30-something, Oklahoma, full-time hopefuls 1973 Ambassador

[AaronAndBrit]

Hey there, We are Aaron and Brit. We have already spent HOURS digesting information here on AirForums and we are already indebted to the community here! We just bought a 29' 1973 Ambassador for $4000. We've named her Eleanor and started gutting. We have given ourselves 7 months to get her in shape. Major projects on the roster include:

Stopping leaks and replacing the curbside wing window.
Replacing 8 feet of the front and back subfloor.
Replacing hot water heater to tankless
Refinishing all bathroom surfaces and painting
Craft new counters and platform bed(s)

We'll keep you updated!

[Belegedhel]

Welcome to the Forums, and good luck on your restoration. 7 months is an aggressive timeline. If your axles are original, you should add replacing them to your list of chores.

good luck!

[Stefrobrts]

Congrats on your new adventure!

Keep your new cabinetry as lightweight as possible, and balanced from right to left. Keep the weight forward of the axles whenever possible (like when locating tanks).

Don't be surprised if you find some frame repairs necessary once you get the floors removed for repairs. Mine had a number of cracked spots.

If you want to full-time, you should look into a composting toilet. It would simplify your water system quite a bit, and it sounds like they work really well if you maintain them correctly. These guys have a pretty convincing series of videos about it on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list...z3OuVpJbZWBh2H

Good luck!

[AaronAndBrit]

Thanks for all the feedback! Yeah, we're trying to plan the weight distribution of the major things well.

And for the frame, luckily we have a welder friend who we are already planning to make a crossbar and hold down plate, so that's good.

Two weeks into renovating, and i find myself so frustrated that all the parts must be ordered online. We'll spend 1/4 of our reno budget on shipping at this rate

My (Hopeful!) timeline:
Fix all the leaks! (and purchase all the new appliances)--6 weeks
Fix front and back subfloor/frame/bumper--8-9 weeks
Run any new plumbing/electric for new appliances-2 weeks
Scrub and repaint interior--2-3 weeks
Install appliances, fabricate all furnishings and install--8 -10 weeks
Finish up and move in by Sept 1!

[cwf]

Welcome aboard!
Leaks are like shaving... you get used to it...and address when necessary.
Fix 'plumbing' before the flooring and underbelly.

Take LOTS of pictures. Using 'tiny pic' seems to work ..