DIY Network

Interior Lighting New lights add a modern look inside the Airstream trailer. From "Classic Rides" episode DCLR-208

RV Maintenance instructor Terry Cooper, from the Texas State Technical College RV division, helps host Kevin Tetz install new and updated lighting, including low-profile12-volt track lighting and new brushed aluminum RV fixtures, to the '70 Airstream trailer interior.

The lighting in the Airstream is all 12-volt, but a residential model track system can be installed without the 120-volt transformer. The new lighting gives the trailer a modern look.

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	Figure A
	Figure B

Installing New Track Lighting

Note: As with any restoration there's a choice between restoring the original or changing things up a bit. The DIY producers and Kevin decided to go the route of many Airstream owners and modernize the trailer.

1. Disconnect 12 volt and AC power--testing it with a voltage meter to make sure.

2. Connect the new switch plate wires to the red hot wire and to the jumper wire that goes over to our new location.

3. Drill the plate into the ceiling (figure A).

4. Build a base for the track lighting. Take the two nuts of the end of both wires sticking out of ceiling and insert the wires into the end of the track. The red hot and white ground wires are inserted into the track and tightened into place. Feed the wire back into the ceiling cavity and drill the track into place.

5. Put the cap (figure B) over the electrical connections, and then snap and twist the lights into place.

6. To replace the ceiling light in the kitchen, first turn the power off.

7. Then bring power into the switch, out of the switch, into the light bulbs and then have the ground circuit going back. Now install fixture into ceiling, tucking the wires inside.

8. Finish by putting the globe over the light.

The new track lighting adds functionality to the living room...

and the new kitchen light is sleek and modern.

Kevin and Terry installed the following new lighting in the trailer's interior:

Aluminum Brushed Bedroom Counter Fixture

Vintage Style Reading Light Over the Bed

More Track Lighting in the Bedroom

In the next segment Kevin and a guest update the window treatments of the coach.

RESOURCES :

Dremel Tools
Website: www.dremel.com

Striped Curtains
Fowler Interiors
Website: www.fowlerrvinteriors.com

Brushed Aluminum Blinds
Hunter Douglas Window Fashions
Website: www.hunterdouglas.com

Foldout RV Sofa
Flexsteel
Website: www.flexsteel.com

GUESTS :

Gary Bunzer
The RV Doctor
Bunzer Consulting
PO Box 2074
El Cajon, CA 92021
E-mail: gbunzer@cox.net
Website: www.rvdoctor.com

Terry D. Cooper
Instructor
Recreational Vehicle Program, Industrial Maintenance Engineering
Texas State Technical College
Waco, TX 76705
Phone: 254-867-4878 (office)
Fax: 254-867-3570
E-mail: terry.cooper@tstc.edu

Arlene Fowler
Fowler Interiors
E-mail: fowlerinteriors@hcis.net
Website: www.fowlerrvinteriors.com