Well I have all but the last belly pan laid out. As several others have mentioned, getting the quarter panels to fit is a challenge. As I mentioned in another post I used 4x8 sheets of aluminum. They were a good price and they came painted on both sides, white on one and clear on the other side. Another change is located in the plumbing area. There will be a removable panel in this area, see photo. It was obvious that previous owners had plumbing problems over the years. The repairs were poor. This is a difficult area to reach, so I decided to make it more accessible. I am waiting for the delivery of the clecos I ordered so I can finish the belly.
Thanks Uwe and Jordon for the positive comments! I hope to have the belly finished today. And then I can flip her over on her feet again. It's getting exciting to think that the shell will actually be on again. And, And it will look like an Airstream. And Spring and camping and being outside, Oh what we have to use to keep motivated. The forum is a great help also. I think I'll shut up and go to work!!
Don
I think it's important to remember, that when you talk about condensation and di-electric corrosion, etc, etc, how much fun you're having rebuilding this trailer. My trailer is almost twice my age and I think the process of basically completely rebuilding it and giving it new life is not only entertaining, but is a phenomenal history lesson. Airstreams were built with no coating on the plywood, no insulation against di-electric corrosion, no boxed frames, etc, etc and look how long they lasted and how well they did!
The best thing we can probably do to make them last forever is just what we're doing; document our restorations on this website so that future generations can do the same thing, again
ankornuta, You are right about how long they lasted. I am enjoying the restoration process. I think It's way cool that there will be 100 year old Airstream in the future. A while back we had another brand and it got to the doing where rebuilding was impossible. I guess it's just fun thinking about how you can make something great ever better.
Don
Totally! And don't get me wrong; I'm an engineer at heart and all for improvements. I especially appreciate the innovative ideas you've been sharing in this thread.
Rosie the riveter helped today. My wife jumped in and helped with the rivet work today. She held the bucking bars and I worked on the outside with the air hammer.We managed to get about 1/3 of the shell to floor rivets completed. I've also started to work on replacing the door and window seals and molding. I would appreciate all suggestions about supplies and techniques. I'm also starting to look at wiring. Sure feels great to have the trailer in one piece again.
Don
Oh man... I cannot wait to start getting my trailer back together again; there's a certain feeling of anxiety I get when I see it all in pieces... it just seems so much more vunerable... poor thing
Rosie the riveter helped today. My wife jumped in and helped with the rivet work today. She held the bucking bars and I worked on the outside with the air hammer.We managed to get about 1/3 of the shell to floor rivets completed. I've also started to work on replacing the door and window seals and molding. I would appreciate all suggestions about supplies and techniques. I'm also starting to look at wiring. Sure feels great to have the trailer in one piece again.
Don
ah yes... the light at the end of the tunnel... sorta...
jp
ps. my wife was my buckin partner, too... countless jokes with that... i think she got sick of my "bucking" sense of humor...
Oh man... I cannot wait to start getting my trailer back together again; there's a certain feeling of anxiety I get when I see it all in pieces... it just seems so much more vunerable... poor thing
i hear ya. i still have original skins from mine laying in the yard... an homage to the what once was... maybe i should list them on ebay? "complete skins, with plenty of character for airstream... all you need is the frame and windows!"
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beautiful work!
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