Restoration: How To Properly Renovate A Frame Metal Screws

Okay, we're all friends here, right? I used to spray paint over rusty screws (they were never galvanized) with silver spray paint. Looking back I dont know why I didnt just buy a rust remover or do the below described routine. But now I know better, so I do better. FYI, because they are not galvanized, NEVER, ever hose down your A Frame with the screws still on. They will corrode, stain the plastic, and break off when you try to remove them.

 I cannot remember the size, but possibly ⅜" sheet metal screws, just bring what you have to the hardware store and they have charts to match up old screws, the big difference is that flat head screws are difficult to find nowadays, so you will likely be replacing them with phillips star heads.

This Dremmel tool is about 10 years old, but I am sure they still look about like this when you go to Home Depot or Lowes to pick yours up. They should run about $30-$40 depending on what brand and how many accessories come with it. I have used mine for countless projects, so its really paid for itself many times over. 

The small screws on the left were in pretty good shape but all the longer screw heads had moderate to severe corrosion. The polishing/grinding tool I used is in the photo, they come right up in a few moments of even buffing. you can polish it off with sand paper, spit and wipe with a rag. Don't try soaking them in CLR, I did and 20 minutes later was horrified to find they were once again corroded. You could try the $6 bottle of rust remover (looks like pink jelly) but I was too cheap to buy it. I did finish them off with a light spray of WD40 (then shake in the ziplock bag to evenly disperse oil) so when they are used to assemble the house again they will go in easier. 

The third screw from the left is all the way polished/de-rusted, the one to the right of it is half way done, and the rest to the right of it are yet to be done.

Sorry I dont have the exact bolt sizes but this should help you some. If you have at least one original bolt take it to the hardware store and there is a size identifier card on the shelf next to the bolts for this exact purpose. Remember not to force a too big bolt or it will definitely crack the surround, get the right size and then put a tiny half spray of wd 40 on it to ensure forever easy glide and non rusting. Good luck with it. =-) 

1978 Mattel A Frame Barbie Dream Doll House Red roof yellow floors mod groovy 1970s 1980s custom OOAK

Restoration: Bleaching the Beige Parts to White Again

Since the 70's many plastics contain bromine, a flame retardant that is the culprit behind the yellowing (this would explain why my 1968 GI Joe Seawolf submarine was still bright white in 2009 even though it predates the A Frame house by 10 years). It is a chemical process that has been discovered to be REVERSIBLE! Its done by making a paste of corn starch (or xanthum gum), 12% hydrogen peroxide and oxyclean (generic at Family Dollar), alternately it seems you can use peroxide cream from Sally Beauty Supply, or the proprietary RetrObright. Brush on with a flat paint brush (much like a BBQ brush, but wider), wrap in cellophane and leave in the sun or a UV lamp all day, rinse, dry and enjoy.

http://www.hardwarezone.com.sg/feature-how-whiten-your-yellowed-plastic-gadgets

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ysj2PlMPohE

http://lifehacker.com/5164208/retr0bright-restores-yellowed-vintage-plastic-to-factory-fresh


Many vintage Apple and Nintendo nerds are using this with success, so lets hope this works with the Barbie house. Please post comments and email pictures so other readers can use techniques that work best. =-)

 

I have tried this technique using Salon Care Professional 20 volume regular lift creme stabilized formula 4 ounces for $3.00 at Sally Beauty Supply.

The supplies you'll need. This one small container technically will cover all of your white A frame pieces once, but if you want to really drown parts in it or add a second application then buy the large container its only $5 I think.  

The during should look something like this. I used dollar store seran wrap. 

After, the left side is what I decided came up good enough to not paint. The right side lightened some, but not enough, so will have to be painted. These were left in the hot sun all day for 2 days (flipping sides on the second day). 

So, in summary what happened is that the parts that were slightly discolored lightened enough to not be painted, the parts that were very discolored lightened some, but not enough and will have to be painted. Verdict: I could try a different creme, or make my own using the above mentioned ingredients (and even make it stronger) and perhaps achieve better results, however, for this house I am pretty sure I will just paint the dingy half and call it a day this time. 

