New items to come.

 This is a pretty cool find. purchased it on amazon for around 70 bucks. Its a Shore power inlet by Marinco. Although it was design for marine use, its perfect for RVs as well. We went with the Marinco 303SSEL-B because its solid and has a chrome finish which will match the airstream body. Other products are usually made from cheap plastic. It was a little more but will last 2x as long. Comes in this week. I'll start on the installation Sunday.

The main reason for installing this connector was to eliminate storing the power cable in the septic tank area.

 

Other items that will be installed. Lights, Outlet covers and handles

     

1950's car door handles will be used.

                             

Series tank monitoring system. It will monitor the fresh water tank level, black water tank level, battery voltage and also LP spending units.

We are members!

Whats left to do??

 

Needs completion:

1. Finish polishing- Back in progress as of 1-1-2015 and almost complete!
2. Black trim tape needed on all windows after tinting
3. Run wire for new LED lighting
4. Build bathroom utility closet
5. Awnings need for right side and rear
6. Build small table that will double for front and middle of Airstream
7. Build pocket doors (rear)
8. Fabric wall (passenger side done)
9. Polish aluminum trim inside airstream
10. Re-chrome main door handle
11. Polish hubcaps.
12. Hood vent for stove
13. After all large sections of interior are built they will need To be stained
14. All outlet covers need to be replaced and installed
15. USB outlets need to be installed
16. Ducted AC unit needed for bedroom
17. Design and install new vista view covers
18. Design center ceiling
19. Remodel bathroom- in progress
20. Install center ceiling
21. Install pocket lights (middle of airstream)
22. Install LED lighting in ceiling 
23. Install switches  for LED lighting
24. Install individual lights in bedroom
25. Install LED in shower
26. Install LED strips in drop ceiling
27. Install outside shower
28. Install outside LP connector
29. Install central computer for Airstream
30. Install outside power outlet
31. Install new vent over kitchen
32. install new interior- in progress
33. Install sliding doors for bedroom and bathroom- in progress

Completed items:

 

1. Build cabinet over water heater (Door for heater and slide out drawer for storage)-Done
2. Remove old Airstream numbers and install new numbers-Done
3. Fabric wall (left side bedroom)-Done
4. Run air lines for airbeds-Done
5. Tint all windows -Done
6. Build beds (left and right side) with four drawers under them)-Done
7. Fabric wall (left side bedroom)-Done
8. New curtains for front area-Done
9. Reinforce battery box
10. Replace all running lights with stylish chrome lights- Done
11. Purchase 1st generator-Done
12. Build new shower-Done
13. Build new bathroom sink-Done
14. Build Closets-Done
15. Build Table with two legs -Done
16. Build front seating area -Done
17. Build overhead storage (kitchen) -Done
18. Build pocket door walls (Front) -Done
19. Build entertainment center -Done
20. Build overhead storage in kitchen -Done
21. Install new radio -Done
22. Install cabinet handles -Done
23. Install TV-Done
24. Install new fan with remote over table-Done
25. Install roll down shades (bedroom, bathroom, kitchen)-Done
26. Install Rear bedroom speakers-Done
27. Install gaskets on all doors-Done
28. Install tile on kitchen wall-Done
29. Install awning on left side-Done
30. Install handles on cabinet doors-Done
31. Install wood floor-Done
32. Install LED lighting over kitchen-Done
33. Install Propane tank cover-Done
34. Install new front speakers -Done
35. Install new water heater -Done
36. Install new furnace -Done
37. Install new toilet -Done
38. Install new batteries -Done
39. Install fuse panel -Done
40. Install new septic tank -Done
41. Install new water pump -Done
42. Install new stove -Done
43. Install shower pan-Done
44. Install Marinco shore line 30 amp power connector (Front and rear) - Done
45. Install LP tank cover -Done
46. Install 2^nd pole for table -Done
47. Install window rock guard for front -Done
48. Install pressure regulator for water -Done
49. Install Microwave-Done
50. Install sliding drawers for pantry
51. Replace copper with PEX -Done
52. Purchase kitchen sink and facet -Done
53. Overhead storage for bedroom -Done
54. Custom cabinets for pantry -Done
55. Slide out drawers in pantry-Done
56. Replace main awning-Done
57. Replace axles -Done
58. Remove old antenna -Done
59. New gaskets on all windows -Done
60. Remove all interior -Done
61. Run heating duct -Done
62. Prep wood floor and paint -Done
63. Paint walls -Done
64. Cushions for front seating area -Done
65. custom cabinets for kitchen -Done
66. All windows and doors need seals replaced -Done
67. Design heat vent outlet-Done
68. Design sliding doors -Done
69. Repair rear end sag -Done
70. Change door light to LED -Done 

Need to purchase:

 

1. Purchase LED light switches
2. Purchase surge protector needed
3. Purchase New Fridge
4. Purchase 2nd generator- first generator purchased
5. Purchase all wood veneer to remodel interior
6. Purchase all wood to remodel interior
7. Purchase outdoor shower box
8. Purchase Nuvite- on going
9. Purchase wire for 12v lighting
10. Purchase LED replacements for puck lights
11. Purchase 3m adhesive for veneer (1 gallon)
12. Purchase airline tickets to fly Wade out to help veneer
13. Purchase converter to 120
14. Purchase awning for rear and passenger side
15. Purchase new awning fabric for main awning

Purchased so far:

