little things

Sometimes it's the little things that make the biggest difference, at least for me.  It doesn't matter how pulled together a space is if it doesn't look well cared for.  Even though we're in a time crunch getting ready for our first camping trip the first weekend of September, I can't resist the little things or the last minute decisions.

yuck

There is a row of overhead cabinets with flip-up doors that run down both sides of the trailer.  On the inside of each the heavy vinyl-type wall covering had lifted at the seam, exposing the old red adhesive.   I used some weld-bond glue and secured it overnight with some painter's tape and voila!

isn't that nice?

So worth the effort, and since I had everything on had I count that as FREE too.  My husband might disagree (we did buy the glue and tape honey...) but it's my blog, and my math :)

A last-minute, just-before-I-painted-it decision we made was to remove the existing folding table.  Now, we are saving as much original as possible but this table had been changed by a previous owner.  The frame was built out of unfinished pine, half of the original table, the hinge and leg were there.  The table used to have a fold out section so it was much bigger when up, but now it just lifted up as is.  Since we didn't love the original table finish (odd pinky-beige wood-grain laminate) out it came!

the old folding table

I can't find a photo of what the original cabinetry would have looked like, but there would have been a cabinet or something to cover where the pipe is exposed.  After we replace the flooring we will get some aluminum bent to replace the pipe covering in this section.

no more table

 So what are we going to eat on you ask?  Don't worry, there's a plan...

This morning we were outside enjoying the cool morning while I did some oiling on the woodwork...

...when the last baby robin in the nest in the carport decided to fly off.  Like the three others that left yesterday, he flew right for the airstream and sat on the ground for a while.  The next time I looked up he was sitting inside looking out the window!

Hello baby! 

Greg was the lucky one to pick up the little one and help it on it's way outside.  So fun!

Bye baby!

squeaky clean

The pictures may not show it, but goodness that trailer is clean!  Here are some clean shots, and I have to say it is a little disappointing that the difference does not show.  I love that I can touch any surface (except parts of the floor) with my bare hands and not have to wipe them on my pants after!

You'll see in the next photo that there is what looks to be water damage at the backs of some of the cabinets.  Yikes.  For now I am sanding down and hiding it with a coat of paint.

yes, this is after the cleaning :)

The scrub was a big job, and I'm glad it's done.. 'cause now it's on to the fun stuff!  Really, putting stuff back into the trailer is so satisfying, and I am the first to admit that I am dorky enough to get excited about new screen clips.  I may have even clapped a little.  Don't judge me.

and check out the clean screens!

Happy BC Day to those of you in this neck of the woods.. you may be enjoying your long weekend camping, or sitting on the beach, but we are taking the opportunity to get some serious work done on the trailer.   Let's start off with a pretty shot, 'cause things are going to get ugly.

not a bad way to start the day...

Here come photos of the interior after we had removed everything that is removable, and before the great scrub-down began.  The photos truly do not convey the griminess of this trailer.  Every surface was greasy feeling, and there are parts that I am convinced had not been cleaned since it left the factory in 1968.  That's 44 years of dirt, folks.  That dirt is older than me.

The cushions are gone to the upholsterer.

All the lower cabinet doors that can be removed have been, and are stored in my front entry with other bits and pieces (because nothing says welcome like a stack of dirty cabinet doors and an old toilet).  The green bins and screens were bathed in my tub and are stacked in the living room.  All the hardware and hinges that can be removed have been to be cleaned or replaced.  To the left of the window above the sink we took out a wood piece that was rotten.  We're not even sure why it was there, except perhaps to support some kind of window covering originally.  The filthy venetian blind that was there has been carefully stored in the garbage bin, which *sigh* also happens to be in the front entry.  

There were carpet scraps in the bottoms of the cabinets.  Underneath is the old plywood with leftover adhesive from the original floors.

The back bed.  Check out the funky fabric edge.  This may have been the original fabric for the upholstery.  Super cute actually.  Under these beds a whole lot of dirt is lurking.  And nut shells for some reason.  I did discover under this bed a few pieces of the original flooring, a 12x12 beige lino tile.

