We recently purchased a 1963 Bambi. All is in good condition except the floor... the Bambi is nearly gutted and we will soon be ready to replace floor. Any and all advice by someone who has done this before would be very welcome! Also interested in knowing the best way to "lift" the body off. Can it be suspended while working on flooring? What did you do that worked for you? Thanks for any and all help!
Well we are well on our way toward replacing the floor on our 63 Bambi. The body is off and the floor is ready for removal. I have read discussion about blind rivits. I believe I have come up with an Idea as to why there are placed where you find them. I will include some diagrams and pictures later. For me they were a suprise. My idea may help the next person. Maybe someone else has written about why blind rivits appear where they do. If so I have not found the thread so far. Historical pictures are the clue. See pictures on The photo tap for my pictures NorCal Bambi.
In the thread in link above there is a photo of an Airstream chassis.They pop riveted the belly pan to the "U" channel to hold things in place before shell installed.Thats where some of the blind rivets show up when pulling shell off.There are also some in the frame bows to the "U" channel.
Well, I have read many threads on floor replacement and treatment of the wood to create a better lasting floor. So many people so many ideas! Is there any of these treatments that have lasted the test of time? I was thinking about epoxy and fiber glass covering. But now I not sure. I guess the bottom line is Wood is Wood. I'm off to Medford OR to look for elevator bolts today and shop for plywood. Wish me luck.
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Most wood preservatives are made for exterior use and not safe for a closed environment like a trailer.Most of us have settled for using varathane to seal the wood and give it some resistance to moisture.It is important that the floor is able to breath and I think the varathane will work.Even an untreated floor woll last a long time if you don't let it sit wet.
New question what is the paper like substance material that is between the aluminum channel and the plywood. I also found the material between all the cabinets and the floor, water tank, etc. Can you direct me what are the best kink of rivets and where to find them. Maybe in California. I am currently working on removing the channel, belly pans and old wood floor.
Can you direct me what are the best kink of rivets and where to find them. Maybe in California. I am currently working on removing the channel, belly pans and old wood floor.
Aircraft Spruce has them. They come coated in a gold color, which rubs off easily. www.aircraftspruce.com
There are numerous other rivet suppliers. I also purchased some rivets from a place in Los Angeles, http://www.hansonrivet.com/
I prefer the ones that Aircraft Spruce carries.
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