...And Then it Went Horribly Wrong.

[j54mark]

Friday I decided I'd install a new Fluorescent light fixture over the lounge area. Upon reflection I decided I wanted a 30 watt surface mount there - it will have to be ordered. In addition, I discovered that Airstream had been putting fluorescents under the end cap bins as well. This sounded like a good idea, so I bought a 15 watt Thin Lite fixture which is narrow enough to fit between the front and the curtains.

And then it all went so very, very wrong.

I had long planned to paint that end cap, so it only made sense to do that first. And to do that the curtains need to come down. We have had a new set ready to install this past year or more, so I'll do that too. To do the painting, the assembly holding the radio and the two tambour doors have to come out, and I have wanted to replace the radio with a new one that has a CD player. So the radio is out now also. but it turns out the old radio used a common ground for the speakers, and new ones don't. I have no idea how to deal with that, but I'll see a radio repairman friend tomorrow. And I had to take down the oak side valences to mask off the end cap. One of them has some deterioration caused by 20 year's exposure to the sun, so it is currently soaking up some Rot Doctor epoxy. While they are down would be the perfect time to wall paper the bulkhead between the lounge credenza and the refrigerator. And the couch needs some minor repairs.

The abs plastic end cap has been patched with plastic epoxy, primed with plastic compatible primer, and now is painted in something called American Accents Stone Creations - a light beige color called "Bleached Stone". It is a textured finish, not unlike Zolotone, but with less texture. It currently awaits clear coat. The tambour will be painted a complementary color tomorrow.

Anyway, its getting dark, and the photo below is the current state of affairs. In the top center you can see the wires where the 30 watt light fixture is to go that was the start of all this mess.

Mark

[overlander63]

A quick and easy way to get around the ground problem with the speakers is to run the ground wires for the speakers to, well, ground. If I read your post right, you have either one ground wire for both speakers, or the speakers ground to the skin of the trailer. Make sure the instructions for the radio don't forbid this. Attach the two speaker ground wires coming out of the radio right to the body of the trailer (ground). Then make sure the speakers do the same. This was an early way to reduce wiring in our coaches. Two wires instead of four.
Good luck with the rest of your light replacement from he!!.
Terry

[Ken J]

As someone said a long time ago, if it isn't one thing, its another - the good part is you have all of us to cheer you on.

Ken

[thenewkid64]

What we have here folks is a full blown case of the "Might as wells". As in "since I am doing this I might as well do that too". This is a disease that is almost as hard to cure as the dreaded aluminitus. I know of only two cures. One is to buy a BRAND NEW trailer. They never need any thing done, right? The other is to do a complete interior redo, down to the last rivet so there is nothing left to do but enjoy the coach!

[BobbyW]

1. aftereffect
2. aftermath
3. backlash
4. backwash
5. causatum
6. chain reaction
7. consequence
8. corollary
9. development
10. event
11. fallout
12. flak
13. follow through
14. follow up
15. issue
16. outcome
17. outgrowth
18. pursuance
19. reaction
20. repercussion
21. response
22. sequel
23. sequence
24. side effect
25. spin-off
26. waves

[Condoluminum]

We started with simple fix for small fan, with replacement Fantastic Fans front and rear.. While it was in the shop.... So far, the carpet and mini-blinds and bedding (rear side double/fabric headboard and matching spread and pillow covers) are all on order, and couch is being re-upholstered plus new kick panels... Not sure what else will remain before we declare victory, but I am steadfastly refusing to take paint sprayer inside trailer...

With late 80's interior of mauve, pink and maroon and cream, it was time....

(If anyone needs any pale pink curtains or mauve mini-blinds, just let us know!!)

John McG

[j54mark]

Originally Posted by argosy20

A quick and easy way to get around the ground problem with the speakers is to run the ground wires for the speakers to, well, ground.
Terry

It appears that this is no longer possible on new car stereos. The basic design does not permit this seemingly intuitive solution. I am starting a new thread on the topic.

Mark

[qqq]

That's why I'm returning to "usable" RVs like "Chas" did.

Ron

[Chuck]

Originally Posted by qqq

That's why I'm returning to "usable" RVs like "Chas" did.

Ron

WHIMPS!!! Both of you!!

seriously, this sounds just like the latest project in my house. What started off as a minor cleaning turned into a major PITA project that spanned several weekends, just because the wife couldn't leave a little piece of loose caulking alone. she HAD to pick at it. before I knew it, I had to re-install the vanity counter, (because it was never secured properly in the first place), build up a huge bow in the wall with joint compound, (3/8" gap between the wall and the backsplash in one spot), which requires several layers applied at least 24hrs apart...which would then, of course, require re-painting...so "while I'm at it...." I might as well re-set some of those drywall screws that are popping out and other blemishes...Oh, and as long as I'm going to have the paint out, I should replace this scruffy piece of baseboard....First coat of paint goes on, and it doesn't look like the paint chip...its totally UGLY....start again....yadda yadda yadda

Its just "maintenance". the house is only 10 years old. Nobody would consider that "old". but that's the kind of thing you have to do if you own a house...whether it sits on a concrete foundation, or a set of DURA-TORQUE® axles.

Unless, I suppose, you're one of them "Airstream Millionaires™" that can afford a new trailer every year or 2.

[overlander63]

Originally Posted by j54mark

It appears that this is no longer possible on new car stereos. The basic design does not permit this seemingly intuitive solution. I am starting a new thread on the topic.

Mark

I thought that may be the case, that is why I referred to the radio instructions, so it didn't let the factory-installed smoke out...
Terry

[j54mark]

Finished - maybe.

Top center - the new 30 watt light (Thin Lite 656 surface mount) that was the start of all this. I can't say enough about the light. With fluorescents in the bedroom and hall as well the coach has become a light, bright space at night. And all with a combined draw of just 75 watts - 6.25 amps.

Ceter, below bins, above couch - new Thin Lite 15 watt surface mount.

Between the two we have all the light we can use in the front lounge area. I'm just going to ignor the (now useless) airline style lamps in the corners above the couch.

Of course, the lighter end cap and the new curtains help a lot.

Note that the oak valences are not in place above the windows. It remains to be seen if they will be. Or, if so, in what form. I may just cut them down so they do not protrude so far out from the wall. I may also go with a light, perhaps even pickled finish.

Mark

[Chuck]

Looks good!

how much $ for the ceiling fixture? I was thinking that I'd like to replace my forward vent w/ a fantastic fan...but then I'd lose the light fixture that surrounds the vent opening on the 70's models.

[j54mark]

Originally Posted by chuck

how much $ for the ceiling fixture?

I got mine from www.rvpartsoutlet.com , $55.30 plus shipping. I think they are a good looking light. Not quite as nice as a recessed light, but no recessed light will fit between the ribs in that area on my coach.

They are carried by a lot of rv and boat supply houses.

Mark