[VAL] Peffer's wood project

[RESORARCHITECT@xxxxxxx]

Dear David,
In 1979 I began the 3 year effort to restore a '46 Merc woodie. Taking the 
wood components apart was the only way to do it right. That car still graces our 
garage. 
So in 2001 Bonnie and I bought our '65 Airstream Trade Wind Twin 24'. The 
interior I immeadetly recognised as Phillipine ribbon mahogany. We have taken out 
of the rig each wood component. This has some pluses and minuses. The minus 
is it takes a few years to do the project. The plusses: The final restored 
project is truly outstanding and in some respects better than new. You can 
refinish each cabinet door and cabinet body quite perfectly. You can fix and clean 
under cabinet spaces very nicely. You can replace plywood and tiles on the floor 
easily. Bonnie does most all of the refinishing.
Her technique: Have all the repairs done and the wood fine sanded (my job). 
Clean it with a slightly damp towel. She uses the small (2") disposable foam 
brushes. Typically we use high gloss exterior grade Polyurethane. Don'y buy it 
in Gallon size, just get the quarts. Lay the wood pieces flat if possible. 
Apply the "Poly" in thin coats. Allow about 12 hours between coats or more. Prop 
your piece up on strips of scrap wood to allow you to make a pass at the edges 
easily. 
A critical part of the process is to sand the piece with very fine sand paper 
like 330 grit between coats and then clean it. 4 coats is the minimum. It 
sounds like a lot of work but when you get it down to a system, you'll get it 
done easily. 
Our project goes in small steps forward over several years. If you have more 
time...you can knock it out faster. We believe that the wooden interiored 
travel trailers will be just as treasured as the old Woodies! We believe that over 
time the quality of the restorations will improve significantly. The body of 
knowlege out there will ever build plus thru the clubs and at the meets people 
can get some good info on how to perfect their project. 
A $50,000 or $60,000 vintage Airstream is around the corner. Don't make it so 
perfect that you won't take it out of the yard, however!
Your rig is Ash, I think. That should turn out extremely lovely. Practice on 
some scraps. We have a next door neighbor who has a complete wood shop and 
that has helped some. A radial arm saw is rather important if you have to replace 
some of the wood pieces. as we did. A belt sander and a small square rotary 
sander are indespensible! A good drill is critical, too. 
You'll be able to do all kinds of little home repairs and projects once you 
get the hang of these tools! Good luck, Stuart Resor, Cardiff By The Sea, Ca.