Argosy Redo

[rugjenkins]

Welding is coming along great. I'm almost done in the frame fab department.My wife and I didn't like the old floor plan (who likes to keep things simple, right I am at a critical point in the project- deciding what goes where. So after a week of drawing a dozen layouts, this is what we had decided on. Now I can order tanks, finish welding and por-15 before it gets to cold. My goal is an aluminum
tent by spring.

I'm putting in bigger tanks. Valterra 8x16x54. Relocating them closer to the axles.

[rugjenkins]

Spent two days pouring over darkspeed's tread, a must read for all.

So here is what I have come up with the eliminate airstream design flaws.

1.5 tubing band welded to outside of outriggers. Then stubs welded to band then bolted to ribs, just like darkspeed's. It takes care of the belly pan overlapping the shell. That way everything sheds water the proper way. Plus subfloor can be installed when ever and in the future replacing bad spots (if any) won"t be an issue. No taking shell off or removal of belly pan.

[mandolindave]

Where are you putting the furnace and duct work?

I am looking to relocate a heating duct, because it is aimed at the dinette side, that is about 5 inches away. The heat damaged the covering.

[rugjenkins]

The camper was gutted when I got, so I'm not real sure where it was located. I may not put one back in. I'm thinking of a dual unit on the a/c.

[rugjenkins]

Making curves and banding the outer edge.

[rugjenkins]

Great news, my other 2 quarts of por-15 are no longer lost. With the extra metal it will come in handy.

[rugjenkins]

Outside 1.5 steel tubing band and curves ...done.

Now I have to come up with a solution to the dreaded rear storage compartment. Suggestions anyone?

[rugjenkins]

Made new steel hold down plate for the rear. Made the same size as the front.

[rugjenkins]

Finally finished stripping old paint off the frame last night. Used 3 methods.

1. Flap disc on angle grinder - good
2. Sandblasting - less than good, big mess.
3. Heavy duty wire wheel on angle grinder- best.

All are time consuming. Suck it up and press on.

POR-15 here I come!

[JohnAC]

Are you re-painting or polishing the Argosy? Did the wire wheel scratch the aluminum?

[rugjenkins]

The plan is to repaint with new color scheme. I don't want to polish all time. Don't use a wire wheel on the aluminum. It will scratch it really bad and cause much fussing and anger. Use stripper. On mine the original paint is half gone so... Less work. I like that.

[rugjenkins]

Received one of the gray tanks this week. Ready to fab tank mounts near axles. I also cut all the flooring. I'm trying to get all the metal fab finished before I por-15. Aluminum tent here I come.

[rugjenkins]

Question: what is the measurement of the toilet flange from the wall? My guess is 1 ft. Any help is greatly appreciated.

[rugjenkins]

Originally Posted by rugjenkins

Question: what is the measurement of the toilet flange from the wall? My guess is 1 ft. Any help is greatly appreciated.

Need help

[rugjenkins]

I don't like the new cell phone app. The old one was better. This one has issues.

Anyway it won't post the newest reply. Need help on above post. Thanks

[Carolinda]

I wish I'd seen your post while we still had the new toilet off--I can't get a good measurement now, regrettably. Will an approximate center point from rear wall help at all? I'd recommend choosing your toilet and going from the measurement from the factory. We had to buy a second toilet because the first wouldn't fit the dreadful ABS toilet surround--but had we done more research, we wouldn't have goofed. Measure twice, cut once! Your work is admirable, Rug.

[rugjenkins]

Update: ok still working on the frame. Welding tank mounts in, (4) almost done. I had to make several frame brackets to hold the tank supports- 2 x 3 x 3/16 angle. 1 black, 2 gray, 1 fresh water. I'll post pics soon.

[rugjenkins]

Frame done, por-15 done, shell semi bolted to frame, gantries disassembled and washed camper(hasn't had a bath in 5 yrs)
Purchased belly pan aluminum and buck rivet gun and supplies.

[perryg114]

How about some photos. Sounds like you are doing well.

Perry

[rugjenkins]

Bolting shell to frame. Drill hole, go to store to get more bits, drill more holes, por-15 bolts and nuts.