1960 Vintage Kin

[Mulligan]

Hi All,
Re my 19060 Avion,

The floor is pretty much shot in a few places and as i am taking everything out and the inner skins, i want to replace all of it, i notice that it is only 1/2" ply, I'm thinking of using 5/8(15mm) or even 3/4 (18mm here)
i know that ill have to take a little of the bottoms of the 2 closets but it wont affect anything else will it, I was also pleased to see that the chassis and outriggers are all good condition even with some original paint on them !

also what grade of ply is most suitable Marine ?, one thought i had was to get the material that is used on truck trailers, which has like a resin in it and a smooth finish.
Thoughts anyone ?

Cheers
Tim

[Belegedhel]

I don't know much about how an Avion is constructed, but if the plywood is sandwiched between the shell and the frame like it is in an Airstream, then something to consider is if you have any tie down plates, etc., that you were hoping to use the original rivet holes in (as now all those holes will have moved 1/4".

On the plywood, I recently did a floor replacement and used Marine grade 3/4" thick sheets at about $100 a pop. I did this thinking that the glue holding the plywood together would somehow be better in a potentially moist environment, butwhat I have found out since is that the marine grade usually has more layers, and less/no voids, neither feature, I think matters much in a floor of a trailer. I sealed my plywood with 3-4 coats of polyurathane, and I would be that the way it is sealed is more important than the grade of the wood.

good luck!

[Melody Ranch]

I use 3/4 inch BCX or ACX . Both are exterior grade plywood. ACX has less surface voids. I treat the cut edges with a water protector...note protector NOT repellant. Usually a coat of Vulcum sealant works well. I paint the entire piece of wood with a high grade "Porch" type paint...note....top, sides and bottom. You can go crazy with flooring subjects....don't. This method will be cost effective and last a bit over fifty years...maybe 75 years.

[Mulligan]

Originally Posted by Mulligan

Hi All,
Re my 19060 Avion,

The floor is pretty much shot in a few places and as i am taking everything out and the inner skins, i want to replace all of it, i notice that it is only 1/2" ply, I'm thinking of using 5/8(15mm) or even 3/4 (18mm here)
i know that ill have to take a little of the bottoms of the 2 closets but it wont affect anything else will it, I was also pleased to see that the chassis and outriggers are all good condition even with some original paint on them !

also what grade of ply is most suitable Marine ?, one thought i had was to get the material that is used on truck trailers, which has like a resin in it and a smooth finish.
Thoughts anyone ?

Cheers
Tim

Hi All,
Things are becoming a little clearer, where i said the floor was only 1/2" it was obviously put down (badly) by the PO, it had been laid straight on the chassis and not it the channel anywhere !!! and then secured by angle iron which was crudely screwed into the inner skins and the floor, then some mastic/caulk squeezed in any gap, how on earth this old girl is in one piece is beyond me, can any Avion owner explain why plywood is in the wall under the front window ? i Will post some pics tomorrow after uploading from camera,
The rest of the floor is 3/4, regarding insulation i've decided on the hard foam type with foil both sides in 3"

Cheers for now
Tim