The left side parts are not perfectly sparkly white like when I do a repaint, but overall its better to have non painted parts, it technically devalues the house since you have to disclose its painted. It is more work to have to clean everything, creme bleach it, clean again and still have to paint half the parts anyway. So, totally a labor of love if you are up for it. =-) 

So, when you receive a house that is this far gone, you now know how to brighten the white without having to paint it. It still is surprising to me how faded roofs and floors look so much darker and richer once the white walls are lightened. 

keyword terms: barbie doll house dollhouse vintage 1970s 1978 1979 a frame malibu chalet orange yellow red white pink hot free for sale ebay pinterest etsy new old renovated dolls fashion clothes clothing lot estate parts wall walls door doors window windows part balcony closet flower flowers planters planter plant plants box boxes accessory accessories small pieces info information instructions how to put together where to find buy purchase locate available collector collectible gold silver platinum label individual post posts covers sides custom 3 three section sections patio triangles floor floors dark light build scres pictures club group rare custom ook htf oop in mint clean complete 1980 1981 cottage 1982 1983 1980s color colors anniversary 1984 1985 1986 large bog 3 ft 4 feet long high tall huge large open moveable arrangeable craigslist online forum question questions 40th 50th 45th 55th 60th 35th reproduction remade retro nostalgia nostalgic memories childhood play display mini miniature set up sections  mid mod mid century modern 60s kitsch fun playful open new design designer interior decorator decor designer  

architect architects idea ideas goal aesthetic eames eichler palm springs by the sea malibu granola earth tones earthy autumn wexler wood slats open playful fun 1960s 60s open playful play timeless heirloom 

Real Life Examples Summer 2013: Living Now: Consumer Guide To Better Housing, Summer 1971 Issue

I bought this about 20 years ago at a flea market, I havent ever been able to find any other issues, so glad I grabbed this one so I could post pics to my blog! This magazine taught me that the design of the Mattel 1978 A Frame Dreamhouse was not just from 1978 but stretched as far back as at least 1971. 

Floor plan 1 with real life triangle patio piece. 

Floor plan 2 with triangle patio. 

Floor plan 3 with triangle patio, see you thought it was just a toy. Someone out there really has this for their home. =-) 

They kind of look like Ken and Barbie. 

Today, I bring it, devoted fans. Where else would you see the real life triangle patio section?  Not to mention the diagonal slat walls. 

The inside of this real life 70's groovy pad. 

How to decorate your new home. 

Mod 360 degree fireplace suspended by chains. 

Real life upstairs center piece. 

Side section profile with theoretical driveway and inexplicable wood wall.

Miscellaneous: Age Related Fading and Such

These minty, unfaded A Frames with bright furniture keep popping up, so they are out there and what even a renovated A Frame should look like. 

Cook until golden brown...

This is just a house in my California town that reminded me of two side sections with a space in between. I think this neighborhood was built in '78, although I have seen this architecture built as late as '84. 

What's this, goldish, greyish tinted glass doors? These really got my attention today on a listing, but alas it is a play of light, in other photos they are just dirty, discolored yellow glass doors. They do look rather cool in champagne grey. I bet Mattel could reissue the house from the same vintage molds using cool colors and it would sell like hot cakes.

The house is so rarely shown with this configuration I got tired of my A Frame Mansion in the previous post this is what it looks like now. It features embelished planters, foam board lower walls with 'trellis' and porch lights  courtesy of the cottage. By the way, notice how the roof is dark and shiny. If your roof is more of a flat orange from fading/age then consider repainting it using a close match from the spray paint section of Lowes/Home Depot. Just ensure that it is completely dust free before starting and plan on 2 coats.

keyword terms: barbie doll house dollhouse vintage 1970s 1978 1979 a frame malibu chalet orange yellow red white pink hot free for sale ebay pinterest etsy new old renovated dolls fashion clothes clothing lot estate parts wall walls door doors window windows part balcony closet flower flowers planters planter plant plants box boxes accessory accessories small pieces info information instructions how to put together where to find buy purchase locate available collector collectible gold silver platinum label individual post posts covers sides custom 3 three section sections patio triangles floor floors dark light build scres pictures club group rare custom ook htf oop in mint clean complete 1980 1981 cottage 1982 1983 1980s color colors anniversary 1984 1985 1986 large bog 3 ft 4 feet long high tall huge large open moveable arrangeable craigslist online forum question questions 40th 50th 45th 55th 60th 35th reproduction remade retro nostalgia nostalgic memories childhood play display mini miniature set up sections  mid mod mid century modern 60s kitsch fun playful open new design designer interior decorator decor designer  

architect architects idea ideas goal aesthetic eames eichler palm springs by the sea malibu granola earth tones earthy autumn wexler wood slats open playful fun 1960s 60s open playful play timeless heirloom 

Vintage Retailer Ads: circa 1981-1991

 

You can bid on the originals via Ebay.

