The plywood is down. It has an epoxy top and edge coating in case some water gets to the plywood. The unique issue with airstreams is the need to attach the shell through the plywood into the frame. I still need to so palette this step but I need a partner to do it. Luckily, my dad is coming this week to finish the job.
The cabinet before removal
The way it looks now
The Bambi had a non-original cabinet installed to cover up some fiberglass damage. The fiberglass was damaged because the previous owner needed to make a hole inside to push out a dent in the outside skin. After much epoxy, filler, spackling, sanding, and matching paint (the original zolotone paint was painted over), it is back to original. I also reinstalled the lights the way they came from the factory.
I rustproofed the frame with Rust Destroyer and will spray on a top coat of Rustoleum later this week. The rust was very minimal. I was very fortunate that there was little rust given the leaking. With the trailer sealed, this area won’t get wet again. Next is locating marine (the highest grade) plywood and prepping it with resin.
OK. Entire floor from the goucho back is out. As I was removing wood the rot was more extensive than I thought, I also had to cut back to a rail even if the wood was good. I just need to apply rust protectant then I can start putting it back together. It seems the end is in sight and I can stop tearing things apart! I am going to buy marine grade plywood to be delivered next week. I just received the rest of the parts from vintage trailer supply!
I had to cut the edge of the flange and it is out. I pulled up the one piece fiberglass wet bath and now I will be able to pull the black tank and get to the subfloor. I got a surprise when I pulled the wet bath – the copper supply line to the shower was split. If I hadn’t pulled the wet bath, the first time the shower was turned on it would have leaked water all over!
I am having some frustration with a toilet flange. I have discovered the floor under the black tank is rotten. Unfortunately, I need to remove the toilet to get to the flange; remove the flange to get to the wet bath fiberglass; remove the fiberglass to get to the black tank; and remove the black tank to get to the rotten floor. The flange is meant to spin off but it is made out of cast iron and is rusted solid. It will be out by this weekend.
Water Heater on the Way Out
The water heater is out! The last time it was out of the Airstream was when it was installed over 50 years ago. I am still deciding if I will put it back in as the previous owner didn’t use it and said it leaked. I seamed to hold water, but it is old! I will need to continue working on it. Most people recommend replacing the heater at this point.
Seam without sealant
Seam has gray sealant
To stop the water leaking inside the trailer, I had to seal all the seams with an Airstream sealant. I cut out the old sealant, cleaned the seam with alcohol, beaded in the sealant, then cleaned the seams with mineral spirits. With rain coming today, I had to get it done quickly. It is raining, so we will see if it worked tomorrow.
Original Cabinet
Kitchen and Cabinets Out. Bowen water heater visible.
Today I removed all the cabinets in the kitchen area. I wish I didn’t have to, but that is the way it goes. I removed them because I can accomplish a lot by being able to access the area. I can replace the floor in the area, the water heater will be much easier to remove (I found the copper pipe that leaked causing the previous owner to disconnect the water heater), I can prop up the sagging bathroom floor, and I can inspect the frame. I will also be able to refinish a couple of cabinets in my garage instead of the trailer. More updates to follow!!
We had crazy rain today. Loads and loads of rain coming down. I was going to pull the water heater and assess the toilet issue. Check the fridge and such, but, I thought I would check for leaks (the previous owner said it doesn’t leak, but it is given they all leak). The trailer is 50 years old so it is going to leak. Well, I found a leak – even two. I need to fix two leaks – one at a window and one at a door. I also need to get to the floor. So everything in the picture must go, and I will take the water heater out while I am at it.
SAVING A 1961 AIRSTREAM BAMBI 