Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 


Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 08-18-2005, 09:03 PM   #1
Rivet Master
 
NorCal Bambi's Avatar
 
1963 16' Bambi
1955 22' Flying Cloud
Yreka , California
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,313
Images: 21
Unhappy Floor Replacement '63 Bambi

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!
NorCal Bambi is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-18-2005, 09:31 PM   #2
4 Rivet Member
 
greg176's Avatar
 
1961 26' Overlander
Gabriola Island , British Columbia
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 474
Images: 1
Start by reading this thread:

http://www.airforums.com/forum...hlight=looming

Start by removing lower interior panels.
greg176 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-18-2005, 09:32 PM   #3
4 Rivet Member
 
greg176's Avatar
 
1961 26' Overlander
Gabriola Island , British Columbia
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 474
Images: 1
Oh and welcome to the forums and congrats on your new Bambi.
greg176 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-18-2005, 10:46 PM   #4
Rivet Master
 
NorCal Bambi's Avatar
 
1963 16' Bambi
1955 22' Flying Cloud
Yreka , California
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,313
Images: 21
greg176
Thanks for the rapid reply. I'll post some pictures later.
NorCal Bambi is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-24-2005, 09:46 PM   #5
Rivet Master
 
NorCal Bambi's Avatar
 
1963 16' Bambi
1955 22' Flying Cloud
Yreka , California
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,313
Images: 21
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.
NorCal Bambi is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-24-2005, 10:00 PM   #6
4 Rivet Member
 
greg176's Avatar
 
1961 26' Overlander
Gabriola Island , British Columbia
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 474
Images: 1
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.
greg176 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-24-2005, 10:40 PM   #7
Rivet Master
 
NorCal Bambi's Avatar
 
1963 16' Bambi
1955 22' Flying Cloud
Yreka , California
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,313
Images: 21
Here are the pictures I tryed to post in the last post
NorCal Bambi is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-25-2005, 11:37 AM   #8
Rivet Master
 
NorCal Bambi's Avatar
 
1963 16' Bambi
1955 22' Flying Cloud
Yreka , California
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,313
Images: 21
Thumbs up floor treatment

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.

I'm working with PhotoShop and can't seem to get my pictures to the right file size.

Thanks for the input!!
NorCal Bambi
NorCal Bambi is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-25-2005, 03:48 PM   #9
Rivet Master
 
1973 31' Sovereign
Portland , Oregon
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 1,255
Images: 22
Alternative to wood...

There is an alternative to using plywood that, sofar, is working out well for me. Check out the following thread:

http://www.airforums.com/forum...ad.php?t=14620

Malcolm
malconium is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-25-2005, 05:54 PM   #10
4 Rivet Member
 
greg176's Avatar
 
1961 26' Overlander
Gabriola Island , British Columbia
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 474
Images: 1
To get your photo on the forum in photoshop:
1/ Open image you want to send
2/Under image on top menu select image size.
3/Adjust image size to 640x480 pixels.
4/Under file menu select save as and save image to desktop as a jpeg a dialog will open up where you select size of jpeg image.Adjust slider till image is less than 100Kb.Then save.
5/Select reply in forum menu.Write message then click manage attachments.
6/Select browse then find your file.Then upload file.
7/After file is uploaded hit submit reply.

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.
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	DSCN0014.jpg
Views:	657
Size:	75.2 KB
ID:	14237  
greg176 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-25-2005, 10:49 PM   #11
Rivet Master
 
NorCal Bambi's Avatar
 
1963 16' Bambi
1955 22' Flying Cloud
Yreka , California
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,313
Images: 21
Greg176, thanks for the info on the floor treatment. The thought that external materials as being unsafe is a good point. thanks.
NorCal Bambi is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-26-2005, 09:22 PM   #12
Rivet Master
 
NorCal Bambi's Avatar
 
1963 16' Bambi
1955 22' Flying Cloud
Yreka , California
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,313
Images: 21
Thumbs up Paper? anti-squeek? between channel and plywood

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.
NorCal Bambi is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-26-2005, 10:14 PM   #13
4 Rivet Member
 
greg176's Avatar
 
1961 26' Overlander
Gabriola Island , British Columbia
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 474
Images: 1
There was no paper in my trailer there.For solid rivets I used a 5/32" Diameter universal rivet.Do a google search for MS20470AD5 .
greg176 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-27-2005, 09:19 AM   #14
uwe
418
 
uwe's Avatar
 
2007 25' Safari FB SE
1958 22' Flying Cloud
1974 29' Ambassador
Yucca Valley , California
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: 1963 26' Overlander
Posts: 4,804
Images: 41
Send a message via Skype™ to uwe
CA Rivet Sources

