Visit our Popular Forums

pilgrimsouth · 06-21-2008, 10:22 AM

Thanks for all the links to see how things are done. In looking at the floor removal posts on other threads it seems they are lifting the frame up to put new floor in. Is that the "only" way to replace the plywood?

monocoque · 06-21-2008, 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pilgrimsouth

Thanks for all the links to see how things are done. In looking at the floor removal posts on other threads it seems they are lifting the frame up to put new floor in. Is that the "only" way to replace the plywood?

You won't need to lift the frame. You will need to detach the shell either all at once or in sections.

Basically, there are two schools or methods of practice on floor replacement: shell-on and shell-off. You should be able to find examples of both techniques in the threads. Shell-off floor replacement involves lifting the shell slightly off the frame but just enough to replace the floor. This way the floor can usually be replaced in whole sections minimizing seams.

The shell-on method on the other hand is usually done section by section. Of course the shell still has to be detached at the floor channel but this is done in steps rather than all at once. For example some have found it is possible to replace the end sections in whole sheets by sliding the sheets into place from the outside inward. In the middle section the plywood is usually replaced working from the interior in sections and requires a splice.

truckasaurus · 06-21-2008, 10:58 AM

This is definitely not my specialist field but have you already found the company that does this work as their main business? The name escapes me at the moment but I found their site when I was searching for custom airstream bathroom reno ideas. They seemed to have a pretty good handle on the materials and design aspect, I thought I'd bookmarked a picture of one of their projects but just can't find it; it was all stainless steel showerpans and the like. Maybe they could give you some ideas for flooring alternatives etc..

pilgrimsouth · 06-21-2008, 11:25 AM

Can you get the belly pan off from the botom?

Zeppelinium · 06-21-2008, 06:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pilgrimsouth

Can you get the belly pan off from the botom?

that's the only way to get it off--drill out the rivets from below. Some models have pans/frames that hold up the tanks--they are bolted, so you may have to remove bolts, also.

You'll find it much easier if you raise the trailer 10" or so and block it up (safely).

Zep

Distantdrummer · 06-21-2008, 08:09 PM

Well I Googled to find that MCS = Multiple Chemical Sensitivity.
I wish you well, seems like an enormous task, but I guess it is absolutely necessary.

In my days here a few years back I recall a woman who was trying to make her Airstream likewise to what you are doing. Not sure of her ailment/s but I think her name was Silver Suzy or silversuz etc. As I recall she just disappeared from the forums never revealing the outcome. You might search for her posts.

Best of luck of course.

Melody Ranch · 06-21-2008, 08:30 PM

I really feel for those with these sensitivity problems.
You all may be trying to reinvent the wheel in your efforts to sanitize you Airstream and search for info. These mods have been done many times already. I have watched my friends at North Dallas RV do several of these complete modifications. Very complete and professional. One lady...I don't know her name ...has had a couple of rare Vintage Airstreams done. A very spartan looking living space when completed, but it provides a safe space to be in.

Gkiesel · 06-23-2008, 11:13 AM

OK, I have to ask. With MCS how will you deal with all that you will be exposed to during your renovation project? I would think it would make you deathly ill. Also I hope I'm not being too forward but, what happens in a campground when ther are campfires galore burning all through the place? I can't imagine the smoke wouldn't bother you.

pilgrimsouth · 06-23-2008, 06:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by truckasaurus

This is definitely not my specialist field but have you already found the company that does this work as their main business? The name escapes me at the moment but I found their site when I was searching for custom airstream bathroom reno ideas. They seemed to have a pretty good handle on the materials and design aspect, I thought I'd bookmarked a picture of one of their projects but just can't find it; it was all stainless steel showerpans and the like. Maybe they could give you some ideas for flooring alternatives etc..

Yeh, there are some places that do all this but they want 15,000 to 25,000 and we don't have that kind of money. They are beautiful, but far from our reach.

pilgrimsouth · 06-23-2008, 07:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gkiesel

OK, I have to ask. With MCS how will you deal with all that you will be exposed to during your renovation project? I would think it would make you deathly ill. Also I hope I'm not being too forward but, what happens in a campground when ther are campfires galore burning all through the place? I can't imagine the smoke wouldn't bother you.

