questions?

[wol]

1. what is the best way to cut new exterior skin?
2. does olympic rivets come in different lenghts?
3. where is a good place to get olympic rivets?
4. what size rivets are in the belly pan?

[TomW]

1. Sheet metal shear
2. Never seen different lengths
3. InlandRV.com
4. 3/16" on my '67

[Ken J]

Can also use an air nibbler, and can also get rivets at Airstreamdreams.com

Ken

[74Argosy24MH]

Olympic rivets come in different lengths, diameters, materials, and head styles.

I use a saber saw with a fine (24 tpi) blade to cut tight curves in thin metal.

John

[wol]

I am replacing the skin on the back of the trailer. The rivets go through the frame of the rear hatch and also through just where the skin over laps. DO I need different lengths of rivets for each area? what diameter rivet would you recommend? Sorry about all the guestions I just want to do this right the first time.

[Gunnyusmc]

Originally Posted by wol

I am replacing the skin on the back of the trailer. The rivets go through the frame of the rear hatch and also through just where the skin over laps. DO I need different lengths of rivets for each area? what diameter rivet would you recommend? Sorry about all the guestions I just want to do this right the first time.

Airstream has belly pan rivets and Olympic rivets for sale on there web page, but can them and they will give you the part # for the belly pan rivets. There price was the best I found.

Don

[Ken J]

Hmmm belly pan rivets are standard hardware aluminum rivets

Ken

[thenewkid64]

Best price I have found on the standard Aluminum pop rivets is at Grainger, if you have access. They sell to the building maint. departments of most larger companies. A box of 500 rivets (1/8th inch, #30) ran less than 12 bucks. on a per rivet basis you will go through 12 bucks in a hurry at the hardware store for the same item.

[markdoane]

Originally Posted by thenewkid64

A box of 500 rivets (1/8th inch, #30) ran less than 12 bucks. on a per rivet basis you will go through 12 bucks in a hurry at the hardware store for the same item.

Best price I've found is $5.95 for a box of 100, at a discount hardware store. If you have a regular (mom & pop) hardware store nearby, they should be able to order from grainger and charge you the 'retail' price, which is still pretty cheap.

[Gunnyusmc]

Originally Posted by Ken J

Hmmm belly pan rivets are standard hardware aluminum rivets

Ken

Belly pan rivets have a 1/2" wide head.

Don

[wol]

I have access graingers and I go by them on the way home from work every day.

Repairing my trailer has almost become a nightmare. I have spent 2 to 3 days a week for the last month replacing bath floor, repairing frame, replacing gray tank, and replacing rear skin. I also need new axles and shocks. The arm on the rear axle is pointing up with out anything in the rear of the trailer. then there is polishing, sealing and new weatherstrip. I am doing most of the work by myself with a little help from my three year old son.
My uncle gave me the trailer and everything in the trailer works. I did not know I had any problems until I was backing it in the shop after trip from Florida. then I find out what was lerking in the darkness waiting for me and boy did it find me!!!!!!!!!!!
Then I found this forum and read up on what to do and jumped in with both feet.
thanks to the people of this forum for your help

[Over59]

Take pictures of your helper fixing the AS. They will be priceless when it's his turn to redo it.

[Janets Husband]

WOL
Isn't it great. I paid way too much for my Minuet because it looked good. So to Speak. In the light of day all old trailers will have problems due to age, abuse and the like. I repaired and repaired and now that is is kind of over I miss it. A real challange I guess, and alot of fun in hind sight. Talking with the people on the forum kept me going. We share your pain. Keep Coming Back.

[wol]

I will be going out to work on my trailer this weekend like usual and I will take some pictures of him then.

You can bet I will be comming back and back and back to this forum.

I am glad A friend of mine lets me keep it in his shop and lets me come and go as I please. the only bad thing is it is 20 miles away.

[Ken J]

A shop is a great thing to have when you are working on the trailer - I'm working on my trailer in a sheep barn and its not fun - poor light, no heat - at least its out of the weather. Hang in there, take one step at a time and it will get done.

Ken

[ALANSD]

Its like having old cars, old radios, old cameras, old guitars, old anything ( even relatives) they all require a lot of tlc and routine maintenance to keep 'em going. But its a labor of love as they say, and hopefully its worth it to you. The satisfaction level can be a high one.
What gets me is when all my old stuff needs repairs at the same time.

[wol]

I keep reminding myself onething at at a time. I just need to keep things in order to make things go smoother for me. I enjoy working on it I just wished it was done so I could use it again. anyway if if and buts where cherries and nuts we'd all have a merry christmas would'nt we.