Norma Jean's Australian restoration!

[ROBERTSUNRUS]

Originally Posted by amysemmens

Thank you everyone!! Latest news is that we replaced the flat tyre that my husband could not get off! The tyre place said something about left hand thread....haha. I won't tell you what Dean said about Americans...He also removed the bellypan and the frame underneath looks pretty good. There are a few bits that need replacing but being a welder he's got that covered! She goes in tmrw to get a quote to replace the damaged panels and windows and re-skinning the door. Attachment 231869
Attachment 231870
Attachment 231871

Hi, I think the left hand threaded lug nuts are a thing of the past and you're not the first to be baffled by them. But if you look very closely you should find a few common marks that indicate "Left hand Threads".

Left hand lug nuts usually have little cut marks on the hex corners and the studs will have an "L" stamped into the end.

[Melody Ranch]

It looks like the floor is a chip board material. This needs more of a close look.

[amysemmens]

You're right Melody, the floor is se sort of chipboard and won't be staying in there!

[amysemmens]

Some**

[safari62]

Originally Posted by amysemmens

You're right Melody, the floor is se sort of chipboard and won't be staying in there!

I am so happy to hear that. And to think even some modern Airstreams used this material.

[amysemmens]

Can anyone tell me please if these window sills are available anywhere? They made mince meat out of mine 😩
Also the brackets that hold the glass in?
Here we are rolling in to the aircraft engineers yard.

[NavyCorpsman]

Australia is a beautiful place. Ive been to Freemantle/Perth WA twice by sea. The folks there are the real deal, and the friendliest people you would ever want to meet. No kidding. It would be a dream come true to see Australia in an Airstream.
My last Destroyer, the USS Elliot (DD-967), is now at the bottom of the Coral Sea just off Fraiser Island. Part of me is there too.
Wishing you guys all the best
Clayton

[danjoe91]

I don't know about $80,000, but I have been inside that trailer called 'Wanda', at HofArc, and no one does a better job with every detail. It is a beautiful work of art.

[amysemmens]

Well it's been a while but finally we're making progress!! The insurance has come through, we've had the interior panels mostly removed and lifting the shell this weekend. We'll take the chassis home to repair and fit new floor, and leave the body at the shop for panel and window repairs. Between the 3 of us there's 2 boilermakers who are very handy, one of them is not me. I'm a great supervisor tho. Despite their cleverness, any advice on the best way to lift the shell and any hints would be appreciated! Stay tuned!

[amysemmens]

And here she is in two pieces!! The chassis came with us, and the body stayed at the factory.

[Rocinante]

Looks like a major step completed there. Congratulations, and Onward!

Can't wait to see her back together again.

[cwbiii]

When I did my shell off, I chose to use Marine grade Plywood to resurface it.
It is quite a bit more expensive but will last a lot longer than any other grade.
I also fiber-glassed the outer foot over the edges just to make sure any water that leaked in via the shell had no way to attack the floor without being noticed. It was a lot of work to get to the point where you can replace the floor, so make it a once in a lifetime event.
You've probably seen some of the rigs people have made to be able to be able to flip the frame over for easy restoration work. Having done mine without that I will make one for the next restoration.

Chuck

[groovzilla]

hi amy - glad you were able to resolve the shipping damage - you've put a lot of time and energy into getting that trailer delivered - still can't believe the way it was "stuffed" into the container.

looking forward to seeing the work progress - all the best from seattle!

[amysemmens]

It's been a while since my last update. But we are finally making progress! The insurance co paid up, and we have begun panel replacement!! Still a long way to go but better than being at a standstill...also, looking for 1 or ideally 2 hinges for the external door in door. One was damaged in transit and no longer available, if anyone knows of any salvage/spares around it would be great to know!
Any

[thumbelinadj]

Girl. You motivated me to pull the trigger too! We are going to have our Airstreams done!!

[amysemmens]

It's been a long and slow process finding time to get started, but finally my husband has moved the airstream to his workshop and is getting started this week! Stay tuned! Here's where she's currently at...

[amysemmens]

We've repaired and repainted the chassis, refit the body, removed damaged exterior panels and interior panels, wiring and insulation. Currently on the hunt for a step that will fold up and integrate into the belly pan, if that makes sense? Among 1000 other things. Hoping to stay on track and keep this thread up to date for anyone interested. [emoji3]

[GeocamperAS]

Very interested.

[amysemmens]

My husband has been working on the airstream this week, getting it ready for new panels. Here's some before and afters of the mangled window frames, he did an amazing job repairing them.

[Rocinante]

Props for the legit metalworking skills! Thanks for sharing progress as you go.