Floor and Banana wrap removal

It's been a while since I posted and I haven't been working consistently on the trailer but just wanted to post a current update.
I finally was able to get the endcaps out. I have now set my sights on the floor. I had to use a hole saw to drill around each elevator bolt. It's definitely a trick using that hole saw and keep it from walking (jumping) from where you want to saw. Of course I had it down by the time I got to the last few bolts :)

I also started the removal of the front banana wraps to expose the frame for prep and Por15 paint. I've found some rust but it looks like I may also need to replace a few outriggers. I'm very curious what I may find when the rest of the wraps/floor come off.  Stay tuned!!

In the Pink

I spend the last few weekends removing the interior skin and the insulation. Removing the interior skin rivets was relatively easy just a bit time consuming and I only broke one drill bit. A few weren't even attached to the ribs. I drew up a few diagrams in Autocad of the interior to properly label the panels and make the re-installation go a bit smoother. So, the panels are all labeled and stored away.

 The insulation was a different story. I wore a head to toe painters suit, gloves, goggles and a respirator to remove and bag that 40 year old nasty stuff!!! It got a little warm in the suit but luckily it's not full summer here in south Florida and I would suggest anyone dealing with fiberglass to wear the same gear. Well worth it!! After I remove the end caps, I'm thinking of using pressure washer on the interior for the small bits of straggling glass, since I'm going to be replacing the floor anyway. Plus, I think the water would keep the insulation dust down. To be continued......

72 Tradewind "Full Monty"

I purchased a gutted 1972 Tradewind in the summer of 2010. My goal is to take it down to the frame and restore the interior to a more modern, practical layout that suits me(sorry purist :))

It is going to be  a long learning experience but I welcome the challenge. Here is a link where I've taken some inspiration for the interior.

http://www.hofarc.com/folio/airstream-renovations/

I'm new to blogging but thought it would be a great way to document and receive feedback.

Here are a few pics: