Our maiden voyage!

We made it!

Our first camping trip with the camper!

Hitched up and ready to roll...

Almost.

Packed up and getting ready to hit the road

Steam cleaning the bench cushions!

Working on the curtains...

New photos - almost there!

Ok - been promising for a while now, so here they are!

What a change from the first time we opened it up, this weekend got a lot done, the axle is in, wheels painted and installed, interior basically all there (plumbing and electrical not hooked up tho), exterior lights all in place and basically tested...

Still need to find the right fridge, and test it all. We bought curtain material and new sheets so that is ready too.

More photos coming up!

New axle almost in

Axle looks GREAT! Really nice fit and finish and once I got all the old bolts off a snap to install. It was a bear to do with the rotozip but much better than fighting with rusted on bolts/nuts. I can't believe I dented the cap already.

Woo hoo! It's coming together!

Table challenges

Trying to figure out how it all fits.

Better photos

This is a reminder to me to take some nicer photos! Been using the phone and while it's handy it hardly makes great photos...

Axle is in!

Got word today that the new axle has arrived. I need to pick it up this week. It's a Dexter axle with electric brakes - we are excited because it really wasn't that expensive all things considered and it will make it all much more reliable (can't imagine breaking an axle in the middle of nowhere!).

Also tonight I was able to get the trailer lights working again with new wiring. Nice and bright!

Test fit of pieces

Not long now and it's all going to be bolted in! The old system was predominately riveted together. Where possible I will use bolts and lock nuts to make it easier to remove if I need to in the future.

I think the 1973 interior is a bit taller and less deep than the 1976 (which is fine) due to the placement of the holes for the old mounts. It's good because it means more floor space (slightly).

New interior is not an exact fit

The 76 Mesa has different cut outs than the 73, making this a bit more tricky. It will all work out.

Still looks messy but it actually cleans up really well all things considered. I'm still racing against the clock to beat the end of month camping trip!

Finally installed new screens!

Hard to tell here but they look great. Nice and clean. The first one is the hardest and then they get easier as I realize what I need to do. I'll change them all, so far it's only the endcaps and the door side. The others were still in good shape.

All clean now

After it's dry I will paint the metal bits and glue the plastic bits before reinstalling. I have no idea if the fan works and am toying with not putting it back in! Also need to remember to add more screen to stop wasps from making a nest in there.

Tackling the vent

I have no hopes the motor will spin but at the very least it will be clean! The cover is in decent shape but not perfect I'll glue the pieces together shortly.