1978 Sovereign Frame off

[dbj216]

Hi: The SeeLevel inductive stick on circuits and the digital read out is completely different system than the Airstream original resistive sensors and analog gages. Kinda like a dial phone compared to a smart phone.

Bill: Relived you like the SeeLevel. Most of my recommendations aren't worth a dime.

Colorado David

[wcronin4]

Zero

The SeeLevel tank sensors only work with their control unit.

I had hoped to save the OEM tank monitoring system, but my control board was burned in places and I couldn’t find a replacement. Now that I have installed the SeeLevel system, I would not want the old. This is such an inexpensive upgrade it is really a no-brainer.

I used the old wiring without issue.

[wcronin4]

I’m coming up on two years since I purchased Faith and I’m about 80 percent done with the inside. It has taken twice as long as I thought it would and cost twice as much!

We decided on sheet vinyl for flooring. Since it will be one-piece, with a myriad of things to cut around, we decided to let a pro take it on. They will be coming next week to lay the floor.

For the past week I have been working on a built-in, couch/chair hybrid. The goal was to make it light, substantial and most importantly to make it comfortable. Here is pic of progress so far. It will be disassembled and reassembled inside once the floor is installed.



The exposed wood will be painted white and the cushions will be royal blue.

Anyone know what sized beading is used on the window screens?

Bill

[Can of beans]

In my trailer it was 1/8" 0.120 Gray.

I had to order it as all the big box stores were out of it at the time due to Covid. I ordered a 250' roll and had a lot left over.

[wcronin4]

COB

Thanks for the heads up on the screen beading. Where did you purchase?

[dbj216]

Hi Bill: Seelevel a "no brainer". Fits me perfectly.

Your front room "chair sofa" looks very good. That thing was not easy to build. It will be another highlight in your Faith.

Yep, renovations take much longer and cost much more than budgeted. It's the name of the game. But quite frankly, I believe you will need to get Faith insured at a "agreed value" based on your receipts and original purchase price. Your trailer will be like a new one only half the cost, like maybe north of 40 grand. Folks would be interested in Faith for sure. It is not likely you could recover your labor costs even at $10/hr.

David

[wcronin4]

Finally got the floor in.

Now to finish building and painting the couch built-in.

Bill
Keeping Faith

[Minno]

Nice floor!


Kay

[dbj216]

Hi Bill: What product did you use and how was it to install. It looks very good. Will it take the Florida heat, or the Minnesota cold?

Your trailer may have been carpeted from the factory. That is an easy, low cost floor covering. I have a friend with a 77 Sovereign that still have the green plush carpeting in it. She likes it.

David

[wcronin4]

David

Used sheet vinyl. My Bride loathes carpet in a camper. I didn’t put it down, I paid a pro.
I know when I’m out of my wheel house.

Bill

[wcronin4]

David

I forgot. The original carpet was shag carpet. AS hid a lot of sloppy fit and finish issues with carpet.

[dbj216]

I think sheet vinyl is an excellent floor covering choice. I have glued down strip vinyl in the Overlander and it has held up pretty good. I think the engineered click type flooring isn't the best choice for a trailer. And no one except me likes carpet anymore.

David

[Can of beans]

Originally Posted by wcronin4

COB

Thanks for the heads up on the screen beading. Where did you purchase?

Straight from Amazon, local places were all out of stock at the time of Gray

[wcronin4]

Hey Everyone

While I am not posting everyday, the interior is progressing. First picture below shows all the cabinet doors ready to sand and detail before painting. I selected using a light pine and 1/4in plywood because they were light materials.

The next picture is the sofa/chair hybrid painted and installed. Foam for cushions has been ordered, fabric is in hand, and they both go to the upholsterer when the foam arrives sometime after New Year.

The other two photos are just update shots of the interior showing progress made.

Nearing completion of the interior. Then the outside. Hope to be able to complete that by April, before the Florida heat returns.

Can of Beans, thanks for the direction on screening. Checked with HD here, and they have the correct bead and tools for the job. Why do I feel like I am singularly responsible for HD's gigantic stock appreciation this year. I call it my warehouse.

Just before Christmas two years ago, I purchased a filthy, roach invested greasy mess of an Airstream. A year ago, just before Christmas, as a matter of fact Christmas Eve, I had a tumor removed from my bladder and I found out I had bladder cancer. Then earlier this year, I found out I had prostate cancer. 2020 has been an extraordinary year. What a blessing it has been to have Faith to work on this year to keep my mind off of all the treatments. So thankful for all the prayers, and to God for catching them both early enough that my prognosis is excellent.

I am grateful for the help that I received from Ian (who gave me the confidence to do a shell-off), from David, who has been an encouraging force from the beginning, Kay whose helpful tips have been timely and practical and to Harold and Joyflea who have inspired me with their awesome craftsmanship.

When I walk through Faith, I see all of you.

Thank you

[dbj216]

Merry Christmas Bill: 2021 is going to be much better and we will all begin working toward health and economic recovery. You are a great writer, you bring a lump in my throat with your last post. So glad you have your health back.

My other Sovereign friend was over today and we talked dirty, smelly, mouse infested, moldy, rusty, rotted old Airstreams. We talked about how much better we can make them at a fraction of the cost of a new one. It just take hundreds of hours of your time. Your Sovereign will be magnificent and you are getting close to making it travel ready. You can charge a nickle for a tour.

The seating area you built up front looks great. And so do the cabinet doors. It's going to be a bright, airy Sovereign, a nice place to relax.

Press on regardless...

David

[Minno]

Thank you, Bill, for the kind mention! We received a lot of help when we were doing our rebuild from the Forums, and are just trying to "pass it on" to others.

We understand all to well, your health challenges this past year, as Chris has had a similar journey. Fortunately, he also has an excellent prognosis, by the grace of God.
We hope to someday be able to walk your trailer with you. Pictures are great but never fully "show" the space!

Cheers,
Kay and Chris

[57Vintage]

Thanks for the kind words. Hope you and ours have a good holiday. Is your target to be done (or operational) for the summer?

[wcronin4]

Harold - Hope to have inside complete with all systems operational by end of February.
By then I hope we can begin to use it and shake it down before taking a long trip late spring.

I hope to have the outside cleaned up and presentable before it gets too hot.

That’s my goal.

Bill
Keeping Faith

[Iansk]

Hey Bill,

Much love to you, it’s been exciting to watch your progress and I am inspired by your tenacity. I’ve enjoyed our talks as well. While I haven’t been very active here, I have continued to follow your journey with great interest.

I look forward to the day we can shake hands, but be warned, I may go in for a hug.

Ian

[wcronin4]

Hey Everyone

Progress continues on interior cabinets. Have three left to do tomorrow and then I can begin making drawer fronts for Galley drawers.

I ordered foam for one of the living room chairs figuring I would wait and order the remaining foam after I tested it for comfort. Glad I did since the foam I received was way too firm. Another delay while I figure out what I want.

One step forward and two back.

Bill
Keeping Faith