How do you attach bracing for shell off?

[SkatiePower]

Hello,

My wife and I are new to the Airstream community. We are getting close to lifting the shell on our 1991 34' limited. The only thing we aren't sure about is how to attach the bracing to the ribs. Do you have to drill holes horizontally through the ribs to put bolts through?

Thanks!

Here is a picture from the day we picked it up last week It's not missing a window, that's just the picture.

[Belegedhel]

How are you lifting the shell? If hoisting from above, no bracing is required.

[SkatiePower]

Lifting from above seems like the ideal method for shell removal, but adding braces and jacking it up a few inches while we replace the subfloor is the most economical option for us, so we were going to use that method.

[HiHoAgRV]

Yes, cut 2x6" boards so they span the width and bolt them thru the ribs. Bolt a board across the door opening so it doesn't get wider during the process.

[SkatiePower]

Great! That's all I needed to know! Thanks!

[HowieE]

I would use a piece of plywood at least 12 in wide at the bottom of the door and use many bolts on each side. The 34s are pron to a crack in the skin in the upper right corner of the door even while on the frame. No need to help that along.

If you are going to jack the body rather than lift through the windows I would position the only 2 braces 1/4 from each end using only 3 jacks, 2 at one end and 1 at the other. You may have to move the brace to get under the original jacking points if the floor need replacing there but moving the brace one rib may be OK.

[SkatiePower]

Originally Posted by HowieE

I would use a piece of plywood at least 12 in wide at the bottom of the door and use many bolts on each side. The 34s are pron to a crack in the skin in the upper right corner of the door even while on the frame. No need to help that along.

If you are going to jack the body rather than lift through the windows I would position the only 2 braces 1/4 from each end using only 3 jacks, 2 at one end and 1 at the other. You may have to move the brace to get under the original jacking points if the floor need replacing there but moving the brace one rib may be OK.

Thanks for the advice! We are lifting the shell to replace the subfloor. We will be getting going on it on Tuesday. Wish us luck!

[DaKs]

I used metal studs and #6 self taping screw to brace from side to side.
This was more for just keeping it the same width.
Oh just to be clear I screwed the studs to the ribs.