Beginning our Rhody Stream renovation

We finished demolition in October, removing all built-ins, appliances, the subfloor, inner skins, and insulation. We grinded the rust off the frame and painted with Rustoleum before we packed up the project for the winter. Now, spring has sprung and it is time to start putting things back together.

Things I am encouraged about--the wiring appears to have been updated by the previous owner, so probably we won't have to replace it. Frame had shockingly little rust and only needs welded reinforcement in one spot. And my baby used to work construction (and also helped his family build their own house growing up) so he knows a lot of things that I don't know!

Things I am worried about--we are going to try to replace the subfloor shell-on. Everything I've read indicates that this is a pain in the rear. Also, I imagine the axels and tires need replacing, and maybe also the hitch, but I haven't the foggiest idea how we will be able to tow to a service center that can make said repairs.

When I feel overwhelmed starting a new project, I like to focus on what I've learned already. During demo I learned . . .

• How to drill out rivets
• How to use a power washer
• What a c-channel is
• The water tank layout and capacity for our rig
• What a p-trap is
• How to test rivets to see if they're sealed
• How propane-powered fridges work and why they need to be vented
• That there are these things called scrap metal yards and they will pay you money for your metal!

I comfort myself with the knowledge that it is possible for me to go from a blank slate to experientially educated. And the learning has not stopped just because the work has! Since quarantine and reno hiatus I learned . . .

• It's important to use a polyurethane (as opposed to silicone) sealant on your Airstream
• It's not smart to tool polyuerathane sealant with your finger
• What R-value is and the merits of various types of insulation
• The merits of various kinds of subfloor materials
• What a lift kit is and why we should probably install one

The goals for this weekend are, (1) to make a dump run with all the demo'd junk we left in the yard, (2) to inspect, grind, and Rustoleum any rust that may have accumulated during the winter, (3) to assess and procure materials for repairing the center skylight, and (4) to commence sealing the outer shell. The latch to our door also needs to be repaired (it locks us out when fully closed), but I don't know how to do that, so it may need to wait for a future weekend. I have never caulked before, so wish me luck!

I have been consulting the following resources: The Greatley's Airstream Remodel, Drivin' and Vibin', Running from Ordinary, Restoring a Dream by Tim Shephard, Tin Can Homestead by Lawyer and Bashaw, and of course, the Airforums.