Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 


Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 12-20-2004, 08:59 PM   #1
Rivet Master
 
mello mike's Avatar
 
1958 26' Overlander
Mesa , Arizona
Join Date: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,742
Images: 53
Refurbishing the Interior of my '72 Sovereign

Well after several weeks of preparation (basically chasing and eliminating several leaks), I'm about to begin the process of refurbishing the interior of my Sovereign. This particular Airstream was abused with dark blue and pink paint on the walls and the overall interior is in need of some serious cleaning and TLC, though the trailer is basically sound with a solid floor and all appliances in working order. Unfortunately, the sofa, fold-out table, and credenza were removed by previous owners, so I'll have to replace them eventually with something suitable.

Link to old interior:
http://www.airforums.com/photo...sort/1/cat/500


Although we like the basic layout of our Sovereign, my wife and I hate the dark, 70s interior paneling and walls, so that will be the focus of our refurbishing effort--to lighten and brighten the interior. So, we decided to go with two maple finishes, a darker laminate for the cabinets, walls, and closets, and a lighter maple Pergo wood for the floors.

The cabinets, walls, and closets will be refaced with a Wilsonart Laminate called Monticello Maple, which is a hair less than 1/32 of an inch thick. Nearly all of the old tambour doors are shot, so they will be replaced with new ones painted a light gray. But that's not all. The kitchen backsplash will be covered with aluminum flashing while the bedroom walls will be covered with an Ozite Rib fabric (a creamy, off white), which can be found in many Airstreams of today. The outer walls will be painted with an off-white color which will look great with the maple interior.

This thread will serve to cover the progress (or lack thereof) of this refurbishment effort and will document the pitfalls and accomplishments of this project for the benefit of other Airstreamers contemplating such an improvement in the future.



Thanks,
Michael Smith
__________________
1958 Overlander
2011 Wolf Creek 850N TC
2011 Ford F-250 Crewcab (6.2L), 3.73RE

WBCCI #5661/AIR #5661/TAC # AZ-6
4CU 1st VP

My '58 Overlander Restoration and Travel Blog:
https://mellomikesairstreams.blogspot.com/
mello mike is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-21-2004, 06:13 AM   #2
Rivet Master
 
mello mike's Avatar
 
1958 26' Overlander
Mesa , Arizona
Join Date: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,742
Images: 53
A link with pics showing the old interior has been added.
__________________
1958 Overlander
2011 Wolf Creek 850N TC
2011 Ford F-250 Crewcab (6.2L), 3.73RE

WBCCI #5661/AIR #5661/TAC # AZ-6
4CU 1st VP

My '58 Overlander Restoration and Travel Blog:
https://mellomikesairstreams.blogspot.com/
mello mike is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-21-2004, 07:23 AM   #3
Rivet Master
 
eljay's Avatar
 
1968 24' Tradewind
Rural, blink and you'll miss it , Missouri
Join Date: Oct 2004
Posts: 692
Images: 19
WOW! What vivid colors...I'd have nightmares...
eljay is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-21-2004, 11:42 AM   #4
a.k.a. Ambassador Tim
 
Safari Tim's Avatar
 
1960 28' Ambassador
Northern , California
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,921
Images: 35
Thanks for posting your progress. I have a '71 with the dark interior and I don't care for it either.

I like your idea of laminating the bulkheads. Love to see how it turns out.

I have project this winter as well. I pulled out the front goucho and I am building a new dinette. I'll post my progress as well.

Should be interesting. Keep it up.
__________________
-Tim
1960 International Ambassador 28'
2001 Silverado 2500HD CC 6.0L 4.10
Check out my book: Restoring a Dream
Check out my Airstream book for kids!: Airstream Adventures
theVAP - Airstream Podcast
Safari Tim is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-30-2004, 10:51 AM   #5
1 Rivet Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 5
I look forward to watching your progress. I just purchased my first A/S, '71 31' rear bath, twin bed. This forum is overpowering me with great ideas and great people. I can't wait to share my adventures and refurb mishaps.
Mike & Deb is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-14-2005, 03:46 PM   #6
2 Rivet Member
 
1986 34' Limited
South Lake Tahoe , California
Join Date: Apr 2003
Posts: 30
Color

It is possible, after removing the original finish, to bleach the the darker surface; it may also enhance the grain. Don't do this without testing the beach on a unexposed piece of the cabinet first. Thus, you may not need to add the liminate. Ernie
Ernie2007 is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
'85 Sovereign 25' j54mark 1984 - 1989 Sovereign 13 11-07-2013 11:24 AM
'78 Sovereign Awning Joan D'Andrea Awnings 6 01-03-2006 07:34 AM
1978 Sovereign Sag??? JLD General Repair Forum 2 11-17-2005 09:29 PM
Kichen remodel - 85 Sovereign 25' j54mark Cabinets, Counter Tops & Furnishings 6 10-14-2003 06:20 AM
Help with Ancient Sovereign patti 1955 - 1959 Sovereign 2 06-06-2002 02:23 PM


Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Airstream, Inc. or any of its affiliates. Airstream is a registered trademark of Airstream Inc. All rights reserved. Airstream trademark used under license to Social Knowledge LLC.



All times are GMT -6. The time now is 05:49 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.