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mwells4654 · 07-21-2010, 07:36 PM

I need the u channel at the rear of a 1971 Overlander - picture is attached. Does anyone know where I can get this.

Splitrock · 07-21-2010, 07:49 PM

If they're not available, they wouldn't be too hard to make. If the channel could be open, it could be made in two pieces. If it needs to be closed, it could me made in three pieces with a light weight brake. Fabricate against an inside form. I have a local commercial roof steel fabricator that could make the part if I didn't want to make my own. The fabricated part could be either riveted or welded together.

Aage · 07-21-2010, 08:44 PM

If you are missing part of your c-channel, then forget this idea.

But if you want to buy more to replace the split in yours (as seen in the photo), a fabricator that has a guy that is a decent TIG welder could repair that, and even add some aluminum to it to reinforce the whole.

IMHO, the force on that channel is more vertical than horizontal. It holds the body to the frame and floor.

Of course, I could be wrong, and if so, would someone please correct me?

Inland RV Center, In · 07-21-2010, 09:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mwells4654

I need the u channel at the rear of a 1971 Overlander - picture is attached. Does anyone know where I can get this.

That old style floor channel, is no longer available from Airstream.

Andy

mwells4654 · 07-22-2010, 06:11 AM

Thanks everyone for your help - The problem I have is the sheetmetal shop lost the part of the u-channel that I dropped off. All I needed them to do is get some flat stock so I could make a patch. The owner of the company was not there and the girl said she did not see the metal that I dropped off. Even though she was out there when I got all the pieces out of m truck. Hence - he says he is not responsible for the missing piece since he did not see it and there was nothing to say I dropped it off. Now I have to come up with something else. I went to a shop close to Paris Texas and they did not have any metal this thick. Does it matter much? Or could I just double up the thickness that they do have. They cannot bend it though. I can get thicker straight stock (I think their thinest is 1/8 inch. Will this be too strong? Again, it will not be bent. I think I can bend it myself with an old wheel and a come along. What are your thoughts?

SilverHoot · 07-22-2010, 06:41 AM

Don't think I would go back to that metal shop for ANYthing! Maybe you can recreate the arc utilizing the other corner's channel.

Aage · 07-22-2010, 06:59 AM

There are many members here who are excellent fabricators, utee94 is one, for example.

There is even a member that does aluminum fabrication full-time, as it's his trade in the Armed Forces, but do you think I can remember his name? :: sheesh ::

Somebody help me here?

1953 Flying · 07-22-2010, 07:09 AM

Most of the U channels in the Cloud were toast.So I found a rain gutter shop to fabricate the channels for me. They should have the proper tools to help you out. Just an idea for you. Like Aage mentioned, it helps hold the shell to the floor. I hope this helps.

Inland RV Center, In · 07-22-2010, 07:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mwells4654

Thanks everyone for your help - The problem I have is the sheetmetal shop lost the part of the u-channel that I dropped off. All I needed them to do is get some flat stock so I could make a patch. The owner of the company was not there and the girl said she did not see the metal that I dropped off. Even though she was out there when I got all the pieces out of m truck. Hence - he says he is not responsible for the missing piece since he did not see it and there was nothing to say I dropped it off. Now I have to come up with something else. I went to a shop close to Paris Texas and they did not have any metal this thick. Does it matter much? Or could I just double up the thickness that they do have. They cannot bend it though. I can get thicker straight stock (I think their thinest is 1/8 inch. Will this be too strong? Again, it will not be bent. I think I can bend it myself with an old wheel and a come along. What are your thoughts?

A thicker material floor channel, would be a plus, never a minus.

Remember, that the shell holds up the frame, therefore the stronger the connection, the better the job.

Andy

mwells4654 · 07-22-2010, 01:25 PM

Now all I have to do is find a rain gutter place in "out in the back of no where" Oklahoma. lol most of the places have gone out of business. Another question - I have a sheet metal shop about 30 minutes from here - can I use the thinner stuff that they have and just put one inside the other to make it thick enough. It seems the c channel is 1/32 (.03125) thick and that seems to be twice as thick at the thickest stuff they have. Does it have to be aluminum or can it be galv? I am trying to get this done and it is very hard. I am close to nowhere. There is a maybe shop about a hour from here that might have the right stuff and might be able to bend it and might etc. etc.

Aage · 07-22-2010, 01:33 PM

Hi again.

These guys seem to carry a lot of aluminum in different sizes and shapes.

I've read good things about their service on here too, IIRC.

Melody Ranch · 07-22-2010, 02:01 PM

I have the sheet metal shop in Gainsville make things up for me. I had been ordering aluminum sheeting thru them...ie. free shipping. If I am in a hurry I go to Ft. Worth and get anything I need...in stock mostly Yes...2024.

mwells4654 · 07-22-2010, 02:30 PM

MR - what is the yes for and do you mean I can only use 2024 alum? I am only 150 miles from Fort Worth lol. Remember - I am new to all this - still learning the terms and names for the items. I cannot find anyone close that has anything to do with alum. just steel and galv. The sheetmetal shop I went to in Authur City is a carport and overhead door supplier and installer.

Distantdrummer · 07-22-2010, 03:28 PM

Well from the pic in post #1 I agree that is "u"channel.
I thought all the 70's era trailers had what some have called "y" channel. That is there is a 2nd channel underneath the "u"channel that receives the plywood floor.It is all a single extrusion piece.
Maybe that "y" is used only on the straight sides and just plain "u" is used on the curved fore & aft?

Am I correct ?

Inland RV Center, In · 07-22-2010, 03:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Distantdrummer

Well from the pic in post #1 I agree that is "u"channel.
I thought all the 70's era trailers had what some have called "y" channel. That is there is a 2nd channel underneath the "u"channel that receives the plywood floor.It is all a single extrusion piece.
Maybe that "y" is used only on the straight sides and just plain "u" is used on the curved fore & aft?

Am I correct ?

The "Y" front and rear floor channels, were not used until the later 1970's models.

Correction. The "Y" shaped channel started in 1972.

Ah yes, the memory. Like the ripples in the water.

Andy

Melody Ranch · 07-22-2010, 04:22 PM

Yes...you can get 2024 from the supplier in Ft. Worth. Its what I use for polished panels. You can get any other you want...just talk with them.

mwells4654 · 07-22-2010, 06:37 PM

Yes - the U orC whichever you want to call it is for the front and rear (fore and aft) the Y is for the straight sides. It seems the Y stops about 1 foot of the U in the rear part of the AS,