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emoney · 01-23-2013, 06:39 PM

Most of you know I've recently acquired my 1st motorhome; a 1984 Southwind Eagle 23 that was in pretty good shape. The previous owner replaced the flooring already, added a Jack-knife sofa and kept it really good shape. However, I'm one of those "jump in with both feet" folks, so I figure why not try my hand and dressing her up a smidge. And I've always wanted to do a remodel thread, if for nothing else but 'posterity' (is that the appropriate word?). So, here we go!

Please know, however, that I'm actively employed and a commuter so most of the updates will come either on Sunday nights or Monday mornings. However, I hope to document the process enough to keep it entertaining and my biggest reason is that a lot of you "old pros" will weigh in with suggestions and advice. I'm all ears.

So, let's get started with what we're staring at, risking redundancy as I've shown these in the "get to know me" thread, so please bear with me.

I'm even going to attempt to do a "Roll-n-tip" exterior paint change, but we'll get through the inside first. I'm all about the path of least resistance along with the headlong plunges, if that makes any sense?

The inside;

And the "list";
-All woodwork painted white
-Walls painted (color waffling still taking place)
-Pilot/Co-Pilot chairs to be slip-covered (yes, I'm doing the sewing)
-Remaining carpet changed out in front
-New toilet, sink and faucets in bathroom
-New kitchen counter makeover, w/new sink faucet
-Install a couple small TVs somewhere

I've started the "Kilz" in the little amount of time I had this past weekend after picking her up and bring her home. By Sunday night, I expect to have all the wood and faux wood covered and will update then. I've already acquired the bathroom fixtures and the carpet. Oh, and I'm adding curtains to surround the bathroom and block off the bed at night, plus window dressings above each window. Seems like a lot, doesn't it? And don't worry, I have no expectations of recouping any of this money I'm spending; I'm doing it because I get bored really quick. We switched from the sailboat to the RV because the wife just never got passed the seasickness, so I come to the table with a little experience as I've remodeled 2 dinghies, a 22' and a 27'. I'm a long way from a pro, so please note the above "help wanted" mention and weigh in as much as you feel good about

Oh, I have accomplished something this week. The RV didn't have a "center console" and while it does have the hard-to-reach cupholders, I thought something oughta go there, so I made this;

It got it's 1st coat of nitro-lacquer tonight (I build guitars when there's nothing else to do, lol);

Not sure if you can tell in the picture, but I routed out an area between the two cupholders to hold change, etc. I am also going to add leather inside the cupholders because the mug I "eyeballed" was the biggest coffee cup we have, according to SWMBO. But, when it's done, it should fit the space well enough to look ok I think. As an aside, the bottom of this console is from an old sailboat rudder that was taking up space and the top is African Mahogany left over from a guitar I built. Kinda tho't it was "cute" to tie in ALL the hobbies

Wish me luck, bear with me and jump in as much as you want!

rdkng88 · 01-23-2013, 06:50 PM

Very Nice and looks so clean !!

fishing127 · 01-23-2013, 07:02 PM

Go to www.shopfleetwoodparts.com

emoney · 01-23-2013, 07:16 PM

Thanks, and she really is clean which made it almost a little harder to tear into her. However, she looks a lot better in pictures, if that makes sense. When you get up close and personal, she sure shows her wrinkles. However, it was her condition and the reams of records the PO kept that led me to her. I'm hoping to both refresh her and make her a little less ugly on the outside while I'm at it.

That link may come in handy, fishing.

knugent · 01-25-2013, 02:41 PM

"The morning sun, when it's in your face really shows your age, but that don't bother me none , in my eyes you're everything"........Maggie-Mae, Rod Stewart, 1972. That's the way I feel about my ol' girl!

ronspradley · 01-25-2013, 06:57 PM

Looking great. I really like that cup holder and the way you gouged out the recess for change. I never thought of doing it that way. Best of luck on this re-fresh.

ronspradley

Dutch-n-Bean · 01-25-2013, 08:08 PM

Love the new console, and I'm looking forward to seeing your progress!

Look at it this way, you've got lots of room for improvement and personalization!

emoney · 01-26-2013, 06:41 PM

Thanks all, and you're dead-on about the "only one way to go which is up", lol. I'm even debating toying around a little with fiberglass on the grill/bumper cover, only because it's something I've always wanted to try, but that's very low on the priority list. Who knows what this thing will look like when I'm done.

Hopefully tomorrow night I'll have some interior update pics. Nothing happened these last couple of days thanks to a work related "education" thing that occupied 17hours a day both Friday and Saturday. Luckily it's only every 2 years....sheesh. Tomorrow, however, is all mine as I've already fore-warned the real boss.

Funrover · 01-28-2013, 01:41 AM

Nice looking rig! Enjoy the plunge, make it yours. They are more fun that way!

Pullin' Chocks · 01-28-2013, 03:23 AM

She's a beaut! Do you have any engine or chassis work you need to do? Belts, hoses, gaskets, shocks?

mikebreeze · 01-28-2013, 05:36 AM

Nice looking unit. I wish you the best in your remodeling quest.

emoney · 01-28-2013, 07:22 PM

As for engine/chassis/shocks/etc. I will probably change the shocks out, but need to have a real look at them first. I don't have a frame of reference to know if it rides good or not, lol. The day I brought it home, spent about 50 miles driving it and seemed to drive fine, but it was a windy day and again, what do I know? The radiator hoses were just changed out before I brought it home, and the belts look like they can't be much over a year or so old. She diesels a little, so I believe I may pull the carb and clean it really good and put a little better air cleaner on there, then have someone come and set the timing just to be on the safe side. Fluids were all just changed prior to me trading for it and weren't showing any metal on the sticks when I got home, so I'm crossing my fingers there. I've got a couple clearance light bulbs out, but other than knick-knack driveability stuff, I may be lucky there.

Damon92 · 01-28-2013, 10:59 PM

Very cool console...the laquer looks great. I am also a musician and use my 92' Damon DP as a"tour bus."

emoney · 01-30-2013, 05:25 PM

So, I finally had some time this afternoon to start throwing the Kilz on cabinets, etc.

However, as you can see, it was so humid & hot inside the coach that I didn't last very long because my masking tape wouldn't stick. I'm really not sure why I didn't fire up the genny (RV is at a storage lot) and turn on the A/C, but we live and learn I suspect. However, I do have a question now. What is underneath this vinyl padded "head saver"? Anybody know?

Got the toilet, sink and new faucet fixtures just waiting for the paint to be done.

It's supposed to cool down tomorrow, hopefully, so it won't be so miserable working. I did, however, bring the doors & drawers home so I can prime them in the comfort of my living room, if I so choose.

Not much of an update, as this past weekend's "distraction" of work sure hurt the progress, but there's nothing on the slate for this upcoming one. Hopefully I can start adding a little paint. I did sit my cupholder masterpiece on the doghouse and while I thought it might have been too small, it sure got "swallowed up" pretty quick. I may add a cabinet of some time for the dash side to hold GPS, remote controls, maybe even room for a small DVD player. We'll see.