Dropping belly pan

[travis90]

On my '57 Caravanner, I need to drop my belly pan without gutting the interior and taking the interior panels out, so I can see the state of the frame and perhaps wire brush it and paint it from underneath.

Can the belly pan be removed without removing the subfloor and interior panels?

[rmkrum]

Yes, from underneath and it’s NOT fun. Wear protective gear including a respirator rated for Hantavirus, particles, and other stuff. Eye protection, a set of coveralls, and gloves.

Generally the pan comes down by drilling out the rivets that hold it up. Do be careful. Critters make nests in there.

[travis90]

It looks like the belly pan can’t be removed though from the outside without cutting it off. Am I right? The top edge is in between the outer skin and the subfloor inside the trailer.

[Bubba L]

Originally Posted by travis90

It looks like the belly pan can’t be removed though from the outside without cutting it off. Am I right? The top edge is in between the outer skin and the subfloor inside the trailer.

In originally assembling, the belly pan was placed and riveted to the C channel. Then the exterior skin was installed overlapping the edge of the belly pan at the C channel and riveted through the edge of the belly pan into the C channel. If it were me and I was just trying to see the condition of the frame, I would cut out a section of belly pan, pull out the insulation and see what it looks like. (Also wearing proper PPE gear like mentioned). You could also neatly cut the belly pan a foot or so inboard and drop the entire center. If you have deteriorated frame members, which wouldn’t surprise me, the entirety may have to come off to access for rework. I know you hate to hear it. Someone may come up with a better idea. Good luck. Bubba

[islandtrader]

Originally Posted by travis90

Can the belly pan be removed without removing the subfloor and interior panels?

I don't remember who posted this drawing...I keep it in my files so I remember how the AS is put together. I would go with Bubba's suggestion.

[dbj216]

Belly pans were installed to keep the dirt out of the subfloor insulation and maybe hide the frame some. They are not a structural member of the trailer. They are fairly easy to remove. Yep, it's a real dirty job.

My 66 exterior skins wrapped around and mated to the flat belly pan. They did not have to come off. My 86 has separate wraps. I don't know how the 57s were built.

New belly aluminum is readily available. Installing it is a lot of work. But even an old retired guy can do it.

Here is a photo to whet your appetite for a little well aged mouse poop.

David