Today was a busy day! We tore out the ceiling birch around the vent and on the front wall above the counter. We then put new birch in. The framing looked good around the vent so we didn’t need to replace it. That was a nice surprise. We still have the trim to do but we ran out of birch so off to get more soon. Next we’ll put up a back splash, install a subfloor, stain the new birch, install a new cupboard door and do a few other things before finally the new flooring gets installed . It’s amazing how long it takes to measure, measure again, double measure, then cut, then install. Hubby survived today by a very small margin. He fussed at me, I fussed at him, we laughed and giggled though so it’s all good. Here are some before & After as well as some in progress photos for you all.
First the Before/After of the paint. Doesn’t she look fabulous! Her new owner picked out the color and she’s now sporting a new professional paint job. I think it’s perfect. It’s so retro looking. She looks a little nekked right now with her wings and drop caps but we’ll get those put back on soon.
Here is the kitchen area. You can see the new birch on the ceiling and on the front wall and around the window. Normally, I would stain this before installing it but we got out there and before you know it we went ahead and installed it. Plus I need to go down and have the stain matched and didn’t want to stop our progress to run down to get it. So I’ll pick up the stain soon. Behind the stove we will install a new back splash and those over head sliding cupboards will get replaced. Notice the gas lamp globe is missing from the picture on the right? No, I didn’t break it. I was smart this time and removed it so it wouldn’t get broken. It’s safely stored.
I’ll share more progress soon. Now I’m off to relax. Have a great Memorial Day weekend!
Share this:
Wonderful job Kelle! Would you mind posting a how to/tools needed list for replacing that birch paneling? That is where I am stuck. Would love to make the same progress!
Where do you suggest for trailer painting?
Thanks so much.
Kathy
Hoodsport, WA
Kathy, Any good automotive paint shop. I’m sure they aren’t all created equal. Also word of mouth is great too if you know someone that recently had their car done, etc.,
I have a 1961 Shasta Compact that needs the same exact panels replaced… both the vent panel and the back panel under the window has water damage… did you have to go from the outside in… or did you do it from the inside ???
I saw some birch at Home Depot, I live in Sacramento, CA… where did you get your birch… and what is the thickness?
Thanks, Rita
Rita,
We did it from the inside. For birch we found it at a local lumber yard. The best size thickness is 1/8th which can be harder to find. So try a local lumber place. Box stores like Home Depot, Lowes, etc., seem to only carry the 1/4 inch size.
You are doing a great job. Looking forward to more posts.
I have a question, what material do you recommend for the overhead sliding cabinets?
We need to replace ours. We are restoring a 1957 Corvette travel trailer.
Thanks, Sherry
Hi Sherry, thank you for the nice compliment. I think the material for the sliding cabinets can vary just depending on what you want to do. You can use formica or something like 1/8th birch and paint it (that is what we did in ours). If you are going for a more original restored look some sort of formica or laminate might be the best option.
hi kelle, you have done a wonderful job on your camper. i have one that is similar to your but is yellow. i dont know the year and cannot find the vin#, of course i dont have the title. any suggestions as to where to look for it? i have thoroughly searched the tongue but no luck there. thank you! cathy mccarty
Hi Cathy, I can’t imagine where else it would be other than the tongue. Sometimes it’s hidden under layers of paint and you have to remove the paint to find it. Mine was stamped on the inside of the tongue like on the second tier down on the tongue metal (if that makes sense).
Hi! I LOVE your site! I am trying to renovate a little 1963 Osage (have you ever heard of those? I can’t find ANYTING on them!). The ceiling is now covered in carpet! Ha! So, according to this post, I’m guessing that originally it would have been wood? That’s what I’ve seen in lots of the renovation pictures I’ve looked at. I also have to re-do the door. It’s a mess! Do any of your posts cover that? I’ve looked, but couldn’t find anything specific. I am so sorry to be posting so many questions, but I feel so lost! And I’ve looked all over the web, and it’s hard to know where to start!