Good questions! Actually, I wear a charcoal mask most days just to cope with normal everyday exposures. But, as far as the Airstream the work will be done by my husband. Yes, it could make me quite ill. You are not being too forward at all and campgrounds are a terrible place for me, we don't go there. When we first did our 2 other Airstreams 15 years ago we did live in a campground with the first one for over a year. However, it wasn't your normal campgound with the fires etc. It was a retirements r.v. park and we chose a spot way in the back not near anyone else. It was great. There are many people like me in Airstreams and they usually locate them in a secluded area of some sort. We are in the country on 8 acres so it is here away from our daughter and son-in-laws house. Away from carbon monoxide of the city (20 min away) and tucked away so cars don't even drive by. Our whole life is very different from most peoples. Most people think of campgrounds when they think of owning an Airstream. We think of seclusion and it being our home. Would be more than happy to answer any more questions. I am only on the computer once in a while those, only for short intervals. It too bothers me. Have to wear my mask and sit way away from my laptop with keyboard and mouse extensions. Can't touch it at all. So, if I miss responding to anyone, please do forgive me.

pilgrimsouth · 06-23-2008, 07:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by truckasaurus

This is definitely not my specialist field but have you already found the company that does this work as their main business? The name escapes me at the moment but I found their site when I was searching for custom airstream bathroom reno ideas. They seemed to have a pretty good handle on the materials and design aspect, I thought I'd bookmarked a picture of one of their projects but just can't find it; it was all stainless steel showerpans and the like. Maybe they could give you some ideas for flooring alternatives etc..

I thought I had answered this but my answer isn't there now. So sorry....we have heard of companies that restore Airstreams for people like me but they are just too expensive for us to even consider. As far as flooring, that is one of the easy parts for me. We have several choices actually, thanks to special sealers. The last time we used battle ship lanoleam (sp?) and it turned out great. Mostly limestone, so pretty inert. Not vinyl, but true, old fashioned lanoleam like schools used to use. We can also use solid wood and of course, seal either choice. Thanks for the suggestions...One company was Healthy Home Trailers by Tad Taylor. He had MCS himself and built safe trailers, but he passed away a few years ago. He actually had videos and books on how to do it, and his web site is still there, but....can't seem to find any contact info that actually has anyone answering any inquiries. Finally gave up.

pilgrimsouth · 06-23-2008, 07:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Distantdrummer

Well I Googled to find that MCS = Multiple Chemical Sensitivity.
I wish you well, seems like an enormous task, but I guess it is absolutely necessary.

In my days here a few years back I recall a woman who was trying to make her Airstream likewise to what you are doing. Not sure of her ailment/s but I think her name was Silver Suzy or silversuz etc. As I recall she just disappeared from the forums never revealing the outcome. You might search for her posts.

Best of luck of course.

Thanks, I will see if I can find them. Sometimes people like me all of a sudden can't be near the computer. One day ok, the next not. Or we can get sick with anything almost instantly. Sadly, she might have either gotten very ill or maybe even passed away if she just dropped off from posting. Doing the Airstream is necessary, its the only really safe home I have ever experienced. I am looking forward to when this one is done. I have a terrific husband that has redone many, many houses, two Airstreams, moved and moved and moved, all in order to try to have a healthier wife. Wouldn't trade him for anything!

pilgrimsouth · 06-23-2008, 07:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Melody Ranch

I really feel for those with these sensitivity problems.
You all may be trying to reinvent the wheel in your efforts to sanitize you Airstream and search for info. These mods have been done many times already. I have watched my friends at North Dallas RV do several of these complete modifications. Very complete and professional. One lady...I don't know her name ...has had a couple of rare Vintage Airstreams done. A very spartan looking living space when completed, but it provides a safe space to be in.

Yeh, there are several places that do them, but they are sooo expensive, beyond our means anyway. So we are just doing it ourselves (at least my husband is), and using what we can afford and will work for me. Would love to just go buy one safe for me, but....will be content with the outcome of this one. Won't be as professional or fancy I suppose as the others ones but it will do

pilgrimsouth · 08-02-2008, 07:15 AM

Hi, you probably thought we had disappeared but here we are finally, with an update on our gutting! We have removed all the interior skins, end caps, insulation, and all he wiring is finally out. So, we are now ready to tackle the floor.

What is the best suggestion/method or the best thread to follow for our 1966 Globetrotter for floor removal "without" lifting the shell!!

We are going to try to take some pictures but don't have a digital camera right now, only a cell phone camera. We will see how well that works and if it does give you some pictures. Thanks for your help!!