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Old 01-27-2014, 06:56 PM   #1
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1971 31' Sovereign
1972 31' Sovereign
1983 31' Airstream310
Soddy Daisy , Tennessee
Join Date: Sep 2013
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C channel/U channel replacement

I have read several of the articles on floor repairs and riveting the body to the c channel. Can someone tell me what the thickness and grade is for the c channel being used to fasten the body down. Is their a better thickness or grade that would be better to use. Any help on this would be greatly appreciated. This Forum has saved what sanity I have during my restoration decisions. The PO lost approximately 40 ft of my c channel. Any recommendations where to purchase. What rivets are the best to reattach the body.
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Old 01-27-2014, 07:57 PM   #2
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1959 26' Overlander
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I think you'll find the .032 3003 alloy, bent with the Harbor Freight Brake to be the most commonly used.

Be sure to use stainless bolts and insulate them from the aluminum to prevent galvanic corrosion.

If you like to read, check out the links here for a great set of threads.
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Old 01-27-2014, 08:09 PM   #3
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Oh, yeah, rivets?

See previous link to Airparts or check out VTS

If you are looking for more detail on rivets, do a search for Aerowood's posts.
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Old 01-28-2014, 10:18 AM   #4
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Tampa , Florida
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Not sure when the C-Channel changed, but you can still get the stuff for my '76 here.

For Rivets, VTS has both 1/8" and 5/32 with the matching brazier head as the original. If your rivets are drilled out nice and clean, you can stay with 1/8, but I used industry standard protocol and re-drilled and used the 5/32. You can get them here.

Make sure you get their 1/8 rivet set for the brazier head or you'll put smiley's on all of them.

Hope that helps!
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Old 01-29-2014, 10:27 PM   #5
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1971 31' Sovereign
1972 31' Sovereign
1983 31' Airstream310
Soddy Daisy , Tennessee
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Thanks for the info

I appreciate the info on the type of aluminum for the c channel and I have already purchased buck rivets from VTS but your comment on the standard of using 5/32" sounds a little stronger and safer. I purchased the 1/8" but will see if they can be used on the replacement panels on the curb side.
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Old 01-30-2014, 05:41 AM   #6
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I believe the 1/8" are plenty strong- your whole trailer was put together with them. The reason for going up a size is because the hole gets wallered out too big and out of shape to properly make a snug fit for waterproofing. Although those rivets are soft, and fill alot of space when bucked.

Have fun!
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Old 01-30-2014, 07:33 AM   #7
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1974 31' Excella 500
Longview , Texas
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You can buy c-channel and the prebent u-channel through Out-Of-Doors Mart. The c-channel comes in 16' lengths which can be cut in half to greatly reduce shipping cost, I'm not sure if the same can be done for the u-channel.
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Old 01-30-2014, 04:10 PM   #8
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1972 27' Overlander
Denver , North Carolina
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I just bought c channel for my 72 Overlander from OODM. 59.00. I picked it up myself.
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Old 01-31-2014, 02:36 PM   #9
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1971 31' Sovereign
1972 31' Sovereign
1983 31' Airstream310
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C Channel

Thanks mccrosti I will see if I can find it on their site, do you have a part or item number handy. Appreciate all the help.
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Old 01-31-2014, 03:24 PM   #10
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I call it J-channel. I got mine from Andy at whatever place is is that is works.
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Old 01-31-2014, 07:50 PM   #11
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Here you go! 104463 OODM website

Good luck
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Old 04-17-2019, 05:20 PM   #12
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1973 Argosy 26
Ojai , California
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Does anyone have the "how to" on connecting the C-Channel to the shell and subfloor on an airstream? Visuals would be great!!



I have a 73 Argosy.
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