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AccessMaster · 04-28-2003, 12:44 PM

My Classic 345 battery compartment floor is almost gone. The angle iron is the only thing holding the batteries in. The aluminum skin is fine. Evidently the floor of the compartment was steel that corroded thru. Where can I get a new compartment just in case I decide not to repair this one?

wb13798 · 04-28-2003, 06:57 PM

I HAD NEW LINER FABRICATED AT A SHEET METAL SHOP, IT WAS ABOUT TWICE AS THICK AS THE ORIGIONAL. I REUSED THE ALUMINUM FRONT AND SIDES TO THE DRAWER. WHAT I DID WAS CUT THE BOTTOM OUT OF THE OLD DRAWER AND SLIDE THE NEW DRAWER LINER IN AND DRILL HOLES THRU THE SLIDES TO SECURE THE THE NEW LINER. ALSO USED SELF DRILLING SCREWS TO ATTACH TO THE ALUMINUM FRONT. DIDNT HAVE BUCK RIVETS OR I WOULD HAVE USED RIVETS. IT SOLID AS A ROCK. LOL
AL

evan · 04-28-2003, 10:38 PM

Dito, I have bad corrosion from the batteries. No parts are available from airstream, they said take it to a metal shop and have it rebuilt. I called around and it was not too terribly priced. If you weld or know a friend that can you could probably do this repair for under a $100 bucks.

FrankR · 04-28-2003, 11:52 PM

Rusted battery boxes, and hold downs are causted thru neglect. Out of site out of mind. This maintainence is usually NOT performed. The acid in a battery usually flows out because of several reasons. The most common reason for acid eating any near iron or steel is because the battery is overfilled with water, distilled water that is. The next reason for steel disolving is the charging system needs some timely repair/lookover. The battery acid level is hi gh, the voltage regulator charge rate is too high and lots of acid is boiled out of the battery. Poor battery connections and poor ground connections make the voltage regulator make great fluxuations from off the max output.
Most alternators fail because of poor connections. Very few alternators just wear out. The drive belts that are too tight will destroy bearings quickly. A digital multimeter is the best friend for a battery and take a look once in a while. Care and feeding are important.
If possible always place a battery in a plastic boat box. Cheep and easy......
A good pathway for air is good......

ALANSD · 04-29-2003, 10:16 AM

put a plastic battery tray in and save a lot of grief. You can easily mount them under the batterries after you get the metal box repaired/ replaced.

wb13798 · 04-29-2003, 06:46 PM

did that and the trays fill the box up in a hurry. the hold downs waste a lot of space. but you have to have hold downs. lol
al

LLB21 · 04-29-2003, 09:07 PM

FrankR:

Love your trailer.

What character it has!

FrankR · 04-29-2003, 10:02 PM

The picture posted is a internet find. I do not have a lot of artistic talent. I'm mostly mechanical/electrical. I have no genes for art. That trailer is some where in Florida and sells something. I'm also not the guy in the pic. Yep, I'm a fat guy but no face hair...... hahaha
My other RV is also all aluminium.....
It's a Crown bus 1967 35 ft.
I'm now replacing engine trans.

59toaster · 04-30-2003, 08:30 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by FrankR
The picture posted is a internet find. I do not have a lot of artistic talent. I'm mostly mechanical/electrical. I have no genes for art. That trailer is some where in Florida and sells something. I'm also not the guy in the pic. Yep, I'm a fat guy but no face hair...... hahaha
My other RV is also all aluminium.....
It's a Crown bus 1967 35 ft.
I'm now replacing engine trans.

NEAT!

I have been looking at a bunch of Bus conversion sites the last few day's. I think in a few years when I get close to retirement I might go that route.
One of the Guys that use to be in my 4x4 club bought a old Marta (Atlanta Mass Transit) at auction for something like $5k and it had a practically new motor in it. I haven't talked to him in a couple years. Maybe I'll give him a ring and see how it came out.

Now I have been on a few Tour busses and nice Buss campers (I install Cell phones) The Guy who Owns Zartic (Cold storage and transport company bassed out of Rome GA) does not fly at all! If he has to make a cross country it's in his Coach. Very nice unit. I think it's a MCI.
Now Travis Tritts Tour bus is amazing! It has a nicer Bath room then my house and about as big LOL.

Silvertwinkie · 04-30-2003, 08:34 AM

I always get a kick out of the trailers that have a full window unit intalled in them.

That Partridge Family trailer looks cool.....just got back from the vintage A/S car combo thread....the 70's TV show flashbacks are in full gear this morning!

As for the bus, I think that's way cool. I think I might have a few problems with storage and the neighbors....and I think I'd also need to get some new jackstands! Not sure my 3 tons would do the trick.

Now for the related part....aren't there neturalizers and such that can be placed at the bottom of the battery compartment that can help reduce the damage. I thought I saw somewhere a product or products that did that.

Eric

LLB21 · 05-03-2003, 06:49 PM

FrankR:

I've seen some bus conversions over the years. There is nothing like a one of a kind RV to get a lot of attention. Like the vintage Airstreams they are a real attention draw.