gettin started

[angelapratt]

My husband and I bought our very first airstream and it needs a full restoration. We have removed all cabinets and shelves. Should we continue to remove the inside skin or do we remove body from frame with inside skin still attached?

[CanoeStream]

Hello Angela. Interesting Airstream! Welcome to the forums.

It will be necessary to remove the inside skin to get access to do a shell off. Save the skin pieces. They are necessary for shell rigidity once you put it back together. Most people use those again and only a few use them to make a template for new ones. Dealing with interior skin - read from post 268 onward at It's a Girl!!! - a wonderful restoration!

Bring all your questions here please. Because for every ten questions we get to request one more picture of your vintage jewel!

[Zeppelinium]

Originally Posted by CanoeStream

Hello Angela. ...
It will be necessary to remove the inside skin to get access to do a shell off. Save the skin pieces. ...

Angela, one small note. You only have to remove the bottom inside skins to get the shell off. That will expose the "C" channel and the bolts/screws that are holding it to the floor. The "C" channel is a "U-shaped" channel between the inner and outer skins. Why do they call it C-channel? I don't have a clue.

Zep

[CanoeStream]

Ahh, thanks for clarifying Zep.

[angelapratt]

Thanks for the quick response Bob!
To remove the body, what rivets on the outside need to be drilled out?? Just the bottom row? What suggestions do you have for lifting the body off the frame?

[angelapratt]

I really appreciate the responses. I can see how this forum will be very helpful! We have a very big project ahead of us and will need lots of guidance.
Angela