grade and specs for restoration materials

batt · 09-03-2009, 08:42 AM

Hi,
I am getting ready to restore a 71 airstream and need some help.

After reading the forums I am using going to use solid bucking rivets, but need the specs as there are a daunting number of variety's. What is the head size in 32's , what length, ( using standard alcore speced metal) should it be hard or soft ?

I also need the u channel in the rear(channel mounted to the floor to attach the interior and exterior skin), any place to buy this preshaped? Does any one stock the channel and Z stock for these trailers? If not what grade is it and what is the thickness?

Unfortunately a rear and front convex panel need replacing and I will have to make a form to shape the metal stock. Does anyone who has been through this have any suggestions to make this as error free process as possible. I am planning to make a wood convex form to shape the metal, so it anyone has gone this route please advise.

I have read the forums on skin replacement and have a 1973 service manual. Unfortunately the service manual does not give specs on the channel stock or rivets.

Minno · 09-03-2009, 09:38 AM

Check with Inland RV or Out of Doors Mart for Airstream metal. I know Out of Doors mart stocks the floor c-channels for the narrow body trailers (a '71 is a narrow body). Be prepared to spend a fair amount on shipping. You can buy the end cap skin parts pre-formed as well. Pricy, but easier than shaping (unless you have experience doing that sort of thing). You'll probably need to call either place to get a firm quote for the part and shipping.

Links: Inland RV Center - The Nations Leading Expert in Airstream Innovations ODMRV , Out-of-Doors Mart

The preformed c-channel is here: Floor Channel Bow - Narrow Body104463 [104463] - $52.95 : ODMRV , Out-of-Doors Mart

No idea on the size of the rivets.

Chris

batt · 09-03-2009, 05:44 PM

Chris, thanks I actually have a 25' land yacht rear bath. the channel you indicated is a bit different in that mine does not have the channel that covers the plywood edge, its just a channel.It will work just wondering if now you know what I have if it is still a narrow body? where do you find the details based on the identity # ? Barry

Minno · 09-03-2009, 08:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by batt

Chris, thanks I actually have a 25' land yacht rear bath. the channel you indicated is a bit different in that mine does not have the channel that covers the plywood edge, its just a channel.It will work just wondering if now you know what I have if it is still a narrow body? where do you find the details based on the identity # ? Barry

Hi Barry,

My understanding is that all Airstreams were all narrow body's until the wider body came out sometime in the 1980's. I'm not sure of the exact year. I thought the c-channels were all the same for all narrow bodys - but maybe not?

What Identity number are you refering too, the VIN?

Chris

markdoane · 09-03-2009, 08:10 PM

You can find a lot of rivet info here.

68 TWind · 09-03-2009, 09:55 PM

Bucked rivets definitely have advantages. I used some this morning end cap panels on my 68 TW. But for certain applications Olympic rivets are the way to go. There will be places on a refurb that you will need to place a rivet but you can't get behind it to buck it without hours of work so a couple of bags of Olympics will really save you time.

batt · 09-04-2009, 08:13 AM

Does any one know the gauge of the structural frame and channel stock?
Barry

**silverleeper** · 09-04-2009, 08:48 AM

Hi Barry, Here are some threads that may help you. Rivet gun Solid Rivet Styles - Data. I'm not sure of the thickness of the channel stock. On my 67 the channel on the front and rear was quite a bit thicker then the channel along the sides. Someone out there knows.