1963 Airstream Ambassador Video Tour

 I decided to do an updated video of the 28’ Airstream Ambassador. Please tell me what you think. 

More RV Bedroom Tear Down

We’ve gotten further on the bedroom tear down.  Literally, the walls and ceiling peel off with ease because they have been so waterlogged from the leaks in the ceiling.  Thankfully, the insulation doesn’t seem to be affected by the water.  We’re hoping to be able to reuse as much of that as we can. 

This is a view of the insulation under the wall and ceiling boards in the back bedroom.  

 

Wet stain above the ceiling and insulation.  

 As you can see, the boards just under the outside roofing is wet.  We are hoping that once we fix the leaks, we can dry this board out and seal it with a primer and then reuse the insulation, and then add in the ceiling and wall boards back on.  

Another order of business on our list is to take a wire brush to the steel framework.  It has rusted from all the water leakage and will need to be cleaned up.  We will then seal that to prevent it from rusting further.

Here you can see all those layers of waterlogged wall/ceiling board, insulation and framework.

Wiring is starting to appear exposed throughout the bedroom since the ceilings and walls are coming down.  We did start to pull apart under the twin bed that had a false bottom to try to figure out why it is raised there.  We found all the main water and wiring coming into the RV under the twin bed drawers.

Under the driver’s side bed

The floor is raised under the bed.  The drawer is higher than you would expect as well.  After pulling all that out, we found that ll the main wiring is hidden here as well as the water pipes.  Fortunately, none of this looks like it has leaks or issues, yet.

There’s a plastic sheet under the bed sealing the underside of the RV from the bed.

The mice were definitely busy in this area, so we are going to have to try to figure out where they are getting into the vehicle and close up any holes.  The previous owners had steel wool just sitting under here, but he amount of mouse poo here is really gross!  Steel wool wasn’t doing it’s job of keeping the mice out.

The tape for the roof has been ordered, so the next big event for this RV is going to be applying the tape to the roof and getting it to stop leaking.  Then start the rebuilding of the ceilings and walls. Stay tuned for more gutting and hopefully redoing it

Road Trip Find!

 

We went on a road trip this last Saturday and ended up in Moscow, Idaho.  (We tried to go out to lunch in Pullman, Washington, but everything is closed, so ended up back in Idaho to hang out.)  We were driving downtown, and something shiny caught my husband’s eye.  Of course, he had to swing around and go through the alleys and get to it!  He even threatened to drive down the sidewalk to get there!  We found this cute little clothing boutique inside a very shiny Airstream!  Of course we had to check it out!

I did threaten to make him buy something since he was invading their place of business, but oh, well!  I promised to share their instagram account with you all!

The back bathroom has been made into a changing room

Just outside the changing room is a full length mirror

This is a cute idea to use an Airstream for a boutique.  I just hope that the inside wasn’t in great shape when they gutted it!  Original parts are sometimes hard to find, so hope they weren’t lost.   Also, this shop has some leaking issues (as most vintage Airstreams do). Hopefully they’ll figure out how to get that remedied as well.  My thought is that at least it’s one less Airstream that is junked completely and can be appreciated by others.  What do you think?  

Bedroom Teardown

Frame from bedroom window

We have started to rip down some of the inside of the bedroom.  Now that I look back at the pictures, I do think that we are being a little on the tentative side, but at first glance we were overwhelmed!  Tearing it all down is making us realize how extensive the water damage is on the Airstream!

It’s hard to see this frame in the living area from the bedroom window.  Everything in this RV is beige - I’m pretty over it already.  Oh, and then gold mirrors too!  Can’t wait to get rid of it!  I’m not sure if we will be using these frames, they keep the blinds in place and from bouncing against the windows as you drive down the windows.  In the bedroom, they have coat hooks along each side, which is a nice use of space.  I guess we’ll see what we do with window covering before deciding if these frames go back up.

Before picture of the walls in bedroom

At first glance at all of the woodwork from the outside, it seemed like it was all salvageable, but a closer look at this front cabinet, we are realizing that it might not be that simple.  The inside of this cabinet is pretty damaged by water.

Front bed before

The ceiling panel was falling down on it’s own, so we just started pulling on it to get it down.  We haven’t gone into the insulation yet - it’s going to need some replacement as well, but we need to first fix the leaks in the roof.  It seems that fixing the inside will have to wait until we can get the leaking to stop.  All the outside seams need to get sealed.  Unfortunately, it’s winter, so this will have to be done in a shop.  

 

Back Bedroom Driver’s Side    

As we started peeling back, we realized that our first order of business is getting the leaks fixed.  This is pretty extensive damage and seems to be throughout the entire camper.  All the walls and ceilings will need to be replaced.  Mr. Right has found a tape that needs to go on all the seams to seal the leaks.  Apparently this is a usual problem with these rv’s.  

