Right or Wrong...'48 Liner Tube Frame Work

[scarylarry]

Well, I know it is not going to be "Airstream correct" but I am fairly sure it will be structurally solid. As I said in my intro, our 1948 liner will be getting a bathroom in the back and beefing up of the frame work. Here is the start of the frame. I used 2" x 4" tubing to connect the frame to the u shaped channel that the axles are bolted to in two areas. I also jacked the wheel wells back into place and welded angle to hold them in place, along with new brackets for the entry step. I am on a budget and am more concerned with the project being safe than period correct, though we will try to keep the interior mostly to the era. Next is to replace any rotting wood in the front and adding some bracing between the aluminum frame before I run new electric and replace the floor.

[Benjo]

man i'm glad someone is going at this with the shell on. i take it you are doing reinforcement rather than starting from scratch that requires more time, more money, etc. Agreed, building a brand new frame would be ideal but there are many ways to make the frame stronger. I am working on my 48 trailwind and i have gone back and forth on this issue but after researching it I feel that the reinforcement will be sufficient. Let me know how this goes and do send more photos of the process.

[scarylarry]

We've been picking away at our '48 project. Frame is painted with POR (springs/wheels to be done from outside later), I added lots of extra treated wood under the floor so I have that much more to screw floor to, 120 volt & 12 volt wiring, & water run under the floor. Now you can get an idea of my tank set up in the rear (just propped up in photo)...fresh water will go front. Found the super cool 1920's-30's accessory auto stop light/turn signal at my buddies place! So far all my guess work is coming together...we'll see.......