And the crown jewel.. the bathroom.  This shot was taken before I removed the cabinet doors.  Greg had the unfortunate task of pulling this room apart.  He was removing the old caulking, when all of a sudden I noticed the flooring had been thrown out the window (literally).  I guess new flooring is added to the list.

pretty, right?

poor Greg

And that's the worst of it.  It has been so long since we have done any renovating ourselves that I had forgotten how rewarding it is to bring something back to life again.  I have to say that now that we are past the dirty bit I am really enjoying it.  Here is a sneak peek at where this is all headed...

soooo much better!

As you all know, we are starting on a restoration of our 68 Airstream Overlander.  Here are some photos of the inside as it was when we brought the trailer home.  It is almost all original.  The curtains had been replaced, and a laminate floor has been installed.  The counters in the kitchen have been painted, and the table area has had some cabinetry removed.

front end - sofa pulls out into a bed

one side of the kitchen, looking towards the back

view down the middle towards the back where the bathroom is. 

other side of the kitchen, looking towards the back

fridge and stove- both original

command central

kitchen again, the stainless panel on the counter beyond the sink is a 3-burner cooktop

bathroom

bathroom again.  The original vinyl folding screen for the shower is missing.

center sleeping area, this sofa pulls out into a bed as well

storage in center, closet on right hand side

inside a few of the cupboards are slide out drawers with the original storage bins

Here are some detail shots of some of the things I love... 

the cooktop.. looks to be in great shape!

original lights

there are two vent fans 

reading lights

for the missing antenna

We are so grateful that it has not been painted over the years.  A few of the cabinets have been painted inside, and I will give them a fresh coat.  The cabinets have a thick veneer on them which looks to be Mahogany (?).  Looking at these photos has reminded me how good it looked when we picked it up, although I have to say it wasn't this nice in person.  Up close everything was showing a lot of grime and wear.  Now that all the before pictures are up I can begin to show you what we've been up to!

Airstream exterior

Here are some shots of the old girl, exactly how we found her.  Although she is in really great condition for her year ('68), everything inside and out needs freshened up.  We have a couple of orders of parts coming from Vintage Trailer Supply, a fantastic source for new production trailer parts for vintage trailers.  

As you can see from the front, there is rust on just about everything that is not aluminum.  The tongue, the propane tanks, all the little latches and the step.  Also the plastics used in the 60's have not fared well over time.  

There is a nice big awning, and the hardware for it works really well.  The fabric however is so full of mildew I can smell it from 15 feet away when it's open.  Eww.

This plastic panel used to be clear.

Another shot of the side.  You can see here how the windows all have curved glass, and the original panes are all still there.  Airstream only made these windows for three years (I believe, I make no claims at expertise here) so in my opinion they are extra cool.

The back end.. sorry, it's overexposed.  Nice butt though.

Love this.

The other side.  You can see here how the clear-coat has been peeling off.  We're going to help that process along.  It looks patchy right now, but removing it all should even it out.  At that point we'll decide whether to leave it or buff the aluminum up to a high gloss.

No reason for this photo, I just love this.

Airstream

Here she is!

Many many MANY evenings of internet trolling have led to a big purchase this spring!  We are so happy to have found this 1968 Airstream Overlander.  It makes me smile every time I pull in the driveway.  I cannot count the wistful conversations that have started 'one day.. when we have an airstream...'

Greg searched Canada and the US on and off for a couple of years, looking for the perfect trailer.  26-28' long, decent condition, 1960-1990, accessible for transport, and not too expensive.  We considered (briefly and grudgingly) giving up the dream and purchasing a 'regular' trailer.  When it came down to it though.. we just couldn't do it.  Not that there is anything wrong with non-Airstreams.. just not for us, not right now.  We were prepared to go great distances to bring the right trailer home.. we are planning on keeping it for at least 15 years, so it had to be perfect.  As luck would have it when we finally found the right one it was a short drive up the highway to Vernon.  Purchasing the trailer and (Greg) pulling it into the driveway the next day was a thrill.  I'm smiling just thinking about it :)

We are excited to be able to restore this old girl.  Yup, I said restore.  This will not be a gut job, and we will not be painting everything white.  We're keeping as much original as we can, if it can be cleaned and it works.  Of course, we will be making improvements (did you doubt it?) and in fact we have already begun!  The list is long, and it will not be accomplished all at once but there are some things that must happen before we take it camping.  I'll take lots of photos and keep you updated!