Using a porta power ram

campcollector · 01-04-2004, 05:51 PM

I was considering using a porta power to push out the bent ribs in my roof after removing the interior panels. Any comments or thoughts.

**wahoonc** · 01-04-2004, 06:09 PM

It might work if!...the ribs are not cracked or stretched, which I think you will find that they are, you can replace rib sections using a splice section. IIRC the newer AS use a 3 piece rib to start with, the two sides and the roof section. The ribs are aluminum and it does not like to be bent and straightened much at all!

Aaron

campcollector · 01-04-2004, 06:18 PM

My goal is I would try to push out the worst of the bowed roof with the power ram. Then using some body spoons work out the worst exterior dents. Then replace any poped or loose rivets, and vulkum any seems. For a more involved look go to.......

http://www.airforums.com/forum...?threadid=8290

I am not lookiing for pretty just functional I expect to have a wavy roof.

overlander63 · 01-04-2004, 06:45 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by campcollector
My goal is since the trailer was totaled, I would try to push out the worst of the bowed roof with the power ram. Then using some body spoons work out the worst exterior dents. Then replace any poped or loose rivets, and vulkum any seems. For a more involved look go to.......

http://www.airforums.com/forum...?threadid=8290

I am not lookiing for pretty just functional I expect to have a wavy roof.

I have done this with cars and trucks. You would need to use a piece of 1/2" plywood, about 12" square, on top of the portapower. This will help keep your dent from becoming a bump.
Then put in some new ribs, and rivet and Vulkem as needed.
I make it sound sooo easy.

Terry

campcollector · 01-04-2004, 06:53 PM

Well its all worth a shot, Its not like I can hurt it anymore than the tree did.

markdoane · 01-04-2004, 08:40 PM

You should review some of metal working techniques for aluminum. With tempered aluminum, you may find that proper application of some heat to anneal the ribs and skin would give you a much better result than cold working.
Read some of the info at tinman

campcollector · 01-04-2004, 08:46 PM

Yes I had read this before that a heat gun can make the aluminum more workable. I think it was around 200 degrees or so.