Well, due to a lack of space and urge to level the playing field, the Flying Cloud has moved to the driveway, much to the consternation, I'm sure, of the neighbors. I've been polishing a bit here and there with the hopes they will see I'm not going to just leave it as a big junk pile.

We shall see if I'm invited to the annual Holiday soiree.

Many good things have happened as I've ripped this thing down to the bone. The two big dents basically popped out; the frame looks to only have surface rust with the exception of one outrigger under where the hot water heater used to be; The underbelly is completely gone; everything I've learned over On AS forums and at www.thevap.com seem to be working; so all in all for not knowing a thing about the Airstream a few months ago, I'm relatively pleased with the progress.

I had a little issue with the local bargain tire outlet. They sold me underrated tires when I bought a pair to use to bring it back from CA. I need four tires the same size, same lug pattern when I go pick up my Spartanette next weekend, but at 7800 lbs there is no way four of those puny tires would work.

I pointed out the error of their ways, and to their credit they gave me a full refund (of course I bought 4 10 ply BFG 16 inch tires and wheels). But it was nice to do business with them. I recommend the Discount Tire at Warner and McClintock in Tempe.

After next week I get one week vacation over Thanksgiving, and another two at Christmas, so I hope to have the floor in by then. One thing that gives me pause is the axle. It is not pointing down, but it is level. I'd like to replace it while the floor is out, but at $800, ouch. Yoiks and a tan tivy as my elderly mother would say.

Anyway, enjoy the pics. I'm enjoying the project. Have to get it ready for an End of Feb rally in Tucson. May just be an aluminum tent, but I'm going.

The Deconstruction of the FC

First let me apologize for no pics. I was so tired by the end of last weekend I couldn't even pick the camera up. I'll try and get some up next weekend.

Things are looking up for the might Cloud. Everything in the interior, with the exception of the floor and water heater has been removed, including the end caps and interior skin. I got into a wrestling match with a 12 foot piece of aluminum and the aluminum won, pulling some muscles in my side.

It was very painful for a couple of days, but is getting better now. I am not doing a restoration, but a refurbishment or modernization. I am planning on stealing David Winnick's (sp?) wonderful interior of the 75th anniversary Bambi. Maybe I shouldn't say that as I'm sure it won't come out that good. Let's just say that I'm using some of his philosophies in a loose, general type of way.

Bought a pressure washer at the Home Depot. Boy did that do a good job. The interior is clean, clean, clean.

It also did a good job on the parts of the exterior I tried it on. The stuff I'd been trying to polish off actually came off with a little pressure wash. That being said, I fear the back end is a little too pitted to come out perfect. It will be nice, but just not perfectly smooth, I fear.

The two big dents in the top at the rear popped right out after I got the interior panels off. I still need to massage them a little, but it's looking much better.

Next step is to take the floor out, POR-15 the frame and put the tanks in. I stepped through the floor last weekend, so I guess I should take that out, but will evaluate it as a whole. I may not need to replace the entire floor.

Anyhoo, it's going remarkably well for someone who has no idea what they are doing. The Airstream Forums are a MAJOR help, so big props to them. Pics to come.