Our new baby....1976 31' Excella 500

[txdxrider]

Well the search is over.... After months- we grabbed this 76 31 foot Excella 500 - CB, rear twins, recently polished, tanks polished, recent plumbing, AC cold, Nutone controller, cold fridge, cabinets work, center vent works... Have to add the third bunk, build in a front sleeping area, update the interior a bit- luckily nothing major- don't like the bubbles in a few of the windows from the thermal strip- but overall very well cared for.... Yet- she goes to the shop next week for a once over(brakes and bearings to get done) and a service check..... Now just coming up with a name.... Too long to be a Twinkie......

Pics coming next....

[txdxrider]

Pics...she's shiney....



Pre-awning scrub

Post awning scrub (have to hit it again)




Very clean interior..




Need to change some colors

[cwf]

Nyce!!!

[kswelsh]

Wow, she's a beauty. Congratulations and welcome

[txdxrider]

Thanks- we love the floors- have to take some better pics of it once we start cleaning her out tomorrow.

[Paddledipper]

Beautiful! I know you will enjoy it!

[txdxrider]

And off to a semi-running start then slowed a bit in making her "habitable" for the family....

Cleaned all the old stuff out - starting to strip the old 70's wallpaper off, removed the blinds, fixtures, etc...



Corner shelfs removed

Years of dirt to clean

Bye bye 1976....




Replaced the missing rock guard

[cwf]

Nice one piece!!!
Trying to decide then it hit me... FF! No, not Fantastic Fan! Fantastic Four from Marvel comics... The "cyclops"!!! One lift of his visor and you were toast!!!

[4RXLA]

On the awning scrub, zip dee has cleaning instructions and the formula for a cleaning solution that includes some bleach to get rid of the black discoloration on their website. It may be on these forums as well.


Sent from my iPad using Airstream Forums

[txdxrider]

And the work continues....

Removed the rear curtain valance for cleaning...



Cleaning for painting




Thanks to this site for the painters tape idea for the perma bead... Front rock guard sealed



Made this bead easy

[txdxrider]

Started cleaning- removing caulking and silicone from Vista windows....

What a process...

[4RXLA]

You may find that the windows will leak if you don't seal the area where the glass meets the frame. Mine leaked terribly and stained one of my curtains. I used Vulkem/sikaflex as instructed on these forums and the leaks stopped. Stopped a leak in the door window also. You have to dig out and remove all of the original gasket material to ensure good adherence.


Sent from my iPad using Airstream Forums

[txdxrider]

Oh yes, I have aluminum and clear parbond - using the instructions from this site to re-seal the windows, both frame to body and glass to frame, trying to get all the old silicone of the body first - then cleanup the interior side.

[txdxrider]

Replacing the worn out door seal....

[cwf]

Yup.. follow the instructions... use the 3M gasket stuff!! you can also use 'blue painters tape' to hold in position as you close the door while it 'sets' overnight..

[txdxrider]

Slowly progressing....
New door seal installed


Had time to put the side trim inserts in


Removed mirror and shade pull from kitchen- still removing wall paper


Prepping and painting interior screens

[4RXLA]

Where did you purchase the gasket for the entry door?


Sent from my iPad using Airstream Forums

[txdxrider]

Originally Posted by 4RXLA

Where did you purchase the gasket for the entry door?


Sent from my iPad using Airstream Forums

The gasket is the large D gasket from Vintage Trailer supply. Self adhering and I used 3M gasket glue as well.

Them and Inland RV are great for parts, gaskets, etc...

[txdxrider]

Renovations, renovations, renovations

[txdxrider]

Popped about 50 rivets filling in holes, removed from table installed rear j-trim, removed stacked window trim, finished 1/2 blue exterior trim... Whew a busy day...



Really opens up the front