4.15.13 Doors, Eyebrows, Awning

4.15.13

The eyebrows were an easy install, once they were all cleaned up, lightly sanded and buffed. 

 

 

 

 

 

The door…however another story.  At this point, when you are now putting everything back together in the reverse order you took it apart, it gets a little harder to remember everything.  This is where being able to drag my laptop out to my work area came in handy to recall it all.  Once I got the door installed I attached the screen door as well.  I took the door handle and the storage hatch to the local locksmith.  He was able to key the hatch, however the door handle was so rusted AND the inner mechanism did not function as a lock at all.  The locksmith was able to dig around in some “old boxes” and he found a great replacement. 

 

 

I went online and emailed a couple people who custom make vintage awnings and asked for some quotes.  I ended up choosing Vintage Trailer Awnings by Kristi (you can find her on facebook).  The price was right, she was quick, communicated the process to me every step of the way, and the craftsmanship was great!  The awning rail was a little tricky…. I originally ordered an awing rail from Vintagetrailer.com, however the rail is rigid and straight as a board – duh.  The fact that the trailer is rounded and curved I had to do some research and order a flexible awning rail.  I found one at sailrite.com  When it arrived I made sure it fit the awning, spray painted it silver and attached it per the video tutorial on their website.  This was super easy to install!

3.24.13 Windows

3.24.13

It’s time for windows!  Took the time to clean them up, strip the old membrane/adhesive, and re-bend the screen.  For the most part the windows are in good shape and good working order.  The only screen that is ripped is the kitchen window.  In investigating how to “re-screen” the window it looked like a can I wasn’t willing to open.  For now I use a silver thread and close it up that way.  I also ordered the new glass seal - gasket material that will go around the window. I removed the old gasket that was hard and had years of shrinkage. I will install the gasket with the windows already mounted to make it easier to maneuver.  

 Windows look great, getting so
excited now!!

3.23.13 New tin

3.23.13

Months ago I purchased 2 new pieces of tin for the back of the trailer.  The original tin was way too damaged with a gaping hole in the back.  I called ahead to order the tin in a 4” pattern to match the current and was able to discuss over the phone and email pictures of the folding system that attaches the 2 pieces.  I drove to Interstate RV and Metal Supply to pick up the tin to save on the shipping cost.  The new tin comes primed already and not an option to get it raw. 

 

 

 

It was very hard to bend the tin around the curve but managed to get it done. 

 

 

 

 

 

I had to also cut out the hole where the window goes and drill out the holes for the tail lights.  And finally a milestone….All the tin has been attached!!!!!

3.22.13 top skin and vent install

3.22.13

Over the last couple weeks I started attaching the front/top tin.  Because these pieces are curved I did not polish these pieces before attaching them.  If I placed them on my work bench it would have torn the tin by attempting to lay them flat. 

When I got to the top where the vent was to be placed I had to add support cross bars…..

 

 

 

 

 

cut out the hole…

 

attach the new vent (old one was rusted shut and wouldn’t open crank open) I followed the manufacturer  instructions purchased from etrailer.com….

 

and attach the screen and inside finish moulding.

2.2.13 polish attach door side

2.2.13

I’ve neglected Lizzy too long.  Hectic holidays and cold weather were factors, but I’m ready now. :)

                                                                                      

Today I polished and shined up the rest of the door side skins. I temporarily tacked up the skin and lined it all up to fit. Next I marked where the screw holes on the studs would be, peeled back the skin and applied a waterproof silicone, and then attached the stainless steel screws to the vertical studs.

10.21.12 Skin patching/Polishing

10.21.12

We spent some time on YouTube finding out how to polish and shine “Tin Lizzzy” to it’s best.  The way we decided on is a 4-step process.  1. 400 grit sandpaper 2. 800 grit sandpaper 3. Black jewelers polish 4. White jewelers polish. Today we did the door side - steps 1 and 2.

 

 We also spent time patching some of the corrosion/holes with JB Weld. As “Tin Lizzy” sat for some time in a field, we can tell that one side got more sun than another, and one side had more water damage than another. So as a result the kitchen side needed a lot more patchwork than the other. As each piece of skin was patched we began taking up the kitchen side of the trailer.

10.19.12 Outside skin

10.19.12

 

Don't mind the tree droppings...windy day!

It was all about cleaning up & washing the outside skin both inside and out. After it was all washed up and scraped of any left over glue we missed the first time around, we tacked it up on the door side of the trailer. In the process of taking it all apart and then putting it all back together it was a monumental day for us as we start to realize that we are “almost” done.