The '74 Overlanders have been really quiet!

[2Rhinos]

I've spent endless hours reading every thread I could with any reference to the '74 Overlander before I begin my restoration/remodel/"re-something".
It seems that there are very few 1974 Overlanders or very few Overlander subscribers to "Airforums".
One of the issues I'm most curious about is the fact that in 1974 Airstream added a gray tank. '73's and prior only had black tanks.
Since I expect to have to drop the belly and rework both tanks, I am seeking advice from other '74 Overlander owners.

[jaygood31]

I am currently working on new supports for my black and grey tanks. The channel at the rear was completely rotted and I am replacing it with steel angle. That is my project for the weekend while I am repairing the rear end separation.

Jay.

[2Rhinos]

Jay,
I would really appreciate any specifics or photos of your repair as I am facing the exact same issue.
Thanks
George

[VIKING]

A search shows 92 '74 overlander owners registered here, but of those only 19 have more than 3 posts. Balrgn is by far the most prolific. He's a Rivet Master!

Rich the Viking

[jaygood31]

I did not get as much done as I had hoped this weekend. POR 15 is time consuming to apply properly. I did get all of my components fabricated and am ready to reassemble the rear.

Specifics on the repairs;
My floor is fine with no signs of deterioration. I did have a significant amount of metal damage to the Aluminum skin and the steel hold down, frame, and tank supports. This damage appears to be chemical in nature and I am wondering if anyone else has had this issue?
I am repairing the channel with an aluminum channel from McMaster Carr and I am installing a new aluminum hold down instead of the steel angle that was original to the unit. I am also fabricating aluminum L-brackets to attach to the Ribs on each side of the rear access panel.

Sorry no pics yet. I will post them when I am finished and hope I did not screw it up too bad.

Jay.

[WineStream]

Another '74 Overlander checking in...

I contemplated pulling the skin and checking things out back there this past winter when I replaced the axles. In the end, I opted not to because I don't have the serious signs of separation. There's about a 1/4" gap on one side, but to me that wasn't enough to warrant ripping apart the entire rear end when none of the other classic separation signs were present.

Keep in mind that such a thing is not uncommon and the repairs required are not specific to just Overlanders. The longer trailers (Ambassadors, Sovereigns) were even more so susceptible when outfitted with the rear bathroom. There's numerous threads here about having / diagnosing / fixing rear end separation. Don't limit yourself to discussions only about Overlanders for your repairs.

-Jason