Inner space......

[krowsea]

.....the aluminum frontier.

As I work my way through my '75 Sovereign, I've noticed that quite a bit of the factory hardware and such are screwed to the inner walls. Having perused the outer skin of my A/S many times, and noticing it doesn't look like a porcupine with a wealth of sheet metal screws sticking out of it, I'm going to make a giant leap of faith and assume there is some type of space between the inner and outer walls.

Does anyone know how thick that inner space is, and is it insulated perchance? I may need to replace a few items, or remount and replace a few screws in the near future. I'm pretty sure if I use a 3/4" X 12" lag bolt, it'll probably protrude through the outer skin. How much fudge factor 'do' I have though concerning the thickness of the space and the length of the screws? Is there any interior way to tell if there is a brace behind the walls, or if I use the original holes, should I feel fairly safe?

I'm not planning on doing any major changes, just repair. On the other hand, a 31' Sovereign with a 6' crystal chandelier, 5 or 6 velvet paintings from Mexico screwed to the walls (including the dogs playing cards, that's a given) on top of astro turf wallpaper would be pretty tasteful if done right, don't you think?

John-Boy

[71_safari]

Well, if you look at the window and door openings you can get a pretty good idea - about 1 1/2 to 2" max. Yes, it is all insulated with fiberglass (the pink stuff).

[thenewkid64]

One way to find the ribs is to look for the inner rivet lines. Unless it is a lap seam, the rivets are into ribs. Stay under an inch on the screw lengths.