Quote:
Originally Posted by NorCal Bambi
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.
__________________
Uwe
www.area63productions.com
uwe is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-27-2005, 09:15 PM   #15
Rivet Master
 
NorCal Bambi's Avatar
 
1963 16' Bambi
1955 22' Flying Cloud
Yreka , California
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,313
Images: 21
Floor picture

Picture of the floor and chassis
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	Floor2a.jpg
Views:	453
Size:	93.5 KB
ID:	14284  
NorCal Bambi is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-28-2005, 09:21 PM   #16
Rivet Master
 
NorCal Bambi's Avatar
 
1963 16' Bambi
1955 22' Flying Cloud
Yreka , California
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,313
Images: 21
To Bee

Thaught some might be interested in what I found under the floor.

At last thing will start going together!
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	Bee nests_Layer 1.jpg
Views:	580
Size:	93.8 KB
ID:	14301   Click image for larger version

Name:	8-28-2005 7-23-17 PM_0018_Layer 1.jpg
Views:	554
Size:	83.7 KB
ID:	14302  

NorCal Bambi is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-30-2005, 03:13 PM   #17
Addicted to Aluminum
 
A-Merry-Can's Avatar
 
1959 18' "Footer"
1964 24' Tradewind
1954 29' Liner
Woodstock , Georgia
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 2,015
uninvited guests...

only 2 bee nests, huh? probably just because you have a bambi. i had 2 bee nests, a rat nest and 2 dead rats in MY belly! and when i picked mine up, the PO had already removed half the floor. ha! gee, i wonder where that musty smell was coming from?

what are you using for insulation? i'm replacing mine for sure, as it's a huge source of stinky odors.

welcome to the forums! i've found them INFINATELY useful in my restoration so far.

jordan
__________________

• • •
• • • • •
8576 • • • • • • • •
there's always room for one more!
A-Merry-Can is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-02-2005, 07:58 AM   #18
Rivet Master
 
NorCal Bambi's Avatar
 
1963 16' Bambi
1955 22' Flying Cloud
Yreka , California
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,313
Images: 21
insulation

Jordan, Bambi's do seem to be popular with many living things. I plan to insulate with regular fiber glass insulation. My guess is that it allowes the trailer to breath better. When I'm done I will seal ever little hole I can find. On my trailer rubber hole protectors were placed over every pipe etc. inlet. Did yours have the same? There were a few dents causing openings for the critters to enter. I plan to repair these areas. I would like to see pictures and info on any repairs you do on your trailer. Another view point is always good.
Thanks Don
NorCal Bambi is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-02-2005, 08:38 AM   #19
Addicted to Aluminum
 
A-Merry-Can's Avatar
 
1959 18' "Footer"
1964 24' Tradewind
1954 29' Liner
Woodstock , Georgia
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 2,015
my trailer was butchered by the PO when i got it. there was literally NOTHING in the trailer but half a floor and half a bellypan. no fittings of any kind, though. the copper LP lines that went through the belly pan did have grommets on them, and that's what i'm planning on doing on ours.

DO NOT be tempted to run those lines through the belly pan as i was. UWE set me straight. if you develop a leak, your trailer could literally explode! seal well, though. mice can get through a pencil-sized hole.

you can read my saga so far here:
http://www.airforums.com/forum...ad.php?t=17197

hoping to making some real progress on the skins this weekend. happy reading!

jordan
__________________

• • •
• • • • •
8576 • • • • • • • •
there's always room for one more!
A-Merry-Can is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-02-2005, 10:42 PM   #20
Rivet Master
 
NorCal Bambi's Avatar
 
1963 16' Bambi
1955 22' Flying Cloud
Yreka , California
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,313
Images: 21
Jordan, I have read through your string. Great information! I'm planning on using the old belly skins. We will use the trailer a lot and I figure they will just get dinged up right a way.
Don
NorCal Bambi is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off



Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Airstream, Inc. or any of its affiliates. Airstream is a registered trademark of Airstream Inc. All rights reserved. Airstream trademark used under license to Social Knowledge LLC.



All times are GMT -6. The time now is 04:45 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.