shell off restoration of '54 Cruiser

[Stanley29]

Looking for a good source to help guide me through a shell off restoration of a 54 cruiser.

[toastie]

Originally Posted by Stanley29

Looking for a good source to help guide me through a shell off restoration of a 54 cruiser.

this is my thread http://www.airforums.com/forums/f36/...ent-38289.html

toastie

[Stanley29]

Just started my shell off. So far Ive
A. Finished first stage of polish
b. gutted the trailer
c. removed the interior skin and insulation
D. drilled out all the shell rivets and hidden rivets and lifted the shell
E. removed the rotted floor pieces with the exception of the 2 end pieces.
My plan now is to try and get a good pattern of the 2 end pieces, then remove the old crap. The 2 main members of the frame are solid but most of the cross channels need replacing. Thats where Im at. Trying to figure out how to post picts

[Stanley29]

I was thinking about 3/4 AC grade plywood for the floor. Any thoughts on that? Marine grade is very pricy and I figure will rot just like any other if it gets wet enough.

[55AS]

Marine grade glue is waterproof but the wood can still rot...

[MarkR]

5/8" ACX is adequate (and original).
3/4" might cause some minor issues (assuming you're replacing the belly) . . . probably the biggest things will be the Wheel Well Rivet Lines won't line up, and the front Reinforcing/Bracing Angle/Plate Rivets holes won't line up either (it's probably nearly rusted thru anyway, and needing replacement).

[Stanley29]

Thanks Mark,
believe it or not the front steel plate is in good shape. So you recommend the 5/8? Have you heard of guys treating the wood?

[MarkR]

yes, most treat the edge and maybe a foot in (top and bottom) w/ an epoxy / sealer of some kind - I did, but don't remember what it was I used.

I used 5/8" CDX and am happy with it . . . and btw, not all CDX is created equal. I don't remember the details but I bought a sheet and it was kind of "warpy" and then went elsewhere and found it w/ more layers. I think that's one of the attractions of Marine Grade - Lots of Layers, All the Layers are "good", not sure on the exact grade of each sheet/layer but definitely better than "D".

[toastie]

Originally Posted by Stanley29

I was thinking about 3/4 AC grade plywood for the floor. Any thoughts on that? Marine grade is very pricy and I figure will rot just like any other if it gets wet enough.

I would go with the 3/4 AC, would not go with the marine grade, just a waste of money. AC grade has the same glue as the marine. Your not building a ship.

Toastie

[MarkR]

just make sure it's ACX

[Stanley29]

Thanks guys….I'll check those options out and go with the best I can find at the best price. Any advice on making a good template. Ive seen some use cardboard. Im thinking I can get a good measurement from the front piece but the rear has completely rotted out.

[Stanley29]

Just read through your threads Toastie….impressive work. I have a long long way to go. One day at a time is what I keep telling myself. Ive got the toaster all apart….now the tough part…putting it together again

[tinman54]

Originally Posted by Stanley29

Just read through your threads Toastie….impressive work. I have a long long way to go. One day at a time is what I keep telling myself. Ive got the toaster all apart….now the tough part…putting it together again

Getting all the nasty junk out is some of the worst part, figuring out what the heck you are doing is kind of a challenge also! The forums are the best and I don't know if I would have finished without the encouragement of all the members! Toastie's thread was a big help, he did a great job!
Vintage Trailer Supply - parts and supplies for vintage travel trailers and campers! is a great source for parts. Listening to the podcasts from The Vintage Airstream Podcast | Vintage Trailer Restoration can help also.
Good luck and hope you are having fun!

[tinman54]

I forgot to mention you need to figure out the picture part, we definitely need pictures:-)

[SonOfAnder]

Yes, we definitely want pictures! When you click reply, don't use the quick reply box, use the blue "reply to post" button just above it. That opens a new page where you can click on the little "paper clip" above the typing box, which will open up a new tab. Then you can upload a picture to the site. Then go back to the typing window tab and reclick the paper clip. Your picture should show up there as a button to push. Then you can push the "preview post" to make sure it all shows up!

I just figured out all of this stuff myself too...

[Stanley29]

Im trying to figure out the pict thing. Thanks, Mike

[Stanley29]

Beginning restoration

[Stanley29]

shot before gutting her

[Stanley29]

Thought Id leave the bathroom intact then I figured out I couldn't get it through the door. duuuuhhhh….Sawed it to pieces to get it out

[Stanley29]

started removing panels and old insulation. some cross member are corroded pretty bad. and noticed some corrosion on parts of the inside of the outer panels. Ill have to treat this with something