Light Housekeeping

Today's post involves the lighter side of renovating -- the kind that doesn't involve heavy lifting (win-win).   Most of these housekeeping duties involve a couple of tools at most and attention to detail.  Let's begin:


There are holes in walls from a previous life @ the lake.   Sure, it's easy to spy on your neighbors at the campsite but 12" off the floor isn't really convenient.   I found this cover solution at the local hardware store.  There is a rubber gasket inside for a snug fit and I can also run an extension cord through here if necessary.  It's all about options.

West Nile virus is in western NY now.  Gotta get the screen door in working order.  (The window screens are in nice shape already.)  Scraped off the old weatherstripping on the door and will replace with new polyfoam.  The big hooks will go somewhere on the wall to hold my folding camp stools chairs.  (sorry, that word makes me laugh)

What to do about cabinet doors?  Peg board of course!  Ventilation [check], lightweight [check], keeping with garage theme [check].   Bought this 4x4 section @ Lowe's for $7.

The 20"x4"x3/16" jalousie/louvered glass is cut and installed with my handy-dandy rubber mallet.  Verysnugfit.  =)   Will eventually put tinting on the stationary windows.

These things take time but they add to the overall enjoyment of the camping experience.  And that makes me happy.

Sweet Dreams

"Sweet dreams are made of this" according to Annie Lennox of the Eurythmics.  Sing it, Sister!  =)   Red futon box was opened, pieces assembled, instructions glanced over a few times and then my Wingman Ace got to work:

Once we figured out the puzzle, we put it inside the trailer before assembling.   (Using the ol' noggin' today.)  Now there's a nice place to sit and sleep:

 

And then the cabinet was moved in and magnets added for flair:

Bus seat was picked up this afternoon but that will remain a surprise, since it needs some TLC.  I will leave you with my next project that involves wires and LED bulbs:

Meanwhile, looking to fabricate cabinet doors to maximize storage and keep contents from bouncing around in transit.  That is a tall project because it involves measuring twice and cutting once.  =)

Tile and Vinyl Sheeting

Discovered Armstrong boxed tile I purchased on clearance for another project.   After fielding concerns about the craziness of carpet in a camping trailer, I decided to put down these tiles instead.  At least they form a nice subfloor in case carpet sounds like a good idea later.   My time is taken up with cutting pieces to fit next to the curb side and front walls.   A very precise business which, thankfully, is coming to a close.   

Looking Front

Looking Back

The vinyl sheeting is such a pleasing pattern, like deep lake water.   This went up on the wall where the kitchenette used to be.    Then I added some license plates and a direction sign.  Will decorate as I go because it makes the hard work bearable.  Now that the floor is completely in, can furniture be that far away?   Stay tuned....

Signs, etc

May turn the wheelwell into a vintage teardrop.   ;^D

August & Everything After

That's a great Counting Crows CD by the way.  While I wait for things to dry up, I wanted to post details of what I have planned for the interior.

Foam pad and vinyl flooring

Textured carpet

Price dictates taste as they say.   I bought what was on clearance and will "make do."  It's not hideous and adds a lot to a bare interior with beige wall panels.   I miss the old Shasta's birch paneling that glows at night when the lights are on.   And lastly, camping stools with a trusty, rusty Tonka delivery truck that has been a huge part of somebody's childhood.   We're hitting the road together.  Soon.

Staying Still & Making Trails

Exterior Covers

This trailer has so many stationary & flip-up covers on the driver's side that have no purpose any more.  Since the interior is gutted, there isn't a need for city water hookups or a tank refill spout.  There isn't a stove or propane lighting, hence no need for vents to air out trailer.  Just lots of holes to nowhere.  Thinking...

Stoneguard

I struggled with keeping or changing the look of the stoneguard on the front of Gearhead for three reasons:

1. It had a long tear in the middle that cut through the fiberglass.
2. It was an ugly faded yellow color and none of the screws matched.
3. It was an after-market addition that had a serious job to do but execution was poor.  (see #2) 

Before, with stoneguard

After, with clean windows

It was a struggle to remove and when it finally did come loose, fell crashing down on the tongue -- but didn't crack or break on impact.   Amazing.  Do you suppose trailers made today will be this durable 45 years from now?

But I digress.  I planned to paint the guard a black matte, frame and all, but I think I like the Shasta front without it.   I washed the windows and removed old decrepit stickers and discovered a mangled jalousie pane holder.  I straightened it out and will measure to have a piece of glass cut.  I think the next time I find a trailer on the way to the scrapyard with this much work to do, I may run the other way.  MAYBE, she says 'cuz Aluminitis has no known cure.   = ;^0

Curb Side, Nice Profile

Waiting to make sure the roof is sealed up tight.  Cannot wait for work to progress inside.

G*O*O*P

Ya gotta have goop in the ol' toolbox arsenal for those pesky roof seams that will let in droplets and tsunamis.   I hope this works !   Would love to get a green light to move forward with the interior but if the vent leaks, all will be ruined and that's no good at all.  So, cross your fingers with me and let's hope for the best.