Our Aliner Restoration: Update 12 -ish.....

Thursday, July 30, 2009

Update 12 -ish.....

I haven't updated since last Thursday even though we've been hard at work...even while uploaded the pics on my phone I see I need to take even more when I get back because a lot isn't even here. Like the center panel where the heater sits is stained and a door has been cut out and installed over it. A false door has been installed under the stove.....well here is a list of done and to do:

Done (since last update...maybe more than whats listed....idk?):

gas lines installed to heater and stove.
bed framed in.
side end table made (needs countertop).
countertops made for stove, sink and right corner.
power converter installed.
gfi outlet installed.
all interior wiring completed.
caulked interior perimeter and flooring staples.
new faucet installed.
cushion recovered (just putting one back in, other side will be a table now).
support wall made and ready to install.
water heater and tank placed.
battery holder installed.

To Do (in the immediate future only, lol):

finish wiring (might be done today).
install water lines (have all materials).
cut bench top down.
build countertop for side table.
finish bench cushion.
finish curtains...have all but the tinted window made, need to finish installing sliding tabs into big green curtains that go over the sink. need to make the ones still for tinted windows, not a rush.
get a battery.
install small cabinets, countertop over them and build whatever in between them....find a place for the fire extinguisher.
replace the broken vent.
stain the veneers and other unfinished wood.
and plenty more I just can't think of right now.....

Billy goes back to SC today, already. But he helped us get a lot done, especially the electrical. It's been hot and hard to work on things the past few days, but it is getting there and really starting to come together. I'll try to update some newer pics tonight, or later this weekend because the "Update 12" album doesn't really do it justice as it sits right now.

Thanks Billy for the help and have a safe trip home!

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Future Plans

(Written shortly after bringing home the Aliner in June of 2009) I'm hoping at the end of the day to put together these blog entries and photos and publish some comprehensive notes and instructions that will help the next poor bastard out. There is a ton of knowledge out there, it's just really hard to find it in one place. We will most likely publish in google docs and link pdf or doc files here.

Our primary goal at this point is the floor. In our imaginations we can see the potential for this little unit and there is a lot of inspiration on the web. It's really hard (for me, I think Mike has his head on a bit tighter) to not want to look into the cool mods and daydream about crazy efficient cabinets and gadgets.

(May of 2011)

As of today we are working on getting into our second season of camping in the Aliner. Last year we only brought it local to Otter River State Forest in Templeton with plates off of our utility trailer and the old tires. This season after new tires we brought her to Myrtle Beach in April and have since removed the old decals and applied new ones. We love this camper, so don't ask to buy it unless you're looking to forkover 6-7k. It's pretty much a new camper now, even better it's made well....no stapled together cabinets or chintzy counter tops. It may not be the biggest thing but it is just right for the two of us!

Aliner Parts and Pieces

Aliner Owners Club on Floor Replacement

Here you can find the AOC write up on floor replacement with some helpful links, such as to the wood petrifier if you just need to fix a soft spot and links to pictures that show a floor replacement done by lifting the body of the camper and using the old floor as a template. We chose not to lift the camper and to replace piece by piece for a few reasons. The first was because the floor was so far gone it was pretty much dirt. There was no using the old floor as a template and no need to try to get it out in one piece. Second, we did not have the garage or other space to work on the camper and did all our work in our then gravel driveway. And lastly time, we didn't want to leave the camper up and apart for the length of time we thought this would all take. The main reason though was because our floor was so far gone. I think either method is fine but do realize when doing it a piece at a time you need to place the new floor in as you go or you will lose structural support. The walls are wrapped around the edges of the floor and stapled all the way around. When you remove the old flooring it will fall if you take it all off. Also doing it a piece at a time you will need to do the parameter first then the center of the floor rather than what would probably be three full sheets. We half lapped, used liquid nails and recessed bolts. We also did spray a rubberized undercoat and we added reinforcement to the rear of the frame.