Making the Garden Caravan

Thinking about downsizing... This little Caravel might be a better choice than my 25′ beast. It would take me until next year to outfit it into the boutique, but I could learn from all of the lessons I had with the Trade Wind... 

#dad in his shop with my cabinets. #airstream #airstreamrenovation #soon (at Meridian, Pennsylvania)

This should work. #ikea #cork #natural #display #airstreamrenovation #liveriveted #makingthegardencaravan (at Garden Caravan)

Like a #newyork #blackandwhite cookie!#airstreamrenovation #makingthegardencaravan (at Garden Caravan)

And then there was no #fauxwood #airstreamrenovation #morecoatstocome #makingthegardencaravan (at Garden Caravan)

Dividers removed!

Kitchen window is a pain in my ass. The PPO painted the screws, I’ve got 4 I can’t get off, I’ve tried lubricant, hand, drill—won’t budge. Also the plastic caps on the window handles are stuck-screws are spinning in place. These must be removed to get the frame off, then I can remove the plastic frame. The level of effort is ridiculous!

Even though it was hot as balls, I decided to get the antenna off. Ideally I would have really removed it, but with the rain we are having, I'm hesitant to open yet another hole up there (AC being the first). So my assistant (thanks Jeff) helped me hacksaw it off! But I need to figure out how to really remove it. Hopefully someone on the forums can help.

Cabinet removal. Stove came out no problem, once Jeff got the fitting free. Evan helped. I hope no one tells me there is a better way to get the sink out. But there are 9 bolts holding it in, well now just one. We have to remove the sink to get at the last screws holding the cabinet in place in the back right. I’m resisting every urge to take the sawzall to it… but once this piece is out the real fun is going to begin.

The floor. I cut a hole to see what was going on and to what extent the damage was and was pleasantly surprised. I had imagined much worse. I still have to decide what to cut, but I'm thinking I'll go only as far as necessary. For now.

Awning removal. The only way to get it off was to cut it. I hated to do it. But I plan to get a new ZipDee anyway. You can see the bottom rear bracket is still stuck on with rusted out bolts.

Preparations. Overall, I'm trying not to be frustrated. But progress is slow.

Drop. Drop. Drop. 😞

Made some progress on the closet mildew. And started to investigate what’s going on in there.

Install new axels (Winter)

Before & after, mold & mildew, double.