Installing belly wrap

[cole3444]

I have noticed on different threads that different techniques are being used to install the belly pan and belly wraps. What is the general consensus on installing the wraps and pan. I have noticed some are putting the belly pan on then putting the belly wrap over the pan and some putting the wrap on first then the pan. Which would help prevent water build up, my 72 had the belly pan over the wrap. Figured I would do it right since my shell has not been riveted to the C channel yet and took Aerowoods recommendation on putting the banana wraps and belly wraps behind the sheeting.

[perryg114]

I prefer to put the belly skin on last so I can get in there to inspect for water and corrosion damage. I am also not a fan of rivets because they are a royal pain to remove. I used 1/4-20 stainless screws on the belly skin and .032 aluminum. All I needed were screws tapped into the frame members. I did not need any on the crossmembers.

Perry

[Aerowood]

I riveted the side wraps under the side skin and have no regrets with that decision. The belly pan itself is installed using 10/32 hardware into aircraft floating nut plates. I used all existing rivet holes and installed nut plates in each

[cole3444]

Thanks perryg114 and Aerowood, I was hoping that I was going to do it right and both of you reassured me of that. Thanks Jim

[perryg114]

The floor in my trailer is installed with 1/4-20 tapped elevator bolts since the frame is a box not a channel there is no way to get a nut on the back side. I installed the belly pan the same way. You need a tap drill for 1/4-20 and a plug tap. Drill a hole, then tap with the tap in the drill then install screw. Aerowind's method is a little more high class but the end result is the same. I have a center bath so there is only a back and front section to deal with. The center is taken up with pans for 3 holding tanks. If you have a rear bath then you might want a separate panel for between the axles. You going to have to use 4ft sections unless you can find 5ft wide sheet aluminum. Typically you can get 4x10ft sheets. So you can make two 4 ft sections out of one panel. I think the frame rails are around 5 ft wide.

Perry

[cole3444]

Taking the plunge and driving to Georgia to Air Craft Spruce to pick up my 5052 .032 aluminum to get the belly finished. Shipping is unreal on shipping these sheets, so a little 2 1/2 hour road trip. Thanks for the input I received from perryg114 and Aerowood.

[perryg114]

Most decent size towns like Chattanooga will have a place that sells sheet metal and structural steel. Aircraft Spruce might even have some wider sheets. This stuff comes on a roll and they roll it out cut it and ship it on a pallet. 6061-T6 is pretty common and it works well as a belly skin also. You going to Atlanta? You are not that far from me. I am a couple hours west of you in Huntsville, AL.

Perry

[cole3444]

Perryg114;
I thought the same thing on somebody in Chattanooga would have it, but called Siskin Steel the supplier for most shops and the lady told me they did not have any 5052 or 6061. They have a scrap pile that the main shop sends over and it might have something I could use. Blew my mind as big as they are. Thought about calling one more time and ask someone else. I will check with Air Spruce on wider sheets since I am picking it up. Won't be far from you, got to run over to Birmingham when I go to Atlanta to look at an awning.

[Marufaru]

Cole3444, did you get your metal in Peachtree City, GA? That's where I live and am thinking of getting it from.

[cole3444]

Marufaru:

Yes I did buy mine at Aircraft Spruce in Peachtree City. They were great, loaded the sheets with no problem. Make sure they are loaded flat. Which I had got a sheet or two extra due to the drive. If you need Clecos to hold the sheets they have a good price on them also. Loved their store. Good luck Jim

[AirsrmAnglr]

I know this is an old post but I got 5052 H32 from southern tool steel in Chattanooga.
I believe it came from Ryerson in Atlanta.
Hope this helps