Bath Overhaul 66 TW

[hippiechick]

We have gutted our 66 Tradewind and replaced the subfloor where necessary. We are working on several different areas but yesterday we started the disassembly of the fiberglass tub, toilet surround and plastic sink. We are not experts by any means and frankly plumbing is one of our least favorite tasks. But there's no turning back now. Thought I would chronicle this part of our reno separately from our general thread. Several weeks ago we faced the fact that floor replacement was necessary. So we gutted the entire trailer. We drilled the rivets holding the bath section in place and just moved it out of the way as we worked inside and out on different areas. The area around the toilet was cut by the PO for a toilet replacement. That toilet was not functional however. So some fiberglass repair is necessary. I've read lots of threads about this whole process. DH drilled rivets around the top edge of the sink holding the sink to the wall section (area under the window) these were accessible from the back side. He then drilled rivets and removed several screws from underneath which also fastened the sink to the bath section. More rivets drilled to release the top and bottom section of the sink. We then removed the shower faucet and the sink faucet. Both of which were corroded and very difficult. We used penetrating oil and a wide array of wrenches as well as a last resort on the sink faucet a hacksaw. At this point DH said not sure you want to document this hack job (wha whaa). The only thing left for full disassembly is drilling the rivets along the metal trim on the lower front to separate the bottom facade from the tub and toilet bench. We have a new Laveo dry flush toilet to install but that is going to take some heavy duty planning to get the fiberglass toilet surround to accommodate this. Pictures to follow. And more to come. Valarie

[hippiechick]

Sink section separated from tub/toilet bench

[hippiechick]

Lower section of sink unit with tub faucet still attached. Inside angle. Not sure why the pics post upside down. Can't seem to correct it even if I rotate the image and save.

[hippiechick]

Removal of the tub faucet

[hippiechick]

Underside of the top sink section. Using penetrating oil to loosen up the bolts on the sink faucet. Note the plywood support. The fiberglass is glued to this plywood. Ours is broken but after several attempts to separate it we decided we will use glue or epoxy to repair as it was very difficult to separate them and we didn't want to risk cracking the sink top even more than it already is. It has some small cracks around the facet base. We also used a dremel to cut the nuts holding the faucet in place as we felt the pressure in trying to wrench them off was putting the fiberglass at risk for further cracks.

[hippiechick]

Removing the sink drain. After many attempts to loosen it we resorted to the hacksaw

[hippiechick]

Tub and toilet bench section without sink but with all the gunk that was behind it.

[Cochese]

Here's what I did with my 65....


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[hippiechick]

Originally Posted by Cochese

Here's what I did with my 65....Attachment 267187


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That looks very professional and functional. Did I say wow? Wow nice job! Could you tell me more about your process and the products you used. Love the stainless? sink top. How did you modify the fiberglass on the toilet side? Wow, again. Valarie.

[hippiechick]

Cochese, Is the original layout of the bathroom the same in 65 and 66?

[Boxcardawg]

Been there, STILL doing that on our '64 22" Safari...Haven't removed the tub, but am replacing the sink & sink area. Removed and refreshed ALL cabinetry w/stain & paint. Would like to follow your project and share "fails" and successes! Good Luck!

Mike in San Diego y Playas de TJ, Mexico

[Cochese]

Yes the layout is the same. I had an auto body shop cut the bench & fiberglass the turndown on that you see. They also painted the tub/sink pieces. Eliminating the bench required extensive plumbing work & relocating the battery,but I like the look & functionality of the toilet!

[J Ingersoll]

What did they use to paint the tub? I have a price of $750 to $900 to refinish our tub/sink combo for our 1964 22' Safari.

[Cochese]

I believe it was Imron paint. I found this shop to do fiberglass & prep for $350!

[Hittenstiehl]

Cochese, very nice, is the sink a drop in? Can't quite tell from pic.

[Cochese]

Kind of! It's a mixing bowl from a restaurant supply. The top is three pieces of stainless I had made at a metal shop, if I had to do it again, ( and I might!) it will be welded together. The overall cost at the time kept me from having it welded, but it still looks great regardless, just have to keep an eye on the siliconed joints!


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[Hittenstiehl]

Okay, that makes sense. Salad Bowl and two sides of the sink surround.

It looks fantastic. Another nice idea saved to my someday file.

[hippiechick]

Cochese, if ours turns out half that good I'll be happy. Thanks for the inspiration picture and the info. Many professional kitchens have SS counters. I wonder if a countertop vendor could fabricate this or are the angles and details just too complex? Valarie

[Cochese]

I would hope they could make it! The cost might be a little high though. A local Sheetmetal shop did my countertops in the kitchen area.