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utee94 · 05-07-2009, 08:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NorCal Bambi

Here is the Holding tank and plumbing design for out 55 Flying Cloud. The trailer layout is shown in a light transparent image to show the location of all the parts. Color coding; Black for black tank, Grey for Grey water, Blue for fresh water and cold water pipes, Red for hot water heater and Hot water pipes. Please feel free to comment on the pros and cons of this design.
Thanks Don

Don, I think it looks great, other than that stranger who is walking around in your trailer...

I'm so glad you're moving forward on this project, I enjoy watching your work and am excited you have a second trailer so the rest of us can observe!

-Marcus

pbearsailor · 05-07-2009, 09:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NorCal Bambi

pbearsailor, Stitch and glue sound interesting. I've not heard of that technique before. Can you give me an internet referrence to study on this technique? I Think I might try designing a modular approach to this technique so different sized tanks could be built from a set of standard mold pieces. The ability of taking the mold pieces appart also allows for good storage of the mold parts.
Thanks for the info
Don

Don, for me, the beauty of building this way is that there is no mold at all. You basically cut out plywood or perhaps foam pieces that make up the shape of your tank, wire all of them except the top together, radius the inside corners with epoxy fill, add a few layers of fiberglass cloth, so the same for the outside, and finally, bond the top on.

I've done tanks for our boat in the past and they worked fine. Most of the reference material online seems to be boat related, but the idea transfers easily enough to what we're doing in tanks. Here's a wiki article: Stitch and glue - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
and this one is a kayak building blog that shows the process well: Building the Pygmy Coho Kayak

For me, it's perfect for my black tank set in that back rounded corner. I can make it this way exactly the shape and size I want and make my fittings go where I want and install them as part of the building process.

Foam core has a lot of appeal to me for the weight. Many different densities of foam available at Aircraft Spruce Foam from Aircraft Spruce for composite aircraft stuff. Thin plywood works fine too.

cheers,
steve

safari57 · 05-07-2009, 10:34 PM

What is so neat about these threads is what we learn in the process. Don's design ideas, Steve's stitch system etc. are all things we can take away for use on our own trailers and other non-Airstream related projects. Invaluable and the sharing of these ideas and techniques expands the practical knowledge of all who participate.

Thanks again folks for making the time to share your knowledge, your experiences, and the pictures that aid in my understanding of what it is you are so competently accomplishing.

Barry

NorCal Bambi · 05-07-2009, 10:52 PM

Utee94, We are taking the strange to a couple of Airstream rallies so he can put on some weight!
Don

Quote:

Originally Posted by utee94

Don, I think it looks great, other than that stranger who is walking around in your trailer...

I'm so glad you're moving forward on this project, I enjoy watching your work and am excited you have a second trailer so the rest of us can observe!

-Marcus

NorCal Bambi · 05-07-2009, 10:55 PM

Safari57, These threads are neat. They were the greatest of help when I restored our 63 Bambi. I sure they be as useful with the Flying Cloud. They allready have!

Quote:

Originally Posted by safari57

What is so neat about these threads is what we learn in the process. Don's design ideas, Steve's stitch system etc. are all things we can take away for use on our own trailers and other non-Airstream related projects. Invaluable and the sharing of these ideas and techniques expands the practical knowledge of all who participate.

Thanks again folks for making the time to share your knowledge, your experiences, and the pictures that aid in my understanding of what it is you are so competently accomplishing.

Barry

slvrlng · 05-08-2009, 05:20 AM

Yes that is some great info if you have any more questions about this system go to this site and look at the message board. Shine is one cool guy that knows more about epoxys and the like than anyone I know!
www.bateau2.com I have another project that I'm working on also. 1973 Aquasport 19-6, but thats another story. You can register on this site and post your questions and get answers really quick! And talk about some cool boats, check out the XF-20 and look how skinny that boat will go!

NorCal Bambi · 05-08-2009, 08:18 AM

I made some sculpture some years ago in a similar way but used corricated cardboard instead of wood etc. It worked really well. So I'm going to use the glue and stitch method but use cardboard. I will design them similar to regular cardboard boxes and then fiberglass. For the fresh water tank I might use a rubber or plastic bladder for the inside to protect form the fiberglass taste. Similar to the way they make aircraft fuel tanks.
Don

pbearsailor · 05-08-2009, 09:07 AM

I think it would work fine, Don. My wife and I built a homebuilt airplane years ago with a foam core: foam by itself isn't very strong, but we're still here.

