'69 Overlander Full Floor Replacement

[Drabnormal]

Hi Everyone,

I've just purchased my first Airstream. Its a project to say the least but one that I'm certainly excited to tackle. I've brought it home and cleaned it up but want to do things right as we plan on keeping it for as long as possible.

First step is to take over where the previous owner left off and redo the floor. I'm working through all the posts and am also hoping for some insight (or warnings) from your experiences as I paint the frame and replace all of the floor. I read the posts about using gantries and should have listened. Lets just say I went through a little "separation anxiety"...at least everything is still wrinkle free.

Here's a few pictures so far.

[Yellamo]

Wow! Very impressive....I have started pulling my belly pan rivets and will soon see the frame and who knows what else, on my '65 Overlander...It needs a complete overhaul...semi straight and stock interior. I do plan on posting pics... I will follow your progress and hopefully be more motivated! Thanks Bryan O.

[87MH]

Looks great! Please continue to post pics, time, and costs - if you are comfortable.

Your experience and thread will be a great tool for those attempting the same thing in the future.

Luck.

[Drabnormal]

Frame doesn't look as bad as I expected. Far from perfect but I've seen car builders do more with less. Belly pan off throughout the rest of the week and I'll start cleanup on the weekend.

[RM66caravel]

I think that I have seen this floor shot before so was it to that point when you got it? You are doing great and look like you have a plan so did you get the interior parts? Best advice is take your time and when you get frustrated take a break! Please keep us posted because you are motivated!
Welcome
Cliff

[RM66caravel]

I see now I found your first thread and did not associate with you! You have made much progress and yes I will read whatever thread you post on! Looks great
Cliff


Yes I said that! Or did I?

[Drabnormal]

Thanks RM66caravel. Look forward to any insight you can offer.

[Drabnormal]

So....where should I be posting the full story of my rebuild? This is turning out to be an interesting story. The frame is in awesome condition. Most of the guys on my street are converging in my driveway to "bench race" about layout ideas. My one neighbour has basically told me to go f%ck myself because I've brought this "eye sore" to the street and yelled to his wife that I'm a "head case". Ya...

Just don't know if this is the right place to post my full adventure. This story is about to get funny.

[kokopat]

Drabnormal, why don't you use the blog feature of the forum for adding your adventure? It's under More>Member Blogs.
Pat

[Colin H]

Originally Posted by Drabnormal

Hi Everyone,

I've just purchased my first Airstream. Its a project to say the least but one that I'm certainly excited to tackle. I've brought it home and cleaned it up but want to do things right as we plan on keeping it for as long as possible.

First step is to take over where the previous owner left off and redo the floor. I'm working through all the posts and am also hoping for some insight (or warnings) from your experiences as I paint the frame and replace all of the floor. I read the posts about using gantries and should have listened. Lets just say I went through a little "separation anxiety"...at least everything is still wrinkle free.

Here's a few pictures so far.

It looks like you've got a pretty good handle on what is involved in a "body off" floor replacement, however the only thing I'll caution you on is the precarious position of the body. Take some time & lower it to the ground & tie it down somehow. These bare bodies have a tendency to "fly away", destroying your dream.
Colin

[Drabnormal]

Thanks Kokopat and Colin. I have dropped it down and hooked straps to the interior ribs with the other end tied to concrete filled cinder blocks, the 8x8's it's sitting on, and a picnic table...I am a bit paranoid now though. Kokopat, I will start a blog shortly.

I do have a frame related issue before I start that. It seems the worst place on the frame is centred around the step. Is there anyone making replacement weld on parts for that area? I'm hoping for the piece of channel at the top. If I do have to make my own, can someone send me pictures of theirs? Here is what I have now.

I have no idea what holds the step up while travelling.

Thanks.

[pinkflamingoes]

Congratulations!!

[Cyquest]

Above the step, what looks like a pull handle is in fact a pull handle. On the other side of the handle there is a tab that fits into the slot on the step. Its that tab that holds the step up while travelling. If you need a pic I can post one in the am.

[Lance M]

Originally Posted by Drabnormal

So....where should I be posting the full story of my rebuild? This is turning out to be an interesting story. The frame is in awesome condition. Most of the guys on my street are converging in my driveway to "bench race" about layout ideas. My one neighbour has basically told me to go f%ck myself because I've brought this "eye sore" to the street and yelled to his wife that I'm a "head case". Ya...

Just don't know if this is the right place to post my full adventure. This story is about to get funny.

You are in the right spot. Keep posting pics and documenting your progress as above. This keeps it all in one thread that is easy to follow.

I recommend you sandblast the frame. Then you'll be able to fix any areas that have rusted through. The step areas you have pictures of are pretty common. Cut out the rust perforation, shape/form and weld in new metal.
Good luck and keep up the good work!

[Cyquest]

Sry not much light under there.

[Cyquest]

I guess pics would help.

[Drabnormal]

Attachment 215859Attachment 215860
Frame is almost ready to go out for sandblasting. Thanks for the pics Cyquest. The pull on mine is pretty messed but I'll see what I can do once I get the frame back.

[Drabnormal]

Learning this rebuilding thing as I go. Family by my side the whole way.
1969 27' Overlander
2011 Ford F150 Ecoboost
Twitter - @mikep95
Instagram - mikep951

[Drabnormal]

I fits in the garage!
http://i1303.photobucket.com/albums/...ps1zifxypx.jpg
I should be able to pick up my steel tomorrow. I prepped all the spots I'll be welding today (in the shade) and should have it out for sandblasting by the end of the week. There's three shops that are able to do large projects so hopefully one of them can get it back to me quickly. I'm anxious to get the plywood down and shell back on. As always, I have my trusty helper by my side.

http://i1303.photobucket.com/albums/...pscs2jvxjv.jpg



Learning this rebuilding thing as I go. Family by my side the whole way.
1969 27' Overlander
2011 Ford F150 Ecoboost
Twitter - @mikep95
Instagram - mikep951

[Drabnormal]

Hi All,

Things are coming together rather quickly. I'll save the pun for when the body goes back on.

The frame is out for full sandblasting and urethane coating.
New wheel wells are being made up as I type
3/4" Marine plywood is in transit.

I'm hoping to have all the pieces together by the 25th so I can do another marathon session and have the body back on by August 4th. I read on a thread here somewhere (but cant find it) about using thin rubber gasket material between the aluminum and steel to help prevent any reaction between the metals. Can someone point me to the thread or a source for it?

Also, every second frame rail is 3/4" lower. I was planning on first putting a sheet across the lower but spanning all the way to each of the higher rails. Then I would lay my second sheet across and screw it all together. It would essentially give me a 1.5" floor. I don' know if this is overkill or not.

Thanks