1. Purchase window rock guard for front -Done
2. Purchase 1st generator-Done
3. Purchase handles for inside-Done
4. Purchase pressure regulator for water -Done
5. Purchase wood flooring -Done
6. Purchase new axles -Done
7. Purchase fan w/remote for front (over table) -Done
8. Purchase LED Running light -Done
9. Purchase Toilet -Done
10. Purchase propane tank cover -Done
11. Purchase new septic tank -Done
12. Purchase stove-Done
13. Purchase water pump -Done
14. Purchase window tint -Done
15. Purchase gaskets -Done
16. Purchase furnace -Done
17. Purchase water heater -Done
18. Purchase new batteries -Done
19. Purchase gas detector -Done
20. Purchase carbon detector -Done
21. Purchase Cyclo buffer -Done
22. Purchase Nuvite polish -Done
23. Purchase shower pan -Done
24. Purchase radio -Done
25. Purchase tv -Done
26. Purchase bathroom sink-Done
27. Purchase speakers -Done
28. Purchase PEX tubing -Done
29. Purchase PEX crimps -Done
30. Purchase curtain fabric -Done
31. Purchase foam for seating -Done
32. Purchase Fabric for seating -Done
33. Purchase batteries -Done
34. Purchase fuse panel -Done
35. Purchase power converter -Done
36. Purchase central computer -Done
37. Purchase kitchen sink -Done
38. Purchase kitchen faucet -Done  
39. Purchase bathroom faucet -Done  
40. Purchase shower head -Done
41. Purchase fresh water hose needed -Done
42. Purchase fresh water filter needed -Done 
43. Purchase weight distribution hitch -Done
44. Purchase RV chocks -Done
45. Purchase RV tongue foot-Done
46. Purchase cabinet handles -Done
47. Purchase main awning -Done
48. Purchase metal for rear end sag-Done
49. Purchase new tires -Done
50. Purchase LP connectors -Done
51. Purchase wood for overhead storage units -Done
52. Purchase wood for front seating area -Done
53. Purchase wood for pantry -Done
54. Purchase wood for kitchen -Done
55. Purchase wood for walls -Done
56. Purchase wood for beds -Done
57. Purchase wood for entertainment center -Done
58. Purchase wood for rear floor -Done
59. Purchase paint for floor -Done
60. Purchase paint for walls -Done
61. Purchase hinges for cabinets -Done
62. Purchase soft close drawer sliders -Done
63. Purchase generator -Done
64. Purchase 30 amp cord -Done
65. Purchase brake away unit -Done
66. Purchase ball hitch -Done
67. Purchase microwave -Done
68. Purchase speaker wire -Done
69. Purchase ducting for heating -Done
70. Purchase  flooring -Done
71. Purchase sliding door hardware -Done
72. Purchase hot water heater bypass -Done
73. Purchase temporary AC unit -Done
74. Purchase temporary fridgerator -Done
75. Purchase table legs -Done
76. Purchase original control panel -Done
77. Purchase sewer kit -Done
78. Purchase outdoor rug-Done
79. Purchase sewer tube holder -Done
80. Purchase plumbing (drain) -Done
81. Purchase plumbing (on/off) valves -Done
82. Purchase aluminum trim for table and kitchen -Done 
83. Purchase tile for kitchen -Done
84. Purchase Buffing pads -Done
85. Purchase aircraft stripper -Done
86. Purchase hubcaps (4x) -Done
87. Purchase tow connectors -Done 
88. Purchase tow brake controller -Done
89. Purchase bedding -Done
90. Purchase Airstream membership -Done
91. Purchase Airstream numbers -Done

Nice to have:

 

1. Solar power
2. Generators switched to propane
3. Aluminum propane tanks
    

 

 

 

Airstream Buffing: more B&A

Before

after

As you can see, the airstream was in pretty bad shape when we first bought it. It’s been so long since I’ve seen this picture I forgot how much work has actually been done to the body. The picture below is of the same area. It really is amazing what’s underneath all that oxidation and damage.

Soon the entire airstream will look like this!
First I used aircraft stripper to remove the clear coat. I picked some up at auto zone and purchased some brushes to apply. Use heavy duty rubber gloves to protect yourself when you brush it on. After it bubbles up spray it off (I used a pressure washer). Once the clear coat is removed it’s ready for buffing. I used a 7” buffing pad on a rotary polisher with Nuvite F7 polishing compound. I tried multiple compounds and stand by Nuvite 100%. Nuvite is a little $$ but a little goes a long way and personally I believe it to be at least 3x as affective then other brands on the market. Next you’ll need a Cyclo orbital polisher. It’s the only way to remove the swirl marks left by the 7” buffing pad. I purchased mine used on craiglist.
To clean the black residue left behind by the polishing compound add 2  ounce (+or-) of vinegar in a spray bottle mixed with water. Spray the area and use a microfiber towel. For tuff spots use terry cloth but be carful because terry cloth will leave scratches. The best way I found to remove residue is to cover the Cyclo buffer with the microfiber cloth. It works really well and is quicker than doing it by hand. Here is a list of what I used:

Buffing pad: Presta Double or single sisded BLACK wool cutting pad
http://www.amazon.com/PRESTA-Single-Sided-Cutting-Buffing/dp/B0082LFSPG

Buffing pad attachment: Quick connect adapter
http://www.autodetailingwarehouse.com/dewalt-polisher-makita-polisher-drive-adapter-DP1900.html

7in Sander/Polisher
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Makita-7-in-Sander-Polisher-9227C/100594840

Cyclo buffer:
http://www.eastwood.com/cyclo-model-5-dual-headed-polisher.html?srccode=ga220010&gclid=CMWBrfz24L0CFS1eOgodX3oAyw

Nuvite polish: F7 cut and finish with S
http://www.aircraftspruce.com/pages/cs/cleaners_znuvite/nuvitenushine.php

Terry cloth and Microfiber cloth