ok, i had to illustrate this as clearly as i could. i didn't know exactly how the belly pan was attached. a few hours with a cut off disk, a pry bar, and a few beers, and NOW i get it. i couldn't figure out why the pan wouldn't just drop when all the rivets were removed. it seems on mine (and maybe it's this way on every airstream, i don't know), the belly pan is folded over the "C" channel before the body is riveted on. this is a ton of work, but very rewarding. the best thing about a true shell-off to me seems to be that you can build them back literally like they were made the first time.
anyways, it's ridiculously hot out, so after sweating my bollocks off all afternoon, i decided to do some simple 3D renders of what i found out, in case there were other confused first-timers out there (like me!) i'll post pics of where i am on the trailer later, once i get them all sorted off the camera.
on to my reassembly sequence.
Step 1: renew frame, axle, etc
(pic 1)
Step 2: install sub-floor
(insulation not shown for simplicity)
Step 3: install outer channel, and bolt through to outriggers
(pic 3)
Step 4: wrap belly pan from underneath, and fold over the top of the channel
(something tells me i'm going to need some bandaides for this step!)
Step 5: drop body back on with shell frame, and rivet the whole lot together. no hidden rivets for me, just in case 45 years down the line some other idiot decides to restore this baby!
time for another beer!
jordan