72 Ambassador renovation

[dbj216]

Nice. Does it come with a wall mounted thermostat?

Smart alec David

[trashbag]

started putting the interior skins in. that reminds me I need to order more clecos

[dbj216]

Putting the inside skins back on is a major undertaking. I've never had to take them down or of course put them back up. But I'm told it is quite a job. Yep, sheet metal clamps (Clecos) are a necessity to do the job.

David

[trashbag]

I thought it would be a lot more difficult. I wouldn't want to attempt installing a full 12' length. so i'm keeping the sheets at manageable lengths. the longest piece so far is about 8'. I will probably go with longer lengths on the lower section where I don't have the curve. here is a picture of my son using his head to help hold sheet in place. ha

[trashbag]

almost finished with the new interior skins. I need to drill and run wires for rear camera and wire up the running gear and then I can put the last 2 pieces in place. it's all down hill from here. right? ha!

[Hittenstiehl]

Here you go

[Minno]

Ummm, ya sure. Downhill.....
More on the order of exciting and frustrating all at the same time! Just doesn't seem to go fast enough.

BUT, you'll get there! The grunge stuff is done.


Kay

[trashbag]

end caps and wheel wells complete. next step is to layout bathroom and tank placement

[dbj216]

You're making progress for sure. Bathroom layouts are a challenge sometimes. I wonder if you are changing to a rear bedroom and a mid bath layout? I kept my 75 Overlander 27' rear bath. A rear bath is bigger that a mid bath, but a mid bath allows more privacy in the bedroom, especially of other family members are traveling with on the trip.

I'm changing my son's 69 Globetrotter 21' to a rear bed (oversized twin is all that will fit) and a mid bath. The new "powder room" half bath will be bigger and nicer than the factory fiberglass wet bath affair, but it takes up floor space. I lose 9" of galley counter space, but I think it will be worth it. The trailer will sleep three comfortably when done. Two in front on the convertible dinette, and one in the back. Everyone will have access to the bathroom if needed.

David

[trashbag]

yes we are moving the rear bath to a mid bath

[trashbag]

cleaned up and painted window frame. going with a black and silver color scheme so we painted frames a black semi gloss. it is nice having the windows fully operational again. finished framing out bathroom walls and started layout the rest of the interior.

[steinVT]

The blacked out frames looks nice. A very clean, distinctive look.

Curious what you are using for framing, steel or aluminum? And what gauge/thickness ? - Mark

[trashbag]

the bathroom walls are 2-1/2" 25ga steel. i'm just using it on the bathroom walls to hide the plumbing. for the cabinet frames i will be using aluminum angle. i have some salvaged aluminum floor base and outdoor bleacher cross braces. i will post photos of that when i get further along

[trashbag]

installed the chimney for wood burning stove. this should be the last hole i need to cut into roof. will probably add another coat of roof paint to seal it all up. also going to get the top coat sealer. as you can see from photos the roof has stained quite a bit

[Zam1123]

How did your Reno go?

[Manning G]

Having fallen down the same rabbit hole, may I observe that you have not purchased a mobile camping outfit, but rather, a consuming and expensive construction hobby.
Have fun and don't get hurt! Cheers, Manning

[trashbag]

got the outside all finished up. eventually new fabric on the old awnings. haven't worked on hub cabs yet. now to start working on the inside.

[dbj216]

It appears nicely polished. A shiny Airstream always draws attention. I bet you will find the interior renovation will be the most time consuming. At least it is for me.

David

[trashbag]

the outside was very time consuming. removing old caulk, rebuilding windows, polishing and working around the weather. i didn't think it would ever be done. i have never worked on an airstream before so it was all new to me. the interior stuff like building cabinets i am familiar with. hopefully it will go much quicker

[Minno]

We spent 4 years with the trailer up on cement blocks in the back yard just to get her to the point that insurance would cover her on the road: "75% functional and 100% roadworthy", then another 2 years to finish cabinetry. And that was without polishing! Worth every minute. Takes maintenance every year too. Now we have a new interior aluminum segmented headliner from Colin Hyde to install in the spring. Just have to figure out how to do it....


Kay