Work Session- 10 & 11

Some major work is happening on Ziggy!!

We've recently hit a record-breaking stretch of 90+ degree days. So over the weekend hubby and I got up early and spent 4-5 hours working on Ziggy each day before the temps got too high.

I bought a couple rolls of seam sealing putty tape to reseal the corners, trim and anywhere water could potentially get in. We were able to finish the framework and got the back end put back together. I wasn't sure if 2 rolls of the sealing tape would be enough but seeing how that stuff stretches we should have plenty to do everywhere we've planned for it. I am leaving the window out so to keep the air moving throughout the trailer while I work on it. I will also be repainting the outside and leaving the windows out will make that step a bit easier.

 

 We've decided that the floor needs more scraping than what the kiddo has done. The paper-like backing on the old tiles is not coming up very easily. I have an oscillating multi-tool that is helping with the process. I spent Sunday morning working on the floor while Chris worked on the front-end demolition. He removed the old water tank, the front window, rock guard and outer metal. The water tank literally crumbled as Chris tried removing it. I knew early on that it would be replaced so it was kind of comical that it came out so easily.While I continued scraping he was able to rebuild most of the front-end framework. Later on Sunday evening when the temps had gone back down we sprayed the front area with CPES.

I was able to finish scraping the entire back section of flooring...boy is it a very slow process but it has to be done to get the floor as clean and smooth as possible for the new flooring.

We also rigged a battery to the system to check the tail, marker and clearance lights. They all work!! Now just to keep the lines protected so they continue to work!

 

Work Session- 9

Last night was a great night!! Hubby and I had tried several different control settings on the furnace when we were trying to light it over the weekend. Last night I tried a couple more combinations. I think over the weekend we hadn't held the control knob in long enough to get any air or old propane out of the system. I took my time and gave the lines plenty of time to fill with propane. I figured out that the dials don't go to the top setting but the pin-like thing between the 2 knobs is the indicator. It was pretty hot in the trailer with it being in the garage and the outside temperatures in the mid-nineties so I didn't think I would be able to get the furnace to kick on so I was happy just getting the pilot light lit. Just for shits and giggles though, I turned the knob to 9 (the highest setting), gave it a few seconds and voila! the damn thing kicked on!! Then it was on to the oven. I could see where the pilot light was so I knew where to aim the lighter but I couldn't figure out how to get the gas to turn on.... I has a feeling it was more than just turning the oven on because if you turned the oven off the pilot light would also go out...I looked around for about 5 minutes and noticed that in front of the vent at the back of the range there was a hinge. I pulled a little on the vent hoping there may be something under the vent cover...nope... but I knew that hinge wasn't there for not, so I reached my fingers into the hole for one of burners and gave a firm tug and up it came. I looked around in 20 years of dust and gunk and there it was! In the front corner was a small lever on the gas line coming out of the oven control know. I moved the lever, and turned on the oven and I could hear the quiet hiss of the gas coming on in the oven. I reached in with the lighter and lit the pilot light, then I turned on the oven and it fired right up!!! One of the coolest things about this project is finding things that work. For free, I had very little expectations for things to still work. remember this trailer sat unused for 20 years. Lots of rust and rot so when something works it gives you a renewed energy about the whole project. I love my Ziggy!!

I also worked on rebuilding the framework. The first part of this trailer that I knew needed replaced was taken care of last night. The far back upright! It was pretty cool to see what I had pictured it would look like come to reality. Again, I used liquid nails for added strength to the joints. This weekend I will make a trip to home depot to get the insulation, a few more pieces of lumber for the front-end framework and some plywood for added strength to the corners and rebuilding the interior "furniture". I was hot and tired so no new pictures yet.

Work Session- 8

Hubby helped me test the propane. We lit the stove, all 3 burners work!! The gas lantern works as well!! We weren't able to get the oven or furnace to work but I also didn't have the instructions for either with me while we were testing so I will read up on those before we try again. The stove working though tells us that the lines are good at least!!

I also started the rebuild!! The foundation of the back wall as well as the side walls near the back were completely rotted to dust, they have now been replaced. They were all originally 1x2s but the back is now a 1x6 to give the back wall the additional support. I couldn't make the sides any bigger than a 1x2 because of the small access door frame size. I used liquid nails, screws and staples it is super stout now.

Work Session- 7

Ziggy is getting stronger!

I doused the back end of the trailer in CPES*, the floors and all framework were soaked. I used a weed sprayer to get thorough coverage. That stuff is AMAZING. I used a lacquer thinner to clean the weed sprayer and hope it was enough to keep it from clogging...otherwise I'll be headed back to Harbor Freight for another weed sprayer for the front of the trailer when I get to that part. I let the trailer sit for almost a week to be sure the CPES cured completely. It is rock solid!!

*I purchased the CPES (Clear Penetrating Epoxy Sealer) from The Rot Doctor. It is typically used on old boats but can be used for anything. I had done quite a bit of research and decided that this product was exactly what I was looking for. It gives me confidence that the floor will hold it's strength even though it had been wet in the past.

