'69 sov body diagram? (or "what is this rusty part")?

[j_c_c]

Howdy folks,

Looking to buy this airstream perhaps. but there seems to be a rust hole in something big and square-like just above the bottom skin.

The picture I took is from the rear "pasenger" side - the bungy cord you see is hooked on the the center of the rear bumper. The skin is pulled down from the back a bit.

So the question is....if this thing is rusty and needs to be replaced - what is it? Is it a black or gray water tank? Is it supporting anything? Is it just a cover? Can I cut it out and put in a plastic one, whatever it is if it is possible? Would there be a benefit to cutting it out (access to anything)? I don't plan to tow it much if ever if that makes a difference....

Thanks!!

- jcc

[TomW]

The rusty thing is a box which supports the black water tank & its insulation bed. What should be of concern is whether it rusted from the inside out or outside in.

Galvanic corrosion between the aluminum belly skin and the galvanized iron box can occur if water gets trapped between the two. If that is the case, the box can be removed relatively easy, and either repaired or replaced.

Rust-out from the inside out means either the black tank is damaged or (as was the case with mine) water has seeped in & drained into the box. There are a few pictures of repairing this type of damage at my web site (link in my signature) if you want more detail.

Hope this helps,
Tom

[LI Pets]

Unbolt the galv pan and find it's source of rust, fix that, reinsulate the tank, repair or replace pan.

I would figure 1/2 to do, plus reinstall, maybe 2 more hours??