What have you been doing today?

[*suzanne*]

off to the movies today, last day of the school holidays then a play date this afternoon whilst the plumber comes and continues in my laundry

[dede]

Thought I would update everyone on my caravan renovation process.
On the weekend I removed the frame work so all that's left is the trailer with a floor.
I'm going to remove the floor and replace it as well and get my DS who is an apprentice spray painter to paint the chassis. I have gone to this much effort I may as well go all the way
And yes I know crazy, but I am enjoying it.

Oh and I have also learnt that the Lino on the floor contains asbestos and is stuck down hard to the floor, so that's a big reason I'm replacing the floor altogether.

[Emme]

Gosh Dede what a mamoth job you have taken on.  It will be so much better when completed.  Good on you for doing it 

[gertbysea]

Yes you are crazy  with a crazy project but "restoring" the  "aham" caravan will restore your sanity.  I am wondering if you are going to put it back together  as it was or it if will emerge  as a butterfly. I am thinking with your artistic flair it is going to come back from the near dead  as something spectacular . You will forever  have a great sense of achievement  and you kids will be amazed. Can you just hear them telling their friends ??  If you experience any moments of it being all too hard them just pop  on here and we will be your cheer squad.

You are WOMAN and we near you roar. Go Mandi,

Gert

[Yvette]

Good luck with it all Dede glad it is you and not me 

[dede]

Lol thanks Gert.
The internal part of the caravan will be all new and fresh, the outside will look the same but cleaned up with a few minor alterations. I would love to put new cladding on the outside but would cost me a small fortune to do, so I'm reusing the old cladding.
One day it will be a usable caravan again, I'm not giving up in a hurry.
I always said I wanted to spend my savings from not smoking on a caravan, I think I have taken that to a whole new level

[jo_nz]

Hehe, we had that lino pattern on the kitchen floor at our old house - asbestos and all!  Except it was browns rather than greens. 

I'm working at home today while poor DD is parked in front of a DVD.  Unfortunately I just can't put it off any longer!  With school holidays and chicken pox in the house, I haven't got a lot done lately.   

[judydawn]

Asbestos in lino, who would have known that   Apparently, on checking, it's in the backing. Take the proper precautions when removing it Mandi  and keep the kids away. I don't think I have ever known a woman like you, good luck with the project.

[cookie1]

Mandi you are amazing. What a project you have. You will be so proud of it. If my DH can help in any way please ask. He is pretty handy and has recently made a tear drop caravan and a camper for our Hilux. He is now planning to make a small 4x4 trailer camper.
Please show us the caravan as you do pieces of it.

[Mama Fergie]

What a talented lady you are Mandi.
Look forward to seeing the caravan progress.

Mum and I are driving back to Perth today. She really enjoyed the few days away as she was very down and lonely when we returned from overseas. This was the only timeframe that I could take her as it suited my babysitting commitments due to my DS and DIL being overseas. Back to normal after today but so glad I took mum away as she is bright and cheery again.

[cookie1]

MF it is so hard to be pulled several ways with aged parents and our own family. That was lovely of you to take your Mum away for a few days.

[dede]

Mandi you are amazing. What a project you have. You will be so proud of it. If my DH can help in any way please ask. He is pretty handy and has recently made a tear drop caravan and a camper for our Hilux. He is now planning to make a small 4x4 trailer camper.
Please show us the caravan as you do pieces of it.

Thanks Cookie I might just take you up on the offer, but I have a million question so your DH might get sick of me lol.

 Question 1) At this stage I'm stuck on how to remove the Lino as it's stuck hard. I need to remove the floor but to do that I have to drill out rivets that attach the floor to the chassis. But of cause the head of the rivets are under the Lino grrr.
So I'm thinking maybe a heat gun might help me remove the Lino? . But I need to wear a mask and dispose of the Lino safely.

Judy I'm sure there are other women out there who tackle things like I do. It's in my blood I'm afraid, and because I'm a real impatient person who hates waiting for someone else to do it I have just got in and done things myself. I have learnt a lot over the years from being impatient
My Dad is a workaholic and my late grandfather was a jack of all trades who could tackle just about anything. Think I take after them

[Cornish Cream]

My goodness Mandi you really have your hands full with this project now.Good luck,if anyone can do it you can

It's great to hear you spent some quality time with your Mum MF.A bonus that you ran into BZB

[cookie1]

Mandi DH suggested that you mark the Lino where the chassis rails are and the cross supports. Then use an electric multi tool with a scraper thing attachment and using a heat gun will soften the Lino and stop it from breaking into small pieces. This will expose the rivets and you should be able to remove them. Hope this helps.

[dede]

Ah thanks Cookie, that would be easier than removing all the lino. I have a friend who has a heat gun I can borrow. Well that's question 1 answered. I'm sure question 2 will be just around the corner