Friday, April 24, 2009

Details, details.

For such a humble, low-end object The Ham has some lovely touches.  (Incidentally, I suppose I am “The Ham” in this scenario, but “The Can” seems an ignominious nickname to impose on such an innocent.  So “The Ham” it is…)  I mean, look at that spice rack:  to avoid any confusion, its labeled “spices.”  The chrome knobs on the cabinet not only reflect the light bouncing off the polyurethaned wood interior, but their concave surface offers the perfect depth when one positions one’s thumb for a secure grip.  There's something Sputnikian about the simple, semi-spherical exterior lights, and the fiberglass, gold-threaded shade on the wall sconce offers a glimpse of the swinging sixties just around the corner.  Even the faucet pump and knob have a subtle, ergonomic elegance about them.  They may not be up to the standards of Mr. Raymond Lowey, but the anonymous designer toiling away in Wakarusa, IN at the FAN factory done his/her mama proud.

 

Of course, these detail shots of the details also show a lot of spittin’ and polishin’ and scrubbin’ and waxin’ yet to be done.

 

Jimmy the Plumber is on his way over this morning to have a gander at the gas lines.  And the good folks at Economy Foam and Futon on 8th Street (in the location of the old 8th Street Playhouse, Luanne!) are hard at work on the cushions and throw pillows with contrasting piping.  When I’m sure there are no major messes left to be made inside the camper I’ll lay the new tile floor.  And, best of all, I have two tubs of Mother's Mag & Aluminum Polish next to me on the kitchen table just a-waiting to get out there to see if the skin will shine up like I'm hoping.


This project is just humming right along (on completely flat tires.)  

















Immediate update:

It's a verified fact I was born without the gene for patience. So after posting the above, I raced out back and cracked open the Mother's. Based on the final picture in the series I'm in for a bright and shiny future! Thank God I've got a power buffer (and no, that is not a euphemism.)





9 comments:

  1. Wow! Look at that shine! I can't wait to see it when it's done.

    BTW, you have the same camera as my boyfriend. It's a good one.

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  2. I think I need a nap from just imagining the work ahead of you.

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  3. This is destined to be a part of MoMA's Design Collection.

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  4. Tom your doing a hell of a job! This trailer is going to be awesome when done. I think it's bound more for the Henry Ford Museum maybe.

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  5. Have you been there? Do you remember the camper Ford had made for Charles Lindbergh? Or even better--the pristine mid-60s VW microbus camper? Sublime...

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  6. You never cease to amaze me. A mere mention of the Ford Museum and you're spouting their catalogue. You remind me of Mae West in "I'm No Angel" when the guy says to her "I've seen things and been places." and she replies, "I've been things and seen places."

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  7. What about that rust? In the past I've used something called Zud, which works on rust and other hard water stains. You can get it at your local hardware store. Otherwise, great job!!!

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  8. Okay. My favorite thing about this whole canned ham business is that spice rack. I love that you are expected to live and thrive out of a space the size of a NYC apartment bathroom, but the priority is on floor length closet space for evening gowns and fur coats and that delightful spice rack. After all, just because you are roughing it on the side of the road without a toilet, that's no reason to have to rummage around looking for the tarragon!

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  9. I'm going to have to buy some Zud for the name alone! I don't even care what it does. Must. Have. Zud!

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