Floor Rot Options - Help Please!

[thinktankair]

I just acquired a 1961 Bambi in great shape, well, except for one thing. The back window and vent obviously leaked over time and there is rot at the back of the trailer. I took out the stove and refrigerator to assess everything. I have posted the window problem in the window section. Once that is fixed, what are my options here? The rest of the trailer is dry and great. A previous owner put down some fiberglass. Can I replace this section? More fiberglass? Thanks everyone.

[TouringDan]

I am not an expert, but repairing the floor damage is not that hard. Either replace the plywood or impregnate it with fiberglass. Just make sure it is no longer leaking. That is the biggest problem you have.

Lots of thread here on floor rot and how to repair it.

Dan

[thinktankair]

Thanks so much touring dan!

[RM66caravel]

If you replace that section of floor be sure to check the frame for damage if you need to replace an outrigger it would still not be a problem but treat any rust you find to save you problems later.
Cliff

[Colin H]

Originally Posted by thinktankair

I just acquired a 1961 Bambi in great shape, well, except for one thing. The back window and vent obviously leaked over time and there is rot at the back of the trailer. I took out the stove and refrigerator to assess everything. I have posted the window problem in the window section. Once that is fixed, what are my options here? The rest of the trailer is dry and great. A previous owner put down some fiberglass. Can I replace this section? More fiberglass? Thanks everyone.

Don't waste your time & $ by attempting the repair with fiberglass or epoxy. The floor rot extends beneath the wall & you can not get to that area with a surface coating. Also, given the amount of visible rot, you won't be able to check for rust on the structural members below, or replace the rusted out bolts that hold the "C" channel in the base of the wall to the plywood & steel. Penetrating epoxy is a great product for wooden boat repair, but doesn't do anything for perimeter floor rot in Airstream's. We see these "fudge" repairs all the time, & when we open things up, it's still a failed perimeter floor, corroded "C" channel & often rusted out outrigger or crossmember. Adding epoxy makes the repairer feel good, because what they see appears to be solid, but does absolutely nothing from a structural aspect.
We've discussed this numerous times on The Vintage Airstream Podcast | Vintage Trailer Restoration
Good luck,
Colin

[thinktankair]

Thanks everyone. Colin I took your advice and, as they would say in the construction business, went down to the studs. I found so many things doing this that I would have missed with a small repair. One copper line had three holes in it, it was easier to remove the water heater, and I can treat the frame for rust.

[Colin H]

Originally Posted by thinktankair

Thanks everyone. Colin I took your advice and, as they would say in the construction business, went down to the studs. I found so many things doing this that I would have missed with a small repair. One copper line had three holes in it, it was easier to remove the water heater, and I can treat the frame for rust. Attachment 206650

Your next step is to remove the bellypan & the interior lower walls, allowing access to the bolts holding the "C" channel to the the outriggers & the front & rear cross members.
Colin