All stripped out, now what?

[RevandDoc]

Ok internet helpers here is where we stand. The inside is all clear on the 64 Safari. We kept some salvageable pieces for templates, however most of the wood was shot beyond redemption. We pulled the floor up on what we believe is the worst section. We knew the cross members were completely gone in the rear. The question that we are looking for help on is this. Given the pictures of the frame, the outside shell is ok but will need some work, and that The AS was given to us for free, what are we looking at to make this thing usable and nice again? My wife is a little concerned that we might be better off giving up on this one, that we will be behind on it very quick. Would love to get a set of eyes on it from someone local and knowledgable. We are in Corpus Christi, TX

[bwoodtx]

Rev,

All things are fixable. It just takes time and money. The issues that you have with your frame are typical and fairly easy to fix. Some new cross-members, a new pice of frame and you are ready to put in a new floor.
There are some members in CC that you might contact by PM. Slowmover is one that immediately comes to mind.
There are are also several threads on here dealing with these issues. Use the Search tab at the top and type your request in the google search box. You can also go to the top of the page under the Air Forums sign and click on Forums and go to "Floor and Frame".

Hope this helps.

[lonewolf1977]

Definitely start checking out the floor/frame threads. Lots of valuable info there. In the meantime, find someone that can weld some new crossmembers in that will give you some structural integrity. Start sanding the parts that are strong. Order some POR-15. That way when you get your new frame member in, you can prep & paint it to prevent future rust. Our rear floor was not salvageable either. The measuring and fitting those curves are not fun, but you can do it.

[ALANSD]

poke around to see which i surface rust and which pieces are shot. Plan to replace those that are shot. Do it right the first time, it will be rewarding later.

[perryg114]

It does not look that bad as far as the frame. POR15 paint and replace anything else that is rusted out.

Perry

[Belegedhel]

First lesson is that sometimes the "free" trailer is one of the more expensive ones!

It all depends on what you mean by "useable and nice," but I would say that if you are willing to do all the work yourselves, it could be accomplished with $4-5000 depending on how many major appliances you need to replace.

When you say that you fear you will be behind on it very quickly, I wonder what you are comparing to. If you compare to a trailer that has been restored to newish condition by a professional or to a new trailer, then you could spend $30k or more before you are behind. If you are comparing to trailers you see on Craigslist that are advertised as being in "good condition," for $3500, I wouldn't bother--those trailers have all the same problems yours does, they just haven't been exposed yet.

Ultimately, the question is what is your budget for the project? If you thought that you could take a 50 year old trailer that you got for free and be camping in a nice and useable trailer in a few weeks' time after sprucing it up a bit, then your expectations are being recalibrated already.

good luck!