A Better Look At The Old Girl

Sorry to take so long for a new post. I took the pictures that follow as soon as we got her home, and really did intend to make this entry right away. But, just like when I brought her home, things don't always go as planned.

Anyway, my grandson and I went through the trailer and removed all of the debris that was in her, and took the dinette cushions out. They will all need replaced anyway, since they are dirty and really stinky. Then we went about taking an objective look at what we have to work with, and also discussed possible changes in the floor plan. What we found was a trailer with much more water damage than I had initially expected. I was really surprised at how little I had really seen when I first looked at the trailer. It's amazing how blinded we can be by an initial meeting. The heart sees things much differently than the eyes do. That's undoubtedly a good thing, though, because my eyes would have said NO! But my heart was already in love, so this is going to be a long-term relationship, warts and all.

The pictures that follow make the old girl look much prettier than she really is. Her makeup (white paint over the walls) covers up a lot of rot. Underneath it, she is really wrinkly and soft, rather than smooth and firm. But this is who she is right now, and I love her anyway. At my age, she and I have a lot in common.

The door needs completely rebuilt.

The glass will need replaced. Duct tape is covering broken edges.

Streetside rear corner has been mashed a few times.

And so has the curbside rear corner.

Glass is missing from the front jalousie window. You can see some of the deteriorated interior through the window.

The electrical panel is in the closet, and the AC outlets still work, believe it or not.

The 120 VAC light with electrical outlet mounted on the rear shelf still works, but is in pretty bad cosmetic shape.

The fresh water tank has stuff growing in it and will be replaced. You can see rot at the rear corner of the floor.

The refrigerator doesn't work, and it is pretty rusty. Door is twisted and doesn't close properly.

All of the jacks are present and work. The closet has a divider wall for the Fridge. This will be modified to make a Porta-Potty room.

The front galley will be removed and new cabinets built. I plan to put an electric Fridge where the drawers are. The range is rusted badly and the trim has been sprayed with aluminum paint.

The Fridge will be removed so the closet room will accommodate a Porta-Potty.

My extremely handsome and intelligent grandson, Max, is really excited about the project. He has already made several great suggestions for the new layout.

The Range top works, but the oven does not. The range will be removed and replaced by a 3-burner cooktop, or perhaps just a portable propane camping stove. This is still under consideration. In either case, we will probably put a small microwave under the counter top in the space currently occupied by the oven.

The gas light is broken and will be replaced by a 12 VDC light.

The paneling on the rear wall shows evidence of severe water damage. Unfortunately, it is no worse than the rest of the walls.

Severe water damage around the roof vent. Previous owners patched a LOT!

Water damage from roof leak extends well beyond the vent.

The metal Shasta emblem by the door is in one piece. I'll have to figure out the best way to clean it up.

The counter top is stained and the sink cover is broken. An all new galley will be built, although we will try to salvage the sink and faucets.

The closet and half closet will be removed and replaced with a potty room and a full length closet.

Water fill line and fresh water supply line are present but damaged.

Poles from what was likely an awning are stored under the seat.

Before the weather turned too wintery, we started tearing out the interior.  That's when the real surprises were uncovered.  I'll post a few pictures  soon.  As of right now, this old charmer is resting under her nice warm tarp, just waiting for a little warmer weather before she shows me anything new.