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InsideOut · 02-04-2009, 04:16 PM

We've also selected our countertop laminate...

utee94 · 02-04-2009, 04:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by InsideOut

We've also selected our countertop laminate...

...yes... well...?

by the way, where are you sourcing both the marmoleum and laminate?

-Marcus

InsideOut · 02-04-2009, 04:26 PM

Sorry I hit send too soon...

...it has a real "retro" look to it, very similar to laminates of the 50's. The color is a spot on match with the background color of our Zolatone - a "light chocolate milk" color and kinda looks like fabric. Nevamar Vision Vava #VA-2002

Shari

InsideOut · 02-04-2009, 04:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by utee94

...yes... well...?

by the way, where are you sourcing both the marmoleum and laminate?

-Marcus

I'm a Commercial Interior Designer...so I am able to get alot of the materials at cost from vendors I use. The linoleum we are having installed by the same guy that did our '64 GT Gerry Lynch - Lynch Floorcovering. He did a fabulous job on the first one...so we're having him do it again.

We haven't yet purchased the laminate - so I'm not sure exactly who we are going to get it from.

Shari

InsideOut · 03-16-2009, 09:58 PM

It's been a couple of weeks since I last posted to this thread...but we have been busy, Busy, BUSY working on Birdy!

We got the linoleum installed...we're really happy with how it ties the Zolatone & the cabinet finish sample together. There is woodwork between the floor and the walls everywhere in this trailer and the grey & orange-ish flecks in the linoleum are a perfect blend of the walls and the wood.

Shari

wkerfoot · 03-16-2009, 09:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by InsideOut

It's been a couple of weeks since I last posted to this thread...but we have been busy, Busy, BUSY working on Birdy!

We got the linoleum installed...we're really happy with how it ties the Zolatone & the cabinet finish sample together. There is woodwork between the floor and the walls everywhere in this trailer and the grey & orange-ish flecks in the linoleum are a perfect blend of the walls and the wood.

Shari

Shari,

Did you use sheet, squares or click panels?

Bill

InsideOut · 03-16-2009, 10:00 PM

We used the sheet linoleum and had the one seam welded. We have had the same (different color) in our '64 GT for 8 years and love it.

Shari

InsideOut · 03-16-2009, 10:11 PM

We also decided on the wood finish and got to work on the first batch of cabinets. Being that we are doing this whole thing in our garage instead of an oversized shop, we figure it will take about four or five batches of finishing.

We have two different formulas for the color-matching of old birch and new solid &/or birch veneers. For the old wood (which is oxidized with age) we are using one coat of a 4:1 ratio of clear to amber Shellac. The new wood (which is lighter) we are using one coat of straight amber Shellac. Then each are coated withe four coats of General Finishes Arm-R-Seal Urethane in a Gloss finish.

Shari

InsideOut · 03-16-2009, 10:18 PM

We used some long reach clecos to test fit the uppers before riveting them in place. Worked great!

Shari

InsideOut · 03-16-2009, 10:33 PM

The inside of the upper cabinets were painted with an oil based paint that is pretty close in color to natural birch. The original angles that held the upper cabinets to the walls were pretty rough...we used a shrinker/stretcher to bend a continuous extruded aluminum angle instead of the snipped/bent sheet aluminum. The cabinets and angles were all originally Zolatone (then painted by the PO) so it all blended together. Now that there is contrast between the wood and angle, it had to be cleaned up. Here's a pic of the angle for the curbside upper before it was installed....the streetside angle is the same but not curved.

Shari

InsideOut · 03-16-2009, 10:54 PM

Then we riveted the uppers in place. The doors, drawers, medicine cabinet, dresser & kitchen cabinets are all done too. They are just set aside waiting to be installed. Next batch is the wall panels and shelving - which is all new birch using the old panels for templates and the closet & bathroom door frames which are all old wood. I was busy all weekend cutting the panels and stripping/prepping the frames...we hope to get them finished this week and complete by the end of the weekend. Then it will be on to the dinette and the beds ~

Also on tap, we ordered our Precision Temp ShowerMate insta-hot water heater today. Should arrive in about a week or so. Then Mr. InsideOut will get serious with the plumbing...in the meantime, he is working on making a new drip cap for over the door and polishing the vent stacks.

One last thing, we finally tested the 53 year old fridge...it worked! At least on propane...the electrical functions need some work, but gas is fine by me! That was a huge relief to my wallet...not having to buy a new fridge or have this one fixed!

Now we can get to work cleaning this baby up ~

This is the fun part...putting things together and seeing progress.

