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arodriguez60 · 04-29-2011, 02:49 PM

Thought I would post the progress of our 83-limited restoration. Have placed the photos on the forum, but have some really interesting challenges to share. We purchased the 83 limited in Las Vegas, Nevada last year for a bargain price of 3500$ Most of the interior had been taken out, and it was being renovated in a retro style. Needless to say, the photos will show that it was in progress with blue vinyl walls and black & white linoleum, which was coming off of all surfaces. The adhesive left behind had turned the walls to pink and purple splotches. So after removing the vinyl and adhesive we were faced with what to do with the walls. First we stripped off all the vinyl and used adhesive remover/stripper to get the glue off, which is tricky, if you leave the remover on too long, it pulls the original vinyl off. After researching the forum for ideas we painted oil based primer on the walls to prevent the paint from falling off. After thinking of our options we decided to place a sand based product from Lowe’s home center. Now the interior walls have a stucco look that has not cracked or peeled despite having to move the trailer and bend parts of the walls to insert a new end cap. Next we went looking for kitchen cabinets, which most commercial cabinets are quite heavy. We found some at the Habitat for Humanity re-store, which are teak. After removing excess pieces and carving out the sides, we were left with fairly light cabinets, which we stripped, sanded, and re-stained. We have just finished putting in custom ordered ½ in. aluminum mini blinds in brushed gold and will now make valances for the windows. The trailer had all of the drapery holders removed. The only things that were left in the trailer was the hall closets and microwave cabinet and most of the bathroom. Anthony had added our solar panels and we are now working on replacing some walls. We plan to take the 83 Limited to the 4th annual restoration rally in Albuquerque on 6/9-6/12/11. We still have to put in the back bedroom, flooring, the front credenza, replace the waterlines, and the bathroom. Sounds easy, but we still have many things to complete before the rally. Will keep posting pictures as we get done with the retirement home.

arodriguez60 · 04-29-2011, 03:00 PM

More photos-including the new end cap-T

arodriguez60 · 04-29-2011, 03:03 PM

Pics of the funky walls and the old end cap removed-T

vswingfield · 04-29-2011, 03:06 PM

Looking great so far. I'll be watching your progress.

How about a few details on the new end cap? Where did you get it? Mine is not terrible, but certainly could be better.

On edit, the back end cap is not great either.

arodriguez60 · 04-29-2011, 04:53 PM

We picked up the endcap at Oasis in Tucson. We went to a fcu rally at Lake pleasant and left one day and picked it up. They had it in stock. It was 519.00 + tax. Boy was it a bear to put back in. You can order them from any Airstream Dealer.

arodriguez60 · 05-03-2011, 12:22 PM

We have changed our direction for the 83 backsplash thanks to viewing the forum and borrowing the idea from several posts. Have used the thermoplastic backsplash available at Lowe's home center with good results. We have also started to mount the valances, which we will cover with our fabric. have included a before kitchen pic as well. Currently we are working on interior wall, water, and I will begin making the valance covers. We still have a few cabinets to install, then the bathroom,bedroom, and finally the floor-sounds so simple-not.

We have spent most of our free time working on this project, so hopefully we can take it to the resto rally. Maybe we can leave a few things, and hope someone can lend a hand-T

arodriguez60 · 05-03-2011, 12:30 PM

A few more pics, to include yesterdays snow in may -T

arodriguez60 · 05-09-2011, 01:03 PM

Was scanning some photos to delete in my phone and came across some that were from the time we were preping the walls for treatment. Also the area where I had had to peel off the vinyl off in the kitchen. The walls have a paint treatment that has minute traces of glitter,hard to see unless the light catches it and is like an emery-board in texture, very stucco like. When we put the new end cap in we manipulated the texture quite a bit and it did'nt crack or pop off. Hopefully it lasts as long as the trailer.

arodriguez60 · 05-09-2011, 01:05 PM

Opps, forgot the pics-lol

arodriguez60 · 05-16-2011, 01:57 PM

Here is a before and after photo of the 83's center bath-T

arodriguez60 · 06-03-2011, 03:27 PM

Here is the lastest progress on our 83 limited. We have completed the customized credenza with storage inside, the center piece slides out nicely. the dining area with storage cabinets is complete as well. All those trips to Ikea finally paid off! The couch fit snug between the kitchen counter and the credenza, so it won't slid anywhere (I hope). we still have to put in the range hood, the back bedroom area, the flooring, and the outside.We will be going to the resto rally with most of those things not completed, but she is ready for a short trip all the same.

arodriguez60 · 06-06-2011, 02:28 PM

Here is a photo of the dining area of the 83 limited renovation. We are almost road ready-we are taking it to the renovation rally this weekend-T

funkill · 06-06-2011, 03:00 PM

VERY nice!!! Have fun at the rally.

Laura

REDNAX · 06-07-2011, 04:42 AM

What a fine job underway! I especially like the "desk" versus the usual (and useless) "dinette" found in TT's. Bookmarked for reference on our next one.