Maybe just particular emphasis on good layups and well sealed.

cheers,
steve

malconium · 05-12-2009, 08:58 PM

Just a thought...

It occurs to me that the extra insulation provided by foam as a base for a fiberglass tank could help keep the tank contents from freezing.

Malcolm

NorCal Bambi · 05-12-2009, 11:42 PM

Malcom, This is a good thought.
Thanks Don

Quote:

Originally Posted by malconium

Just a thought...

It occurs to me that the extra insulation provided by foam as a base for a fiberglass tank could help keep the tank contents from freezing.

Malcolm

malconium · 05-14-2009, 08:39 PM

I will be interested to see how this tank building develops. I still need new tanks on my unit and had thought about buying some when the time comes but might be willing to make some. I have almost zero fiberglassing experience to date though. I did use a fiberglass body repair kit to make some repairs on my AC shroud (from the inside) but that is it. Lots of details would be appreciated as the work progesses.

Thanks,

Malcolm

NorCal Bambi · 05-17-2009, 08:46 AM

Well the frame is in the garage. It's time to go to work. Here are some pics of the frame. The frame had a sag. When I put it up on three jack stands it went flat. The weight of the axle etc. was enough to pull it flat. Also a picture of where a PO cut a hole in the frame to run a shower drain through. They must of thought that the trailer would never be moved again. The stair area needs repair. I've noticed when talking to others that the right side of the step brace is what brakes most ofter. I wonder it that's because most Airstreamers are right handed and right footed. Step in with the right foot first. Just a thought. It sure is great to get started on this project.
Don

pbearsailor · 05-17-2009, 10:24 AM

Well, I guess the good news is that the PO's shower drain wasn't any bigger or he would have cut the frame in two. Unbelievable, but I believe it.

cheers,
steve

NorCal Bambi · 05-19-2009, 08:42 AM

I bought this trailer because it was a shell and a frame with wheels. I wanted it so I could do my own thing. So I'm sure there will be lots of surprises. Besides the hole in the frame maybe there is a hole in my head.

Comments welcome!
Don

NorCal Bambi · 07-07-2009, 08:28 PM

The hole in the frame created by the PO has been repaired. Also the stair was strengthened and repaired. I'm pleased with the repair. When the stair is released it slides into place and locks.

NorCal Bambi · 07-07-2009, 08:30 PM

The frame has been cleaned and treated and painted. What a difference. It was nice to get one step completed.

NorCal Bambi · 07-07-2009, 08:35 PM

I'm in the process of extending the frame. The bumper was bent. I had to remove and take it to the local Machine Shop to have it straightened. So I decided to extend the frame to put one of those neat little storage compartments just inside of the bumper for storage of the stinky Slinky. I really like the idea of those storage units. I don't think they were stock in 55. Maybe someone could let me know if they were.

NorCal Bambi · 07-07-2009, 08:39 PM

I also have cut the basic shapes for the floor. Right now I'm rebuilding the fenders. After I get them placed I'm continue on the floor. You may have noticed that I'm using a engine crane to lift and turn the frame as I work on the top and bottom. The balance is very critical. So I suggest If you try this be very careful.

CaddyGrn · 07-07-2009, 08:46 PM

WaHoo! Progress! Compared to the Bambi, it sure looks BIG! Hopefully by Fall the shell will be back on! It is great to see Don working on the FC, he really enjoys it!

NorCal Bambi · 07-08-2009, 05:30 AM

Where is Rudy? I've found the name Rudy written on the frame of our Flying Cloud in Welder's marker. My Guess is the Rudy put it there in 1955. The belly pan that was wrapped around this area was original. So the question is did Rudy work at the Airstream Factory in California in 1955? Does anyone know who he was? Is he still around? Does anyone have a picture of Rudy? Sure would like to put a picture of Rudy in the trailer after it's restored. I was in my freshman sophomore years of high school in the 55 years. Rudy where are you?