Shari

utee94 · 03-18-2009, 10:10 AM

Beautiful work on the cabinets, Shari. The interior is going to look amazing.

-Marcus

Sheridan · 03-18-2009, 09:27 PM

Shari, could it be you who is giving the Zolatone demo at the FCU Vintage Rally? Hope so, I'll be there ready to spatter.

Dan

InsideOut · 03-18-2009, 10:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sheridan

Shari, could it be you who is giving the Zolatone demo at the FCU Vintage Rally? Hope so, I'll be there ready to spatter.

Dan

No, unfortunately we aren't going to be able to attend the FCU Rally...we are trying to get OUR restoration project done for this season - can't afford a weekend away this spring. Maybe next year ~

However, we will be having lots of restoration seminars at the RMVAC Rally...and our trailer will be done and there!

Shari

Sugarfoot · 03-21-2009, 06:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by InsideOut

Then we riveted the uppers in place. The doors, drawers, medicine cabinet, dresser & kitchen cabinets are all done too. They are just set aside waiting to be installed. Next batch is the wall panels and shelving - which is all new birch using the old panels for templates and the closet & bathroom door frames which are all old wood. I was busy all weekend cutting the panels and stripping/prepping the frames...we hope to get them finished this week and complete by the end of the weekend. Then it will be on to the dinette and the beds ~

Also on tap, we ordered our Precision Temp ShowerMate insta-hot water heater today. Should arrive in about a week or so. Then Mr. InsideOut will get serious with the plumbing...in the meantime, he is working on making a new drip cap for over the door and polishing the vent stacks.

One last thing, we finally tested the 53 year old fridge...it worked! At least on propane...the electrical functions need some work, but gas is fine by me! That was a huge relief to my wallet...not having to buy a new fridge or have this one fixed!

Now we can get to work cleaning this baby up ~

This is the fun part...putting things together and seeing progress.

Shari

Things are looking great. Congrats on the working fridge. Those old vintage units give so much personality to the coach.

Just curious as far as your tankless H2O heater, was there a particular reason you went with the ShowerMate instead of an RV500 or a Twin Temp model?

InsideOut · 03-22-2009, 10:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sugarfoot

Things are looking great. Congrats on the working fridge. Those old vintage units give so much personality to the coach.

Thanks! We were thrilled the fridge works...it's so cool!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sugarfoot

Just curious as far as your tankless H2O heater, was there a particular reason you went with the ShowerMate instead of an RV500 or a Twin Temp model?

Yes. The RV500 is basically a replacement for a regular water heater - it requires a large hole on the side of the trailer. The ShowerMate can be installed so it vents out the bottom. The Twin Temp Jr. and Twin Temp are essentially the the same as the Shower Mate, except they have added cabin heating functions which we didn't want or need - the Jr. has fewer zones. And finally, cost:

RV500 - $1054
ShowerMate - $1450
Temp Temp JR. - $3250
Twin Temp - $4650

The reason we went with tankless to begin with is two-fold:

1) all our plumbing is up front and we didn't want the added weight of carrying water up there
2) aesthetics - we didn't want a ugly cover on the side of the trailer

Shari

Sugarfoot · 03-22-2009, 10:08 AM

Thanks, Shari. Elvis will be going tankless and eventually the Tradewind, but I hadn't even considered the ShowerMate. Good info.

Sheridan · 03-22-2009, 10:58 AM

Shari,
If I went for the ShowerMate for my 65 Caravel, do you think I could vent it out through the original Bowen shroud on the side of my trailer? Some people think those old aluminum Bowen shrouds are ugly, I personally think they're a work of art and much prefer it over Atwood type covers.

Dan

InsideOut · 03-22-2009, 03:48 PM

The ShowerMate has a flexible S.S. hose vent...I don't see why it couldn't be rigged up to go behind a Bowen shroud. I totally agree, I think they are very cool!!!! Birdy didn't have one, but Maxwell does. If/when we change out Maxwell's water heater we will do whatever it take to keep the Bowen shroud.

Shari

Zeppelinium · 03-23-2009, 08:11 AM

Visited Shari and her workshop on Friday. Wow! The Zolatone in Birdie is as great looking as the photos, maybe better. I asked if she had re-skinned the inside, since I couldn't see any old holes. Nope, put a pop rivet in the hole, Zolatone it, and it is totally invisible!

Shari's work in rescuing the old cabinetry is amazing--it preserves that great 30s look. Can't wait to see it installed. This is a shot of her small but well-organized back yard.

Shari, thanks for the tour!!