From Wichita, with love

Well, the 16-SC is here.
Thanks to U-Ship, it made it the 1,600 miles from Wichita, KS in good shape (meaning it arrived in the same shape it left in; see below) and now it's a 2,500 lb salmon-y cinderblock in the yard.
Frankly, I'm equal parts scared and totally in love.
As promised, it is in original condition, with all of the fixtures, appliances and details, right down to the forty-two year old toilet. The only thing that's been replaced is the front left window over the banquet. This also means original scrapes, dings, dead flies, and flaking paint.
Of course, we said original, not mint.
Check out this water damage in the corner.

However, it does have many fetching qualities too, like the intact wings, the Shasta magazine rack, all the warm birch goodness, and the excellent 16-SC layout, with the couch on the side, which makes the cabin super spacious.




As I look at the pictures we took today, the trailer looks really decrepit, but the under-carriage is sound, and the RV dealer who looked at it before it left Kansas gave it a clean bill of health.
Next step: Secure a weatherproof space near Boston to begin the tear-down.
I'm expecting to have to remove the entire lower skin all the way around to get at the framing, so we can replace the inner skin and corner framing both front and back. This will also make it easier to bring the electrical system and propane up to date. Plans call for 30 amp/120 service, as well as an enhanced 12V system with a converter and a deep cycle battery.
It looks like we'll also have to totally replace the exterior aluminium skin on the left (door) side, where it got a bad tear over the door frame. This is okay, because we want to replace the original heater with a new heat-pump/AC unit, which will require a slightly different exterior opening than the original furnace. Once I get the skin off, I'll order new skin from All-Rite Aluminium. The pattern on these Shastas is called "6-inch run".
So, once we get into a space, we'll see what lurks. I'm pretty sure it's the makings of a B-horror film.
You know--the ones where you laugh and scream in equal measure.
Gory details to come. Like I said--scary love. Wish me luck.