Closer look at the wall and ceiling damage in the bedroom

To ensure that there isn’t any further leaking, this is what Mr. Right came up with.  I know it’s necessary, but at this point, we do look a little trailer park around here.

Protection from rain and snow

Believe me, I’m pretty excited to at least get some warmer weather, so the leaks can be fixed or find a shop that we can use for a weekend!  I can only imagine what my neighbors think! 

1992 Land Yacht Before Shots Inside

A view from just inside the door towards the front

The outside of our 1992 Land Yacht looks to be in pretty decent shape, but the inside is something to behold!  We aren’t really sure how much is going to have to replaced, but there is a lot of water damage as well as a lot of rodent damage too.  The previous owners had some cats in here too, so we will be doing a lot of cleaning and ripping out.  This is definitely the good, the bad and the ugly of this RV!

Kitchen, which is to the left of the door

Middle hallway on the way to the back bedroom

The hallway leading to the back bedroom has a full cedar lined closet and a shower.  

This is under the bed on the passenger size.  

Just behind the dinette is a full size refrigerator.  

As far as we can tell, it seems that the refrigerator is working.  It’s not even that dirty, but will need a cleaning.

Back passenger side twin bed

We took the twin mattresses out right away, so you don’t see them pictured here.  The roof over them has been leaking on them as well as the bugs and mice had their way with it.  Gross!!!

Bathroom on the right side in the middle

The door right next to the toilet closes to shut off the bathroom, or can be opened wide to make the entire hallway into a bathroom that includes the shower across the hall.  It’s pretty large.

This is the nightstand in the back between the twins.

A better view of the bathroom.  The cupboard space is pretty great.

This is where some of the leaking is occurring above the beds.

The original tv in the bedroom over one of the twins

A view to the back of the RV from the kitchen.

Original remote included!

Chairs behind driver and passenger seats.

These chairs are not attached and seem to be in pretty good shape.  I think once it gets warm, I should be able to power wash them and let them dry.  I may have to make slip covers, but it’s just one less item to completely replace.

Pantry between kitchen and bathroom on driver’s side

The pantry has had shelves added to make it better storage.  Other than cleaning, and possible painting, this area I would like to keep as is.  Everyone needs storage in an RV!

Another look at the toilet with that door opened up.  

There it is, a look at the entire RV on the inside before we get to work on it.  We will be working on this over the next year.  Hopefully less than a year, but you just never know! Stay tuned, for updates!  

Youtube Live Before Video

 

I did a live Youtube video of the new 1992 Airstream Land Yacht before we started to do any sort of cleaning and demo.  The sound isn’t great because it’s outdoors and it kept stopping, so I apologize in advance.  It may be time for me to get a new phone - it’s really not doing great...

Stay tuned as we start to renovation project!  

We’re back with a new baby!

 

It’s been awhile since we’ve been doing renovations and rehabs on Airstreams.  We’ve enjoyed our 28’ Ambassador immensely, but we are always keeping an eye out for another Airstream.  You just never know what you’ll find.  Apparently, my husband occasionally even asks owners of these random Airstreams what they plan to do with them or if they’ll sell.  

A couple of years ago, he “heard” about an Airstream trailer for sale in the area, and inquired on it.  The gentleman wanted way too much for it and it was out of our range entirely, so he thanked the gentleman and walked away.  Fast forward to last week, Mr. Right (aka my husband) got a call from this gentleman asking if he’d be interested in an Airstream Land Yacht that he had - get this, for FREE!!!  Yup you read right!  It was free - he just needed it gone right away.  The only catch was, that Mr. Right was second in line and would have to get it moved himself.

Mr. Right waited for 24 hours by his phone, literally waiting to find out if he would get this gem/money pit, maybe!  he got the call and couldn’t have been more anxious to go back home to get his new project! (We spent a weekend away celebrating his birthday and ice fishing.)

Sunday afternoon, my husband went over with my SIL and son and tried to get it to start up.  They all came back very excited, but no vehicle, yet.  He got it started by pouring fresh gas into the engine.  It would start, but wouldn’t stay going, when the gas from the tank got up to the engine.  He tried draining the gas out, but there was so much in it, he couldn’t get it all out at once.  Since it was dark and he ran out of time, he decided to try again on Monday.

Monday evening, he went over again, more prepared with containers to drain gas out of the tank.  That did the trick and he was able to drive it home!  Let me tell you, Mr. Right was so excited about this find, price and project, he can hardly contain himself!

So, now introducing our new baby:   1996 36’ Airstream Land Yacht!  Mr. Right wants y’all to know it’s got a Chevy Power Train in it too.  Stay tuned as we share our remodel process right her on our blog and on our Youtube channel!

Happy Camper Vintage Suitcase

I’ve been toting this cute Samsonite Vintage Suitcase around for quite some time.  I knew at some point, I’d use it for a project, but never really figured out what.  Since finding a new Reusable Silk Transfer Company I’ve been searching high and low for some vintage suitcase to put transfers on and sell at our craft booth.   They’re hard to find at a reasonable price right now!  Everyone wants them. When putting the Christmas decorations away, Mr. Right found this in storage and grabbed it out for me.

