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cyarawamai wonders about aluminum

cyarawamai cyarawamai is offline

1 Rivet Member

About Me

  • About cyarawamai
    City
    Kamuela
    State/Province
    Hawaii
    Country
    UNITED STATES
    Gender
    female
    Trailer #1
    1963 24' Tradewind

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  • Last Activity: 10-31-2010 12:08 AM
  • Join Date: 07-06-2010
  • Referrals: 0

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Posted 07-06-2010 at 08:01 PM by cyarawamai Comments 3
Posted in Uncategorized
We just recently purchased a 63 Tradewind trailer.
I have been checking your site to find a "how to" step by step renovation plan. I would like to gut and strip the interior, rewire, and make it a "green" and newly renovated Airstream. Do you have any suggestions or where to start? I am presently taking out the curtains, appliances, etc.
Any advice would be appreciated.
I am new to this, so thank you in advance.
Recent Comments
double posted by accident...
Posted 07-07-2010 at 04:40 PM by Dakota's Mom Dakota's Mom is offline
Ditto, cyarawamai! Oh,...
Posted 07-07-2010 at 04:33 PM by Dakota's Mom Dakota's Mom is offline
[URL="https://www.airforums.com/forums/../../47865-cyarawamai.html"]cyarawamai[/URL],

heres a brief outline for you, i am by no means an expert but since you havent gotten many answers yet, this is a start;

1. Systems check. Does everything work? toilet, sink, pumps, inverter, reefer, oven, lights, exterior lights, plumbing, LP. does everything work on a battery and when plugged into shore power? Note what works and what doesnt.

2. Is the floor soft in any sports? this indicates water damage and the floor may have to be replaced. (if so, search forums for "shell off").

2. gut the interior. take pics, LOTS of pics, so you know where things go when you put it back together. Keep everything, even if its junk, so you can use the old item as a template or in case you find it cannot be replaced.

3. Open up an interior wall panel or 2 , or maybe just take outlet covers off and check the wiring for corrosion, etc. if all lights work and wiring looks good, you might consider keeping it as is. you might be able to avoid pulling out the interior panels. If not, remove all interior panels, go ahead and replace wiring and put in new insulation. If the insulation in the walls is wet or looks like it has been wet, the wiring might need to be replaced along with insulation.

4. Come up with a plan - will you re-use the same floor plan and layout or create a new one? will you add wiring for an a/c unit if you don't have one? does the existing plumbing work for your new layout , or will you rip out plumbing and re-do w/ pex? part of your new plan should be customizing it for your use. are you a couple or will you be traveling with kids? Do you boondock often or will you be camping at campgrounds mostly? weekend trips or longer excursions (which will require more storage)? will you integrate TV, A/C, etc? Will you add a gray tank or use a portable 'blue' tank?

the following items can be done according to your own schedule and plans as needed;

* You'll most likely need a new axle and wheels (especially if they are split rim) and tires

* Are all windows tight and leak free? if not, fix.

* replace plywood sub-floor, if necessary

* run new wiring inside walls w/ new converter/dist panel/charger / batteries set up. replace interior panels

* New fan? vent cover? skylight?

*Paint interior / replace flooring (marmoleum or cork for eco-friendly)

* re-do plumbing , LP pipes if necessary and according to plan

* replace a/c, water heater, furnace (LP), water pump if necessary.

* bathroom - new toilet? sink? shower? tub?

* refinish wood components, and cabinets or re-build according to your plan, then install / reinstall

*install countertop, fridge (LP / 12v?), oven or cooktop, micro if needed, sink

* interior finishes: hardware, upholstery & curtains

Note: read though some of the completed restorations/ renovations here on the forums before making a plan or even gutting. come up with a budget, and think about what would happen if you had to go over budget (we nearly doubled ours).

read through the forums and do the research on which kind of appliances you will purchase before you begin. so for example - if you decide you will use a LP furnace, you can run the lines for it from the start instead of going back and ripping out the new cabinets you made to run propane lines for it later.

i am nearing completion on my 62 globetrotter. i couldnt have done it w/o the help on these forums.

edit: also, POST PICS! you'll get a lot more feedback and suggestions.
Posted 07-07-2010 at 01:17 PM by
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