Work Session- 6

I got to do some work on Ziggy this weekend. I pulled the back outside metal off! This exposes the back corner needing replaced and adds confidence that the flooring is still pretty solid even in the back. I will definitely be soaking the crap out of it with CPES to restore the strength since most of the back wall will be supported at least in part by the subfloor. It is much less overwhelming to think about taking on the rebuild now that the part I feared most (taking off the exterior metal) is started. Of course I 'll have to do the same on the front (once the back is rebuilt) but I am so much more confident about it now that I've started on the back. The window removal went super easy and makes me much less nervous about putting it back in. I'll also be replacing the frame around the small outside access door. It apparently was not sealed very well, but that should be a pretty minor fix.

I have also removed all of the outside trailer lights and will be replacing them. The original lenses although very cool and original are almost opaque from age. I will be looking for something similar and hope to find something round rather than plain rectangular lenses.

Be sure to check out the pictures of the back metal gone!! Pretty exciting!

Work Session- 5

Wow, It's been a very busy Fall. Hubby and I spent a significant amount of time hunting. I ended the season with 4 grouse, a rabbit and a doe. Hubby got 4 turkeys, several grouse and a little buck. With a full freezer we moved right into the youngest's basketball season and the holidays. We had a very enjoyable holiday season. I took the week leading up to Christmas off and fully intended on spending at least a day working on Ziggy. I don't think I even stepped foot in the garage my whole vacation. Time got away from me and before I knew it, the week was over and I was back at work. Basketball season ended with a record of 8-0 and the league championship!!

This weekend I did spend a couple hours working on Ziggy. The youngest worked on getting more of the old flooring up. She did a great job. I worked on pulling out more paneling, the front this time... Oh lord, the far front corner is BAD it is more rotten than the far back corner.
I had a bit of concern and a little loss in confidence of the whole project but after a great encouraging conversation with hubby I am ready to charge on! It may not be the beginning of the summer but if I can have it ready for Mom and Me weekend with the youngest I will be so happy.

She has a name!

 

z igieł

 

 

 

Polish for "From the needles" to commemorate the excitement of

watching her rise from being buried in 20 years of pine needles.

 

Work Session 4-

Hubby got me a Dremmel for my birthday! I cut the final pieces of paneling out of the back sidewalls. While I was removing the paneling I decided to also remove the cupboard front that doubles as the lower bed support wall. I am thinking of ideas for additional support to the bed when it is extended. I will likely be putting the cupboard front back in place but want to explore all options.

The back area is now stripped and cleaned. The next task will be removing the far support, replacing it, and adding additional supports where we feel necessary. I will then treat ALL exposed interior lumber with CPES. This will not only restore the integrity of the structure but also reduce the potential of future rot. After that the plan is to start removing the paneling and assessing damage to the front of the trailer.

Work Session 3-

As planned, this weekend was dedicated to cleaning the outside of the trailer and checking for leaks. The use of my parents' pressure washer proved handy. I sprayed the entire trailer down with bleach, let it sit for about an hour then proceeded with the pressure washer. No scrubbing necessary! Even the front fiberglass shield/shade came clean. The combination of bleach, time, sunlight and the pressure washer did wonders! I'm very happy with the results. Pictures coming soon!.

Using the pressure washer on every inch of the outside allowed us to watch and see where water might be making it's way inside. The vent/window for the bunk bed leaks around the frame. The front window leaks a little above the window. The back corner at a horizontal seam leaks a tiny bit. I will seal it from the inside, however I only think the water came in because the pressure washer was forcing water up under the overlap of the seam, rain is not likely to flow up with that much pressure. Even with the new leaks we discovered I believe there are less leaks than I'd originally thought. I really think that much of the moisture in the trailer was from 20 years of condensation and lack of ventilation for evaporation. I will make every effort to seal her up tight.

When I got the trailer home I looked it over fairly thoroughly. There's a piece of cardboard laying over the stove, which I've left in place to protect the stove from my tools I tend to set there. I had looked under the cardboard to check the condition of the stove and noticed that the burner grates were missing. This weekend I looked in the oven to see what kind of a mess there may be inside. There were the grates and the tiniest broiling pan I've ever seen.

The trailer is ready to move inside when the weather gets to cold and/or wet to work on it outside. As for now I figure the fresh air and sunlight will help dry it out.

Work Session 2-

This weekend hubby and I worked on removing more of the water damaged paneling. We were happy to see that when we pulled back the paneling on the sides just forward of the back wall that the structural supports are in perfect condition. I am more confident now that the kitchenette and closet area is solid. I think I'll leave the paneling in this area intact and give it a coat of paint. Something to make the Aqua appliances really stand out.

I also took a little time to remove the trim from around all of the windows as well as all the curtain brackets.

Since I'm not going to be removing all of the paneling I need to figure out a way to cut the paneling in a more precise way than my skill saw. I'm thinking along the lines of a Dremel tool with a cutting blade. Any other ideas?

Hubby did some research on wood-rot repair and found a product called CPES (Clear Penetrating Epoxy Sealer). After learning more about CPES I'm excited that we can treat and increase the structural integrity of the supports we're leaving in place.

