All Windows & Vent Covers Out!

Cliff has taken all the windows and the vent covers out...time for a break! Gone campin' for the weekend!

Trashing Walls

Cliff braced the inside with 2X4's and the walls are coming down!

Cute Treasure

This little gem was found in the trailer about 6 inches by 3...small enough to fit in the tiny freezer compartment of the frig. Unfortunately, there are holes in the tray. Instead of throwing it away it will be used as a Christmas tree ornament on our 2007 Christmas tree this year.

A better shot of the inside from the window...cabinets still intact, but not for long. From left to right, the frig on top, then a cabinet, and a cubby. Next to that is a closet and next to that is the restroom.

The Original Step...

The original metal step had to be removed before the trailer was moved to our house, as it was just dangling. So, basically we had been pulling ourselves up into, and jumping out of, the trailer since...until there was a suggestion to make a wooden step. What a difference! Cliff will manufacture a new metal step later in the restoring process. Oh yes, the stack jacks now keep the trailer from teetering back and forth when walking inside!

Copper Tubing

All the copper tubing (used for water lines and gas lines) must go...some of it had weak spots and some of it had actually burst. Cliff is scrunching it up and throwing it in his copper barrel to redeem.

The Throne

I have posted a picture of the throne before, but it was covered in junk. We think we are going to be able to salvage the stove/oven, the refrigerator (where we thought not, early into the game, but hopefully we'll just have to replace some parts instead of trashing the whole thing), sink and the toilet/shower. The bathroom walls will have to be replaced, though. Everything is so gross right now, but with a lot of soap/bleach, and a little elbow grease, they'll be like new.

Trashing Interior Walls

We will not be able to salvage any of the inside walls and so the demolition begins. This is where the bed was and will be, but for now, it's the best location for the trash pile. Cliff will be taking the cabinets out soon, but before he does, he will have to shore up the walls on the inside with 2X4's as the cabinets are holding the outside skin in place. We are only two weeks today, into restoration.

Windows Coming Out!

Cliff continues to tear things out...he has not only removed some of the windows, but also has removed the bed inside along with cabinet doors. He is frothing at the mouth to have it all down to the bare bones...as he puts it, "Then it gets fun!"

Enjoying the day...

A Little R & R

Cliff and I have the most awesome friends...Dave and Cathy swept us away to the Sierra Nevada's yesterday, to Shaver Lake (mountain community and lake). The weather was beautiful and the company irreplaceable! We had no time constraints and/or agenda and just enjoyed each other as friends and God's creation. We are so blessed!!!

More Discoveries!

Okay...while taking out the frig, Cliff discovered that pigeons (or some kind of bird...found a bird skeleton and bird doo doo) had built a nest behind and on top of the frig in the walls (entered through the vent on top of the trailer). There was so much straw that it filled the garbage can shown!

Forfeiting

After bleaching and then removing the frig, Cliff washed and washed the thing only to discover that it was too damaged to salvage it. Just as well, as the stench is in the plastic even after bleaching.

Exposed!

Here is the real story...we will have to remove all the interior walls because of dry rot and wiring issues, which also means that we will most likely replace not only framing and wire, but also insulation. This photo shows the outer skin exposed from the inside.

With Just a Flashlight...

Cliff determined to continue his gutting process works through the dark with just a flashlight tucked under his arm. He took the stove out, some of the gas lights down, and bleached the refrigerator (before he attempts to remove it). Tonight while taking air vents off the outside of the trailer, Cliff found a pigeon nest...I'll take photos tomorrow in the daylight. So, day 3 (after a full days work repairing dairy equipment) proves to be very productive.

How Precious Life Is!

Today, 9/11, I think of those families that lost loved ones 6 years ago when we were attacked by terrorists, and those that have sacrificed their lives to keep our country free since. How I value my relationships with my family and friends.

The Rear

So, this is what the rear looked like when first stepped foot in the trailer yesterday. Cliff has pretty much removed all the junk. Yea!!! Day one down, 364 to go!

Moment of Truth!

This was my first inside look (front of the trailer)...What a crack up and Cliff and I just laugh! All of it, and I mean all of it will be tossed! Cliff started on it today, and said there is so much junk to throw away, it will take days just to get to the bare bones of the inside. Regardless, Cliff is busting his buttons with pride and joy! As mom (Idris) says with a chuckle, "I guess a guy needs a challenge to make him feel good about himself!"

Hi-tech Security

Now for the real story...our little beauty has a multitude of repairs and replacements in it's future. Security locks aren't a priority at this time...you will see what I mean...

Home at Last!

Here she is...our retro 1971 Roadmaster brought home yesterday (strategically, I might add, as the lights don't work and Cliff had to tie the side down)! She's a beauty, isn't she? She looks different with the algae/lichen stuff washed off (Cliff stopped at the car power wash before bringing her home. She is rather cute from the outside and I'm not getting in the way of Clifford's vision (Operation Ghetto Restoration). Continue to check in for updates!

Soon to be ours...

Cliff was bound and determined to have a project (like he doesn't work hard enough as it is)...mind you we still have 18 boxes of ceramic tile in the garage yet to lay down in our kitchen, bathrooms and laundry room...But, this will be a fun project (I'm told convincingly), refurbishing (gutting) this 1971 Roadmaster to a fabulous, coveted, vintage, beauty (or so I hope)! Cliff has given me a promise of completion the end of next year. I have not seen this trailer up close (zoomed photo), but I'm told a side flaps in the wind, the floor has a hole in it, the window louvers have wasp nests in them, the outside has mold/lichen stuff on it and the refrigerator stinks to high heaven. What are we doing with our tent trailer, you ask? We will continue to be the proud owners and campers in between "Operation Ghetto Restoration". Oh yeah, Cliff has also promised to complete our home improvement projects as well! I guess a good motivator since we have had the tile nearly 3 years...I will update with before and after photos throughout the year.