Courtesy of the Bloghostess of SkipperCollector. 

Party like its 1985. Loving the decidedly yuppie look the stagers gave our couple for this photo shoot. This looks like the house version with pale pink trimmed windows. 

Two historically excellent houses in one year! A far cry from the diminutive cramped crappola that is mass produced these days. Have kids just moved on to video games and content now so play structures are less relevant? 

Blogger's Own: Meshing a House and Cottage

So, I had some time and thought I would see what I could come up with combining both houses. You could always add more house parts and make more out of foam board. I wish I had put the green outdoor carpet square down first, but here you go, hope you all enjoy! 

Side of house with custom sun porch. I cheated a little by using smaller scale Dawn's Apartment furniture on the pied a terre but its cute. 

Rear of house with multiple decks and patios. The only piece I did not use was one of the A Frame  arches from the cottage. 

PS: here is a link to an awesome blog I came across today. 

http://barbieobsession.blogspot.com/2013/03/looking-for-dream-house.html

Customs: Pricey Listing

http://www.ebay.com/itm/150947916498?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649

So, this rare, complete oink A Frame with the hot pink windows was spray painted to look a new Monster High Mansion, they also spray painted a 1963 Boudoir and bench set, what do ya'll think?? PS: They want $1500 for it. 

keyword terms: barbie doll house dollhouse vintage 1970s 1978 1979 a frame malibu chalet orange yellow red white pink hot free for sale ebay pinterest etsy new old renovated dolls fashion clothes clothing lot estate parts wall walls door doors window windows part balcony closet flower flowers planters planter plant plants box boxes accessory accessories small pieces info information instructions how to put together where to find buy purchase locate available collector collectible gold silver platinum label individual post posts covers sides custom 3 three section sections patio triangles floor floors dark light build scres pictures club group rare custom ook htf oop in mint clean complete 1980 1981 cottage 1982 1983 1980s color colors anniversary 1984 1985 1986 large bog 3 ft 4 feet long high tall huge large open moveable arrangeable craigslist online forum question questions 40th 50th 45th 55th 60th 35th reproduction remade retro nostalgia nostalgic memories childhood play display mini miniature set up sections  mid mod mid century modern 60s kitsch fun playful open new design designer interior decorator decor designer  

architect architects idea ideas goal aesthetic eames eichler palm springs by the sea malibu granola earth tones earthy autumn wexler wood slats open playful fun 1960s 60s open playful play timeless heirloom 

Blogger's Own: Furnished and Staged with Custom Plants

Well, its March already and spring semester is nearly half way over. Here are some recent shots, but I have more to follow.  I see the current views are over 34,000. Right On! Stay tuned.

Look, a lizard lounge. 

Kitchen with dollar store poster board exterior wall, and sink with dishwasher made from dollar store yellow paper. 

Outside shot, this material works very well for custom projects. 

More dollar store treasures- cheap, small ferns that just happen to be PERFECT for upgrading/updating the often sparse planters. 

My zen bathroom, painted white garden tub, Gloria potted palm and more dollar store mini ferns- love it!

To get this look you can find these mini cactus at Michael's arts and crafts store in the floral dept. They were about $3 each, they had others but I thought these worked best. The pots and gravel are from...you guessed it, the dollar store! I used elmers white glue and floral foam to get everything to stay in place, rock by rock, took about 20 minutes to put each pot together, and I am SO happy with the results.

I noticed my 1978 Star Wars Cantina play set has a brown version of the flagstone floors and it got me thinking...How about his cool, miniature zen herb garden retreat upgraded add on for Barbie's house? The little blow mold form table counters are very reminiscent of the 1978 Sundae's Liddle Kiddle line. They are easily obtained on ebay rather inexpensively and of course can be customized in any way your imagination can think of: 

I noticedarchitect architects idea ideas goal aesthetic eames eichler palm springs by the sea malibu granola earth tones earthy autumn wexler wood slats open playful fun 1960s 60s open playful play timeless heirloom