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!

Front section of floor cut out!

Got the front section of floor cut out on Friday.  It needs to be sealed and dried before it can go in, but we also need to address the pop rivets on the exterior, the windows and front eyebrow before installing it for good.  I'm afraid of water damage until those problems are addressed.  No need to put in a new floor to leave it susceptible to rain, right??  Until then, I'll just be happy with the fact that we've made this accomplishment milestone.  2014 should be a continuation of progress! :)

My dad makes the cut on the second section of floor

First placement of front section of subfloor

Floor templates made, another window busted....

We had another couple of warm days blow in...literally.  The wind shattered one of my side windows.  This leads to one thing:  time to fix these window cranks.  I've put it off long enough.  I just ordered replacements from Vintage Trailer Supply less than an hour ago.  It will probably take it a little time to get here with the holidays and all, so we went ahead and taped all the windows down with aluminum tape.  I've had enough mishaps of my own making without needing mother nature's assistance, thank you very much!
On the other hand, we did get templates cut out for the front and rear floor.  My dad will hopefully saw the subfloor pieces tomorrow, and I plan to seal them with water sealant while I'm visiting him on Christmas day.
Speaking of Christmas, I wish all of you a wonderful holiday!!!  May your days be merry & bright!  Thanks for following along in our adventures :)

Dear ol' Dad helps in a major way

As noted by my prior posts, we've had some crazy weather here in NC over the last few days.  I was in a time crunch to try to clean, prep and paint the frame before some really cold weather settled in.  Last Thursday was 68 degrees, and Friday was forecast to be above 70.  My time frame looked something like this:  Mark was going to paint the frame around noon on Thursday, and I was going to put on the second coat when I got off work that afternoon.  Well, Thursday was not only rainy, it was extremely humid and the frame was sweating profusely.  There was no way we could paint it.  I was pretty sad because I figured Friday would be the same way.  But Friday was pretty blustery, therefore keeping the frame dry.  My dad was able to put on both coats Friday afternoon and I am soooo thankful for his help!  This means that the next step is putting the floor & insulation in those sections of the trailer.  Onward and upward!

Front end

Rear of trailer--looks pretty good!

Then the sparks flew!

Okay, so over the past couple of days, Derek has graciously worked on our welding/frame issues.  The weather this week is supposed to be above average temps, so I washed the frame tonight with the Marine Clean recommended by the POR folks.  Tomorrow, I will use the Metal Prep, and then Thursday I plan to get the painting underway.  I want to take advantage of these slightly warmer temperatures as much as possible...you just never know what the next week will bring.  I needed to do everything possible to hopefully get the front and rear floor in soon.

Derek is grinding away some small burrs, getting ready to do the heavy-duty welding.  How do ya like that face mask??!

Baby, it's cold outside

Temps in the teens/twenties at night, highs only in the 30s during the day.  That is the forecast for this week.  I still need to wash & prep the frame before applying the POR 15, but that can only be applied in temps above 52 degrees.  Not only am I waiting on warmer temps, but I'm waiting on my brother-in-law to have a chance to do the welding that needs to be done before I can paint the frame.  Until further notice ladies & gents, we are on hold with any progress.

The good news is that I *did* get new glass put in the two windows that we broke so THAT'S a bit of progress, right??  The one window where we bent the frame? Well the guy at the glass place worked for two hours to get it straightened out to be able to hold the glass, so I'm thankful for his hard work & efforts.  I won't get a chance to put it in the trailer until later this week, so that will be the true test.  Until then, I ordered some buck rivets to replace those outside pop rivets (a BIG no no) and a new window crank to see if they'll work better than the old ones that are defunct.  I just ordered one in case they don't work properly.  If they get the job done, then I'll be ordering more.

I'll be heading back over to the wig wam on Thursday--until then, I hope you all have a blessed Thanksgiving!!!!!