We made a trip into town to get some things we'll need for the project as it progresses. I picked up some 1x3 and 1x2 furring strip boards to use for the replacement and additional interior supports. We also found the material we'll use to replace the damaged paneling. I've borrowed my Dad's brad/staple nailer in the past but figured it's time to get my own. I also got a new mini pry bar to use for more delicate demolition. Is that an oxymoron?... delicate demolition...

After some thought I'm thinking I may change the front dinette a bit. The bed created when the dinette is folded down is shorter than a typical bed. I think I'll permanently remove the small cabinet behind the sink side bench to lengthen the bed and thus make it useable by a normal human being . I'm already going to be taking it out to fix the damaged wall behind it so it seems a reasonable alteration. I'll have to create a "spacer' to sit behind the bench back cushion to keep it at a proper distance from the table. At this point my thought is to either create a wooden spacer or a thick sturdy cushion spacer. Either of which can be removed when the dinette is made into a bed.

Next step will be to borrow a pressure washer to clean up the outside and see where we have leaks! This step needs done sooner than later. The weather isn't getting any warmer and we need to get the trailer moved inside so I can work on it over the winter.

Work Session 1-

 I have yet to decide on a name for her, I've also not yet decided whether this will be a restoration or a remodel...

Keep in mind that because I knew this trailer had sat outside, unused in the Inland Northwest for over 20 years I had very little expectations for the condition of the inner structure. With a trailer this old I don't care what you do to protect it from the elements it will get wet, and wet it is.  I started pulling paneling off the back wall and most of it just fell apart in my hands. I removed the back reading lamp but the screws are so rusted on the bracket that for now I'll leave it alone until I devise a plan for removing those old screws.

Middle and Little helped by removing the cork boards that were double-stick taped to almost every cupboard door in the trailer, then set to work pulling up the loose floor tiles.

I removed the bottom back bed and the bunk which gives me more access to the entire back wall and side panels.

After a discussion with hubby the consensus is to replace all of the paneling, even those pieces that appear to be good. This will give us the opportunity to assess the condition of all areas of the structure.

The floor feels solid, it actually "gives" less than our tent trailer's, so for now it stays.

The Previous Owner (PO) had stuffed insulation in the 2 front side- windows between the windows and screens. I couldn't figure out how I was going to get it out....then a stroke of genius! It dawned on me that all I had to do was crank the windows open and pull it out from the outside, duh... what a dork. I have a feeling I'll have a lot of these moments throughout this project.

On day one we removed;

• Both back beds
• Cork boards
• Paneling from the entire back wall
• Back reading lamp
• Insulation from windows!!

Random items found;

• Package of old carbon paper
• Akaido Book
• Lifestyles condom- still in wrapper, thank god!
• Personal lubricant packet
• Swim fins- so heavy they'd drown an average adult
• 4 empty one- gallon water jugs
• 3 ton hydraulic jack
• Rope hoist
• Letter to previous owner from a vitamin company assuring him of the deal he was getting on steroids... (A hippy on steroids?)...huh.
• 2 old-school side mirrors that will NOT be installed on my H3.

Trailer Factoids

Trailer Factoids

This should be an ever expanding list as

I learn and discover more about my little trailer

• It is a 1966 Kit Companion Model 1500
• It has water damage- but not as much as we originally thought!
• The hippy neighbor purchased it in 1977 ( I have both the bill of sale and the title to prove it) for a trip to California with his lady.
• Said hippy neighbor lived in and out of the trailer for about 7 years
• The trailer sat empty and unused (other than as he described it "as a depository for junk") for 20 years
• The trailer was given to me. I refuse to call it a "free" trailer as I do intent to put some money into to the restore/refurbish/remodel... whatever you call it.
• We inflated the tires to bring it home. One tire remains inflated while the other tire was flat by the next morning. (I must say it was pretty cool watching it rise from 20 years of pine needles as the tires were inflating- much like a phoenix from the ashes)
• The electrical lights work
• It has the original hand water pump
• It also has the original propane lantern, and stove (the propane lines have yet to be tested as the tank was removed because it was outdated)
• All glass is intact and all window and vent crank mechanisms are operational
• Burner grates are accounted for!

One man's trash is another woman's treasure

So begins a new journey! I recently acquired a 1966 Kit Companion Travel Trailer from the fun-loving hippy neighbors next door. They mentioned to my husband that they were wanting someone to haul it to the dump. Since I'd recently been thinking about getting a travel trailer to replace our very large tent trailer it got me thinking. I've always enjoyed seeing the restored or refurbished vintage travel trailers and the thought of not having to set up a tent trailer to pack it and take it down again to haul it to the campsite was very intriguing.

I jumped! I talked to the neighbors and they were happy to sign the title over. We picked her up on Sunday of the Labor Day weekend. I love it! She's not pretty right now but I keep envisioning what she'll be when we're done and it's very exciting!!

If anyone has any questions, recommendations or advice, I would very much appreciate your comments! Thanks for reading!