'64 Overlander

[ariyah]

Needing advice and assistance since I just bought an airstream that I will be renovating and first and foremost how do I remove and replace the subfloor? I would appreciate all and any information and pics please.

[GeocamperAS]

First, welcome to the forums.
Second, you can do a search on here and come up with options of how to.
However with your age AS, I would expect some frame rot.

[ariyah]

Thank you for your response. And yes, I have been looking and have found a lot of helpful info. I'm just eagerly anticipating my project and will be going to get my AS and towing it home to start next week. I always wanted one and got a really great deal on this '64 so we will see how it all goes.

[Heliguy63]

Hello ariyah

Did you come across a thing I am also be removing the sub floor. We have very similar trailers. Mine is an 64 ambassador. Do you have some pictures of yours?

[64Lincoln]

I always wanted an Airstream too, so last year I got a great deal on a '64 Safari 22' for $5000. Since then I've replaced every mechanical thing in it except for the AC, which after I freed up the frozen motor and got all the hornets nests out, actually works quite well. I've also replaced the cushions and drapes, polished it and got the banana wraps straightened. I added a microwave, TV and stereo. Somehow or another, I've got nearly $20,000 in this now and it still needs a new floor and some of the cabinets rebuilt. I love it, and am really looking forward to going to the Pismo Beach Rally on Friday, but these things aren't cheap. Good luck with your Overlander.

[ariyah]

Well, I started to tear out the old floor but I'm trying to not have to take off the walls or the belly pan to replace the floor. The frame seems okay but there are a few spots that may need to be reinforced. I'm also getting rid of the old furnace and water heater, thinking about going with tank-less 120V water heaters for needed areas. I will post pics as I progress or once I get all the old floor out. Thanks for all the concern and like minded post.

[Heliguy63]

Keep us posted! Any pictures?

[65CV]

Originally Posted by ariyah

... I'm trying to not have to take off the walls or the belly pan to replace the floor. The frame seems okay but there are a few spots that may need to be reinforced. ...

The floor is part of the structure of your Airstream. One of the critical parts of the structure is the frame -> floor -> c-channel -> aluminum skin bonding. You need to be sure that the floor is solid all the way under those c-channels or your trailer will tear itself apart. You'll need to open things up to get in there if the floor is rotten below the walls.

See Links to the Major Renovations for details.