Gray tank has arrived!

So our gray tank has arrived!  The holding pieces were welded in today.  Little by little, the plumbing project is building steam!  (Yes, it's just in time for winter....but we won't go there).

4 custom fittings--woot!

Axle on--Airstream relocated

My brother-in-law installed our axle last week, and because of that, we were able to relocate the Wig Wam to our back yard.  Hoping that this relocation will enable me to get more work done before the daylight hours disappear & colder weather moves in.  That time is quickly approaching, so let's see what we can get done!  Ready to get to work....

Meet Axle Rose

It's been a slow few weeks in terms of Airstream work.  Between rain, work schedules, and various other inconveniences, I haven't been able to address any more windows.  However, my brother-in-law has removed the old axle, moved the new axle into place, had new steel plates cut, discovered the holes were a bit off, fixed said holes, and is getting ready to make sure the axle is aligned before getting the welder to come adhere the plates to the frame.  I have also ordered brand new shocks, grommets for the brake wire, and am currently waiting for the word to schedule the welder.
If there's one thing I've found, it's that you might as well not be in a hurry to do anything.  My ultimate goal is to move the trailer to my back yard for the next few weeks so that I don't have to include travel time in my work time.  With the days getting noticeably shorter, this will be key in getting as much done as I can humanly accomplish.  I even hope to have an airstream work day and get as many folks to help out as are willing.  (If you're local to NC and wanna help, feel free to contact me!)  I look back at my timeline for earlier this year, and it makes me laugh.  I don't think I'll be setting any more deadlines for myself.  Just roll with it.  Literally.
Until then, I leave you with a photo of Axle Rose:

Getting the A-frame in A+ shape

My brother-in-law is working on getting the A-frame in better shape.  He didn't like the way the hitch looked bent and as he's been grinding off the pieces, it appears that it was quite a welding mish-mash.  It will be nice to have it cleaned up and welded properly.  In these before and after photos, the coupler hasn't been welded on yet, but it fits perfectly.

Grinded off pieces & parts--BEFORE

The new shiny coupler sitting on the frame--AFTER

Window work, part 1

Thanks to the help of my good friend, Al, we are starting the process of replacing the weatherstrip gasket of the windows.  I had replaced the glazing back in the winter....but this job is quite a bit more involved.  The gaskets are actually riveted in behind the window frame.  Because these gaskets are several decades old, they are brittle, cracked, and no longer serve its original purpose. 
While I had initially thought that maybe this was a job better handled by the Airstream folk, Al felt confident that we could tackle it together.  And that we did.  Using the rivet removal tool from Vintage Trailer Supply (which I had ordered a few weeks ago....and he had one as well), we were able to tag team two windows and get them removed.  Unfortunately the gasket I need is out of stock, but we're at least making progress!  It's nice to have friends to help me with this project.

Rivet Removal Tool--aka, the silencer :)

Drilled out buck rivets, holding in the old gasket

Boom.  *drops mic*

Gettin' by with a little help from my friends

It's been a while since I've posted on the blog....but I have good news!  With the help of some dear friends, there's another section of floor in the trailer.  Not only that, but another friend has agreed to help me with the windows, plumbing & wiring.  I am so thankful for those that have agreed to take this walk with me.  I have a full heart & a wealth of gratitude for them!

My buddy stakes claim to the section he installed :)

More floor photos

Here's where we are now: front and rear floor bolted down, two more sections removed & belly pan dropped.  Also started sanding some of the interior skins that were painted, just to work on something else for the moment.

Rear section--old floor still on top of the axle.

Front section at the door.

Floor is finally going in!

Not only did I continue working on stripping the front end cap this weekend, we also began the process of installing the front floor section!  Maybe we're beginning the progress phase of our project instead of destruction :)
We also placed the rear floor pieces but haven't started bolting those down just yet.  I'm just happy to see some sturdy standing room installed!!

Rear floor pieces in place

Front floor section: getting ready for bolting it to the frame.

One step closer to a door handle

Located a scrap piece of aluminum to cover the hole in the door.  Riveted it to the door, along with the decorative plate that came with our new handle.  Although we didn't quite get the handle put on--we are almost there!!!
Also started replacing the pop rivets on the exterior with buck rivets.  This was our first time using the rivet gun--we got the hang of it pretty quickly.

New door plates attached

New little buck rivets

One step forward, two steps back

I had all intentions of installing our new drip cap/eyebrow on the front window last weekend.  I had in my head that the eyebrow was held on with screws....turns out it's gotta be riveted on.  Scratch that plan, because I don't have my buck rivet equipment yet...waiting on it to be shipped as we speak.
Let's move on to installing the door handle, shall we?  Well that sounds peachy keen until I get everything set out and realize I don't have the size drill bit that's required to install it.  Strike two.
Okay, let's finally get the back section of floor cut out.  Get one piece done, only to realize we don't have enough plywood to cut out the second piece.  Geez LOUISE. 
Okay, how about let's install these new window cranks that we bought?  Looking at the old windows, it appears that you need to have the new screen before you can install the cranks because they go on top of the screen.  Now I'm mad as a wet hen!!!
Sat down, made a list of *everything* that I need to get something accomplished on my next trip over to the trailer.  I have the bit.  I have the screen. I have the roller that installs the screen.  The buck rivet equipment is currently en route.  I have the rivet shaver tool waiting on me at Out of Doors Mart for pick up tomorrow to shave any Olympic rivets that we use.

Maybe the next trip will be productive???
.....kicks rocks.....

The "Snoverlander"

We are dealing with a bit of a blizzard here in North Carolina.  Yes, 8 inches equals a blizzard of mammoth proportions here in the South.  My sister took this photo of the Wig Wam in the snow.  Too bad I'm 30 miles away....this would have been a great photo opportunity.  Stay safe & warm!

Front floor perfection

Thanks to a 50-degree day on the first of February, we were able to get the front floor pieces to fit.  Only a few trims here and there and we got it right.  Now we'll just need to waterproof those pieces and let them cure...then time to bolt 'er down!!!  In the meantime, I'm still counting down til Spring.

And the floorwork continues

Attempted to work on the floor again yesterday, but it was so bitterly cold & windy, we wrapped up after an hour.  My dad was able to get the floor piece a little bit closer to perfect after a couple of trims with the skill saw, but like I said, we gave up.  I have been recovering from the flu, and am facing surgery tomorrow...I can not afford to get sick again right now.  No matter how bundled up we were, it just wasn't worth it.  Spring is coming...which means warmer days and longer sunlight.  We just need to be patient!
Funny story:  someone came down my parent's driveway last week asking if the trailer was for sale.  Umm.  NO.

2013 numbers

Added up all our work hours from May-Dec 2013.  The grand total was 60 hours.  It seems like so much more than that!  And while I know we will be adding many more to that total in 2014, I just feel like that barely scratched the surface.  But we got so much done in that time!  Also looking back over my time log, I realize that we are really only working on the trailer about 3 days a month.  Not enough for my tastes, but it's all I can manage when my husband works 2nd shift 40 hours out of the week.
Hopefully we'll be back at it this weekend!