May 16th

Ziggy's hand pump is now water tight and ready for reinstallation. I found the inside replacement kit on Amazon and ordered it even though I wasn't exactly sure it would work for my faucet. With so many moving parts it was a little complicated getting all of the pieces aligned in the correct position before I placed the screw and tightened it but I did it and it works perfect!

 I have also finally finished the paneling. I had to use 3 narrow pieces for the front ceiling-to-wall curve because the paneling I'm using is 3/8" compared to the original 1/8" paneling and would not bend to fit the trailer's profile. The new paneling pieces angle rather than curve. Not a big deal as it will be hidden by the upper front cupboards. The great thing is that I have noticed quite a difference in Ziggy's strength and sturdiness with all of the paneling installed!

I'm excited yet a little apprehensive about starting the repair/replacement of the "furniture". Each piece has it's positives and negatives.

• The front upper cabinets will be reinstalled, but first the bottom needs a new skin and the face has a piece of the paneling laminate that is a little lifted and peeled from pulling it out during demo. I should be able to just glue that back down before I paint. 
• The dinette bench boxes are in good shape as are the lids. I will just replace the hinges that were bent and reinstall the lids. I will be rebuilding the streetside bench-back cupboard that was severely water damaged.
• The gaucho is the part I'm most concerned about as it seems the most complex. The good part is that the face with the cupboard doors is in good shape and can be reused, the bad is that many of the supports are bowed and will need replaced. The P.O. had screwed a support to the floor to keep the middle of the front of the bed from sagging. As this may have served it's purpose, I will NOT be doing the same thing. I would like to come up with an effective solution to keep the bed from sagging in the middle but I don't want it permanently fixed to the middle of the floor. I was actually thinking of building a wooden box that could be used to store items (maybe shoes) but slid under the bed for added support when in use. It could also be used as a ottoman when the gaucho is in use as a couch.

Funny, once I have it broken down like that it doesn't seem so bad. Just one piece at a time. Once I have the furniture rebuilt I will be working on the upholstery and painting the interior.