Shell off transmogrification - Page 21

truckasaurus · 08-24-2009, 09:14 PM

That stuff looks similar Frank but I think it's probably got a slimmer inner width; I opted for an 1/8". I wanted 3/32nds but couldn't get it by the piece. I'm glad I got the 1/8th as it worked out great. Actually it was nice stuff to work with, quite malleable, I used aviation snips and my hands, no heat at all.

I'm almost out of regular rivets which is quite frustrating (I mucked up the last order and lets just say I won't run out of flush rivets, ever). But anyhow over the weekend I got a little trailer time and put the stringers in the street side, the door hinge and doors back on and a bazillion rivets in the front panel along with some patches.

I'm really hoping VTS can get the vents shipped out soon as that's the next obstacle along with applying Vulkem over the rivets and seems on the inside.

My question of the day is about the door bumper-latch thing again. I've looked at the VTS one and some others online and I'm kind of confused. The remnants on mine weren't enough for me to understand how it all works and I can't see why it's installed in a panel with no re-enforcement behind it. I saw a plunger type item and that seemed neat. Is one better than the other and would adding a stringer or something behind it help or hinder if someone opens the door and lets it swing into the trailer. (I assume there's no way to mount one of those door opening limiting shock absorber type things?). I just don't want to wreck my new panel before I even finish the project.

For your viewing pleasure tonight is a cake the lovely GF baked and the curbside panel with it's new trim. (I think it's a tandem Bambi)

truckasaurus · 08-26-2009, 07:42 PM

I thought I'd try a little polishing, 6 hours later I have the first pass done on the wrap around tail sheet. It's 12 feet long and nearly 4' high. I just need to do this for the rest (about 8 times as much) and I'll be ready for the red polish. There's still plenty of beauty marks collected over the 48 years of use and abuse but the sanding marks came straight out no problem.

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It's going pretty much as I expected and the Makita polisher has a real quality feel to it. If anyone has any Jestco tips I'm all ears.

Also here's a shot of the street window back in and the wheel arch trim riveted in place.

goransons · 08-26-2009, 07:50 PM

great work!! I now have a very good understanding of how much work is in that picture. Riveted today except around the wheel well, still messing with that trim, getting that in place. Hope mine turns out as nice as yours!

Aerowood · 08-27-2009, 08:28 AM

You are both doing a wonderful job on the new skins. It really wasn't that hard to do, or was it? What rivets did you decide to use?

Kip

truckasaurus · 08-27-2009, 08:41 AM

Thanks Kip, it wasn't hard just time consuming. But maybe a little messier than I'd thought it would be with all the Vulkem. I've tried Mineral spirits and WD40 but I'm concerned about trace solvent, how do you clean your Clecos?

I used the harder grade of universal head 5/32" rivets, mainly 5-5 through 5-7's. It's nice to see that my riveting skills have improved since the first day but I still have a long way to go before I try flush rivets in a visible area! (I start the Aircraft Structure course in Calgary in just over two weeks so by the time I get to rebuild the door I should be a lot better, and faster too).

truckasaurus · 08-27-2009, 09:21 AM

I'm thinking of replacing the rub rail/ trim pieces, they're kind of shabby, and I was wondering if anyone had a good source for a similar extrusion or if I'm stuck with what I've got?

Good news too, FF's are on their way at last! Now back to polishing....

utee94 · 08-27-2009, 10:24 AM

I reused my original rub rail trim pieces, but mine are pretty shabby as well. I'd be interested in another source, too.

I know that Uwe put brand new rub rail trim on his 63 Olander, you might PM him to see what he used and where he got it. If you end up finding out, I'd like to know, too.

Here is the page where he talked about it, it's the second post down:

A 63 for me! (many good ideas for your new to you Trailer)

-Marcus

truckasaurus · 08-28-2009, 08:45 PM

Thanks for the lead Marcus

I picked up some premium rubberized asphalt undercoating product (2 cans) and sealed up the wheel arches. I applied it to the for and aft outriggers too as it looked more complete that way and I'm sure they take a lot of rocks too.

Putting the mags back on and moving her about a bit seemed like another stage completed.

Today's photo shows the integrated tank cavities and stabilizers when the trailer is at her still gutted ride height.

Aerowood · 08-29-2009, 09:05 AM

I clean my Clecos by soaking them in MEK.

Gotta Camp · 08-29-2009, 01:46 PM

Howdy, I am new to the Airstream group and just wanted to comment on your resto. Looks like a lot of fun. I just completed a restoration on a 1966 Kenskill 18 1/2 ft for my daughter and her family and am now off on my next project. Yesterday, I acquired a 1946 Cutis-Wright model CW2 in the 16 foot length. Boy, do I have a project now! Hope I didn't bite off more than I can chew. It will need a lot of work. Hasn't been licensed or moved in 30 years!!

r&kweber · 08-31-2009, 01:07 PM

Looking very good, Truck. Are you planning on finishing a cut of polish before it gets cold?

Were liking the fantastic fans more all the time. I would advise you to take great care to get them mounted flat. One of ours mounted with a bit of trist and it opens rough some of the time. Once the motor gave up on trying to lift the lid.

Ryan.

**Kevin245** · 08-31-2009, 03:12 PM

Gotta Agree.....Looking Real Nice Truck. I'd say a Red Stripe or two is in order!!!

Good Work,

Kevin

truckasaurus · 08-31-2009, 03:55 PM

Thanks guys.

We got a some more polishing done, both the front and rear lower 4' have had a first pass and now they look shinier than the sides which are both new. Being polished sure brings out the little dents and scratches! Vulkem also found it's way to all the end cap seems and rivet backs, a lovely task.

I'm flat out of time now though. I'll be moving the trailer "as is", carefully, about 50 miles to it's temporary home which is 2 hours from my new place and fit the Fantastic Fans when they get here. (I gather I should pick up some "better" stainless hardware for the install too). From there I'll try and lavish a couple of weekends on the polishing before the snow hits in mid to late October, but I will need to set up some scaffold or something.

I'm really going to miss seeing the yard art out of my window and being able to do a little work when I feel like it. Still, looking on the bright side it gives me more time to fabricate the enclosed 24" x 36" step tub shower cubicle I have in mind. Oh and of course more Airforums reading :-)

truckasaurus · 09-21-2009, 08:01 PM

With frost on my windshield this morning the end of the summer draws near. Luckily I got the FF's installed on Saturday. I skinned over the astrodome and put one there and the other at the rear, (I skinned over the center one completely).

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I forgot to take keys for the multitude of locks on the hitch, latch and a high security barrel lock and cable on the wheels and learnt a valuable lesson. Namely that I should have double checked before I set off as per the GF's advice and secondly that a small angle grinder took about 30 seconds to slice through all of it. As such a GPS tracker is going on the Christmas list.