1949 Clipper frame repair

[Chefmichael]

I need to repair a 49 clippers frame, sagging from wheel well to tail. I understand what the frame is ( a pole with ribs extending out) I need to know the simplest way to repair, hopefully without removing the shell. It's gutted... I want to cut out the linoleum (with asbestos) and plywood floor, either reenforce or replace the ribs. Can I elevate/jack from the wheel wells if I made a custom shaped support that put most of the weight on the shells edges so the wheels are off the ground? Or do I need to hoist it from the 3 openings in the shell. Ive read a few other threads and am now lost...Please help. This shell is in near perfect shape!

Warm regards,
Chef Michael
1949 clipper
1967 overlander
1979 Excela
1983 excela
2000 safari

[Melody Ranch]

Sorry to tell you...your in for a frame off repair, and most likely a frame replacement. If the shell is as good as you say...it will be worth the effort, unless
your a "flipper" looking to make a buck.

[Chefmichael]

Okay thank you. No, I'm keeping this one! Just hoping there was some new info out there...

[dbj216]

Hi chefmichael. Welcome to Air Forums! Judging from your post signature, you have aluminum-itis really, really bad! You have quite an inventory of old Airstreams. And I'll bet you know a lot about them.

There are some folks who like these late 40s Airstreams; Clippers and Liners and the like. I'll look up some of the treads. You might trying to look in the Airstream Knowledgebase toward the bottom of the Forums page. Then click on Liners, and then start reading.

Here is a thread I liked on a Liner. At least you can see what the structure looks like on these old Airstreams.

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f59/...on-113774.html

And Melody Ranch knows more about these old Airstreams than just about anybody. Read some of the rebuild threads form the "red barn". Fantastic work coming out of that barn.

It sounds like you need a frame repair, and you will likely need a new subfloor. These rebuilds are best done with the shell off. It will be much easier and much more efficient with the shell sitting in the yard while you repair away.

Airstream's pipe frame wasn't just the best idea they ever had. But it is light weight. Some folks have just built a new frame altogether. It depends on what your goal is with this antique Airstream.

David

[Chefmichael]

Thank you David!

Looks like I am starting with cutting away most of the flooring to see what the damage is.... and plan from there!

[bikeukeguy]

I am in your same position concerning the frame on my 1952 SS Clipper. Major frame rot and mine sags on the street side. I am just now getting quotes on a ladder frame and replacing the leaf spring Axel with a Torsion Axel. I'm using 0.120" wall 2 x 4 rectangular steel tubing for the main rails with 0.095" wall 2 x 4 rectangular steel tubing cross members 24" on center. I found a grey water tank that is narrow enough to fit. I am still working on the outriggers, either rectangular tubing cut to shape or laser cut sheet and then bent. Very light and very stiff.
Got this frame design from Colin Hyde.
Try the Vintage Kin section and check out Chris Hart's. He did a Curtis Wright that is gorgeous.
Big rewards at the end of the rainbow when done.
Good luck on your adventure.
Robert
aka Bikeukeguy