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Frame Rot
Greetings,
And hello to you all. I have been reading back posts for a few weeks and I must say I feel comforted to be in such esteemed company.
Background: I recently purchased my first airstream. Blessing or curse!? :-)My idea was to purchase something I could remodel/renovate in my spare time. I'm quite sure I didn't know what I was getting into! :-)
I purchased a 1975, 29 ft, Ambassador, center bath, with twins. Found it parked under trees at a friends house where it had been sitting for about three years. The PO before that is unknown except for an address in Corpus Christi --when means near the coast.
So far I have removed the rear, most aft, banana skins, the rear bumper and half of the floor in the rear bedroom. Clearly the two, most aft cross-members need replacing and the two most aft outriggers, curbside and streetside, need replacing as well.
However, the main concern seems to be the frame. There is a fair amount of rot that appears to need cutting out and replacing. At this point I am still assessing the damage and looking for the next step --which seems to be to summon your collective advise and that of a good welder.
I have attached photos. Obviously I have not yet dropped the belly skin in that area below the frame. However the condition of the frame below the belly skin is much better than above..at least there are no large holes.
I would very much appreciate any comments or advise you may have. Including...abandon ship if you think it prudent. :-)
Todd
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