, 02:11 PM
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#4
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Rivet Master
2007 23' International CCD
Lapeer
, Michigan
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 7,080
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Thanks for the pictures. You've got some beautiful animals! I can't imagine turning over in bed in the truck camper to be very easily executed with all those bunk mates. That's some pack. Are Authur Garfield and Chester the same kind of cat? They look unique to me. That's a great shot of Munchkin. Now Nermil looks like an orange Garfield to me. And Ruby's a beauty. All that extra room in the Airstream will make it nice to give everyone their own nook and cranny. It's nice to not have to be overlapping everywhere you sit. We just went bigger ourselves.
There's a new book out, Frenemies, with pictures of cats and dogs together. Images: Cats and dogs become 'Frenemies' - Books
We have a german shepherd, a bordercollie/lab mix and a big striped orange cat and they are a hoot to watch interact with each other.
Washington is a gorgeous state. I visited the Olympic National Park and Port Angeles areas and thought it was wonderful, though a bit wet. I love all those trees and mountains and rugged coast. The flowers were also breathtaking and I really enjoyed Hurricane Ridge, like the alps to me...think flatlander. Where will you be staying?
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06-15-2010, 02:33 PM
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#5
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Site Team
1974 31' Sovereign
Ottawa
, ON
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 11,219
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Great photos! Cats always look at you like you are a bother, don't they?
__________________
“Courage is being scared to death, but saddling up anyway.” ...John Wayne...........................
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06-15-2010, 03:09 PM
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#6
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Rivet Master
1983 34' Excella
1967 24' Tradewind
Little Rock
, Arkansas
Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 3,825
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Welcome!
I've been reading your other posts. Nice looking Excella, we'll need interior photos too. Great family photos. I agree about Ruby, I always had a soft spot for Calico's. I had one that I kept several generations of descendants. First the white disappeared and they were black and yellow. Finally the last litter had solid blacks and solid yellows.
As far as the fridge fronts go, those panels are removable. You could pull them and cover with anything you like. I have see some that were reversible. The back of yours may (or may not) have another finish on them already. Even if not, that side may be easier to change. You should be able to locate a pdf of the manual for your fridge online that will give you more information.
The doorbell didn't work when I got my Excella either. It turned out that the button had not been used in so long that it was not making contact. Fiddling with it for a while, a long while while going in and out, freed it up and it started working. The bell itself is on the front wall under the sofa (It looks like we have different floor plans). It really only made a slight "tink-tink" sound rather than a robust "ding-dong." That's the norm, I believe.
As far as the black and white tile floor goes, check out Klattu's 345 motorhome, Liberator. Red and White diamond pattern dinette with black and white tile floor and matching tabletop. Very nice. Even a matching outfit. You need to check out Klattu's photos. Beautiful job on the 345. They really look like they are having a great time. If your black and white tile job comes out like this, no worries about cheesy at all.
Keep us informed. I'll be watching your progress.
__________________
Vaughan
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06-15-2010, 04:17 PM
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#7
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Rivet Master
1970 27' Overlander
Espanola
, Full Timer
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,753
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Great looking Cats! I have some red tabbies myself. welcome and good luck...might want to look into a shark hand held vacume cleaner.
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06-15-2010, 05:01 PM
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#8
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New Member
1970 23' Safari
logandale
, Nevada
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 2
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Ok, I'm just going to jump into this posting thing and hope I do it right. We (Bob the brawn and tech end and Trish (me) the design\sewing\upholstery end) are working on our first Airstream project. If your interested there is a blog rgrunion.blogspot.com with info and pics. I have always wanted a small Airsteam and like most projects this one keeps growing in scale. But I wanted to Thank all that take the time to post questions and provide solutions we have gained invaluable knowledge that has really helped us technically and inspiration wise
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06-18-2010, 12:04 AM
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#9
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3 Rivet Member
1975 31' Excella 500
undetermined
, Washington
Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 125
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All the boy kitties are brothers except Munchkin, all from the same litter too
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