I figured it was time to get some creativity onto this suitcase! I used the Happy Camper Transfer with the Happy Camper Add-on to make the buffalo check on the camper.  I’m not going to lie -  I haven’t quite mastered making the pennants in multiple colors, but I think this is just the cutest little case to use in our vintage Airstreams.  In the winter, I plan to put it in our travel themed bathroom in the house.  It will be great to store things in, and still look cute! 

One of the best things about this one is that because I used chalk paste, I can use water and a rag to wash it off and do a different transfer in the future.  Not only that, but I have another side to work with and plan to put a Christmas version of the Happy Camper on using that Add-on.

 Of course, this one isn’t going to make it to our craft booth, because I love it so much, but I found a vintage sewing machine case that I’m going to fix up and paint to sell.

Stay tuned for that upcoming project!  Want to feed your crafty side?  Check in after February 1 on my Website for a monthly subscription to exclusive transfers delivered right to your door every month!  This is so easy and so much fun! (Oh, and I make a little for my family with every purchase and subscription you make.)

The Weather Outside is Frightful

So the weather outside is frightful right now, but as you can see, I've got a beautiful view, regardless!  (Yes, that's my actual view)  Our school district has actually cancelled school twice so far for snow.  This school district has not cancelled school very often, so you know this winter has been rough.  We got 9 inches of snow this week, and this was my view the following morning!

Of course, I fondly look out at my little 1953 Clipper Airstream, and wish for the day when we'll be back on the road again.  Of course, there is about a foot and a half of snow on the roofs of our Airstreams right now, but, that being said, we've started to make our plans for this spring and summer!  (yes, we could take out the Airstream and do some winter camping, but it's just not up there on my bucket list - I don't like to be cold!)

What are your plans for 2017?  Where will you be going on the road?  For now, I'm deep cleaning my house, and putting all my dreams and plans together for the good weather!

Homemade Fire Starter

You may have noticed that I've been AWOL on this blog.  Well, somehow, I had ended up with two different Blogger accounts and I was having trouble getting into this one.  It had an old email account that I don't have access to, etc. etc. etc.  Anyway, I'm back and have even been able to connect all of my blogs onto one account!  Woo hoo!

Here's a link to a post I just shared on one of my other blogs: Prairie Scraps.  Because I created this blog specifically for our Airstream Memories, in the past, between seasons, I found it really hard to continue posting on this one topic regularly.  I'm ready to revisit my original intent and at least update with some of our recent memories from our Airstreams.

Here's my how-to on how to make a great, recycled Fire Starter!  Enjoy and stay tuned for more Airstream Memories to come!

Idaho Camping

Well it has been and long time since my last point a lot has happened since then. Things are settling down and it is time to get back to airstreaming. Here are a few pictures of our first airstreaming trip in Idaho. These were taken at a campsite in the Nez Perce National Forest along the south fork of the Clearwater River. Eight dollars a night for your own piece of heaven. The only thing I can say is the river is really loud and it is really DARK in the forest at night. Oh yeah no cell phone service. The top picture is a Osprey which stopped in a tree next to the river and let us know it was there.         

Nice level blacktop campsite.

 And a view from down river.

Easter Camping

We decided it was time to start camping this year. So we went to Castle Rock County park in Adams County. We had a great time saturday and sunday were cool becauseof the wind but monday we had great weather. Everything on the camper work well only the door handle gave us problems because it would not shut easy lots of slaming of the door. Boss told me it needed to be fixed soon. When we got back on monday I went to the hardware store and picked up a nice stainlees steel handle and installed it work great and now I have two locks on the door. While there we had a easter egg hunt and the kids decided to put some of thier candy on the smores. We had a great time.

Twin Strippers for Father's Day

I did it!  I got my husband a pair of strippers for Father's Day - 2 gallons of Remove-All 220 Stripper!  Mr. Airstream has wanted to strip the clear coat off from the start of our Ambassador project, but it just didn't rank up there for expenditures on the Airstream before this.  I thought this might be a great time to get the stripper for him.

Here's the Airstream before picture, with just a little area started with the stripper right above the back bumper.  The clear coat has been coming off in some places and is causing corrosion under the clear-coat.

Of course, once this project got started, Mr. Airstream decided that he needed a power sprayer, so had to go to the hardware store for a rental!  I have to admit, it did go much faster and easier using the sprayer.

Here she is...shiny!  Isn't she just beautiful?  I think the entire project took no more than 2 hours, but really makes a difference.  Not to bad for a couple of strippers, huh?

I am linking up to:

Friday Fun Finds - KoJo Designs

Weekend Wrap-Up - Tatertots and Jello

Met Monday - Between Naps on the Porch

Just Something I Whipped Up - The Girl Creative

Penny Pinching Party - The Thrifty Home