Made my first of two gantries yesterday quite a task by my self . At least getting it stood up. the interior is gutted below windows . Not much of the floor is left. Hopefully I will lift it off this weekend. Working 50 to 60 hours a week leaves little time for it, but i'm getting there. If I get the pictures to cooperate Ill use this thread to post more pics and progress.
Thanks for your help everyone
Good luck! 50-60 hours PLUS work on an Airstream? Impressive.
Just double checking to save you headaches:
- you've heard warnings about tying down the shell so it doesn't lift off?
- you've seen Frank's writeup on making floor patterns before destroying it?
Second gantry up and in position. chain hoists up and boards in place to lift now i'm ready to start cutting rivet's. The front and rear of the floor is just rotted away so I will be making mine with out a good pattern but that's a ways down the road. https://24.media.tumblr.com/8728093a...v10io1_250.jpg
Got it lifted off today, there's a few hidden rivets but i found them. I took a bunch of measurements of the floor then started pulling up what was left of the floor. The elevator bolts are kinda hidden in places. I used a few different ways to remove them . Including chiseling around them ,grinding them and then a hole saw method that works well too.
here's some pics.
If you place the hole saw just rite it just cuts the plywood and the plug can be pried out. Then when the floor is removed finish removing the bolts. heres a couple more pics
I am a big subscriber to the saws all method as well between each sheet and the top of the frame. Another option if you have a grinder is to put on a cutting wheel and cut them off from underneath, then just lift the plywood sheets off from the top. At least you aren't doing it in snow. Have fun!
Some questions
What do you replace cross channels with? The 55 inch by 4 inch channel with oval holes for air duct and plumbing. Can that still be found new ?
I need most of the 20 or so out riggers replaced and 5 cross channels !
I also need to splice in 6 feet of the rear frame . Thinking i will key splice it then box it in at the splice
The bumper could be saved if i can't find one reasonable.
1957 30' Sovereign of the Road
1959 28' Ambassador
1949 24' Limited
Peru
, New York
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 745
Quote:
Originally Posted by JCPOTTERF
Some questions
What do you replace cross channels with? The 55 inch by 4 inch channel with oval holes for air duct and plumbing. Can that still be found new ?
I need most of the 20 or so out riggers replaced and 5 cross channels !
I also need to splice in 6 feet of the rear frame . Thinking i will key splice it then box it in at the splice
The bumper could be saved if i can't find one reasonable.
I have these sections made to my spec at the local Steel Mill. This isn't very expensive. Have them done in .125" so your repairs will end up much stronger than original. The oval holes are not necessary. Depending on your fab skills, you can cut outriggers out of crossmember stock. Make sure you weld them on all joining surfaces when you reassemble.
Its unlikely that you'll find an original replacement bumper, so repair the original one.
Good luck,
Colin
Well Iv'e started splicing in my frame on the rear 6 ft. 300.00 for steel that includes enough for all new out riggers and a bunch of cross members. Here's some pictures.
I will reuse my bumper after I do some metal work on it
Well, to those who stumble upon this forum asking if they can turn a field find old can into a polished, usable A/S camper ! Yes, but it takes a lot of work, tools, time and money to do it. My hat off to those who have finished their quest.
No I haven't given up yet , I rebuilt my 63's bumper and made it removable. At the same time giving the rear a 14 inch trunk area. I'm working my way forward replacing all of the cross members and out riggers. These I have hand made from stock channel. Here's a picture of my slow progress.
Here's an update. I'm working my way from the rear to front and rebuilt my steps. I have four cross members to go and about ten out riggers. slowly but surely. hope the pics turn out
I moved my gantries to use as a rotisserie. I have all my cross members in and outriggers done so now to sand blast and POR 15 the frame.The front to rear joists i'll install later after grey tanks. This first attempt at flipping the frame less the axles was a very educational experience in physics! I need to make some kind of center bar at each end to be more safe on the next flip. Any suggestions welcome.I did a little sand blasting today
it's gonna take a while on that job!
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