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NorCal Bambi · 07-30-2009, 07:57 AM

Before the boat I've been installing foam on the bottom outside area of the frame. I'm using a spray glue to install the sections. Three layers are used because I can't get 4" foam in my area. After the foam is installed it is shapped with a sand paper board. Then I will glue and rivet the aluminum on the make the first sections of the belly pan.
Progress picture are here.
Don

A-Merry-Can · 08-11-2009, 07:55 PM

i like it! Gonna swipe that idea for my Liner, I think. Have you thought about putting something over the ends of the outriggers so they don't wear through the aluminum in the future? All of mine have had little vertical cuts in the belly by an outrigger or 2... all except the '54, that is (oddly enough!)

I'm doing a lot of reading and re-reading this evening in prep for getting back into these things knee deep!

Seeing how long some of these threads have been up fills me with a surprising about of reassurance. Nothing good comes quick!

JP

NorCal Bambi · 08-11-2009, 09:58 PM

I don't think the outriggers will wear through the aluminum. The foam is sanded down until it just touches the outriggers. A long board with sandpaper glued in place is used. The board is long enough to reach well beyond the closest outriggers. My belief is that the foam will give enough support to prevent the rubbing. If one of us backs into something hard and strong, Oh well. What you mention here is one of the reasons I have gone with this method. I couldn't get 4" thick foam so I have pieced two 1 1/2" and one 1" to get my thickness. 4" would make the process faster and less work. I'd like to know if you decide to go with this.
Don

Quote:

Originally Posted by A-Merry-Can

i like it! Gonna swipe that idea for my Liner, I think. Have you thought about putting something over the ends of the outriggers so they don't wear through the aluminum in the future? All of mine have had little vertical cuts in the belly by an outrigger or 2... all except the '54, that is (oddly enough!)

I'm doing a lot of reading and re-reading this evening in prep for getting back into these things knee deep!

Seeing how long some of these threads have been up fills me with a surprising about of reassurance. Nothing good comes quick!

JP

C Johnson · 08-12-2009, 02:42 AM

Good job Don, looks great, I have lots of distractions these days so I don't get on the forums much. I'll keep checking in.

utee94 · 08-12-2009, 06:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by A-Merry-Can

Seeing how long some of these threads have been up fills me with a surprising about of reassurance. Nothing good comes quick!

JP

For all newbies about to begin a major renovation, I always recommend reading through the major renovations threads here:

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f44/...ons-35399.html

You might find this one particularly interesting, the guy has been working on it for over 4 years now, and I think he's getting close to finishing...

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f36/...ent-17197.html

-Marcus

NorCal Bambi · 08-12-2009, 07:40 AM

Chris, great to hear from you. The PM was particularly interesting. I'm just like a Dad who whats to know all the details.
Don

Quote:

Originally Posted by C Johnson

Good job Don, looks great, I have lots of distractions these days so I don't get on the forums much. I'll keep checking in.

NorCal Bambi · 08-12-2009, 07:52 AM

utee94, this thread is great, great, great. As the forum gets bigger it's hard to find the info one might want. I had made a suggestion on what could be the next step in forum organization. I feel bad because I hate to make suggestion when I don't have the time or energy to do the work myself. Just the same breaking down forum information to a "How to do" section would even help newbies more. Here are some examples on titles, How to place bucked rivets, How to realign a shell in a shell off restoration, How to plumb an added gray tank. etc.
Maybe if different people would agree to take on one item and work on just that this might be possible.
Anyway just a thought.
Don

Quote:

Originally Posted by utee94

For all newbies about to begin a major renovation, I always recommend reading through the major renovations threads here:

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f44/...ons-35399.html

You might find this one particularly interesting, the guy has been working on it for over 4 years now, and I think he's getting close to finishing...

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f36/...ent-17197.html

-Marcus

safari57 · 08-18-2009, 12:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by utee94

For all newbies about to begin a major renovation, I always recommend reading through the major renovations threads here:

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f44/...ons-35399.html

You might find this one particularly interesting, the guy has been working on it for over 4 years now, and I think he's getting close to finishing...

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f36/...ent-17197.html

-Marcus

Marcus - this is great information. I've taken this and forwarded to the two buddies who are just embarking on their restorations - well, one is and the other is going to be a few months behind him. I suspect that with the information on the threads you've noted they will find most of the answers to the questions they don't even know they have yet.

Barry.

NorCal Bambi · 09-28-2009, 07:46 AM

Getting some work done on the Cloud again. I've finished installing the foam insulation on the bottom of the frame area. Work has begun on the cleaning and restoration of the springs and axle. Soon the belly pan metal will begin.
Don

NorCal Bambi · 10-04-2009, 09:18 AM

The work has been slow lately. I'm in the process of experimenting on how to make the belly pan look like the top of the trailer. The 13 segment look. I've even bought a bead machine to create the same seam look. The corners are so tight for curves that I may have to do some forming of the Aluminum. Most will think I'm crazy to try this and those who know me know the truth. However I think it would be a cool and somewhat subtle look to have the belly pan corners match the top curves of the trailer. After all, all you guys out there know, curves count!!
Don

NorCal Bambi · 12-18-2009, 09:46 PM

Finally I have completed restoring the springs for the cloud. I got them mounted tonight. I'll be working on the axle and wheels the next couple of days. Hopefully my Son will be here to help put the shell back on in a week. It always feels so good to get to the shell back on stage. No pictures right now.
Don

Blue Pearl · 12-18-2009, 11:54 PM

Congrats on getting the shell on, it's always good to have the kids come home to help. Didn't it use to be the other way around

Can't wait for the interior. Happy Holidays to you and Claudia

**Stefrobrts** · 12-19-2009, 12:48 AM

I was just wondering how you two were doing. Glad to hear the project is coming along! Have a great holiday, and maybe we'll see you camping in the FC in the new year

3Ms75Argosy · 12-19-2009, 02:22 PM

Hi Don! Glad to see things are moving again.... hope you guys are staying warm! Again, I wish I was closer to help out... things are stagnant over here... Mona's mom got pretty ill right after Thanksgiving, and we've been back/forth to the hospital ever since. Looking better now though!
take care!
Marc

NorCal Bambi · 12-19-2009, 04:39 PM

At 3:15 The 55's wheels touched the ground again. It was a short field approach and a high angle of attach. The good news is that all walked away.
The shell is not on yet. Hopefully next week.
Great to hear form all our friends. Happy Family times. I have listed several of the other interest and things I'm keeping busy at. If you have nothing else to do late at night click on a few.
Happiness to all.
Don & Claudia

Oh ya. The other stuff is listed on my email. ydeast@gmail.com

2airishuman · 12-19-2009, 04:51 PM

hi donny boy!

so you and the claudmeister are back in the usa?

wish i could help ya with the shell but it's about 3500 miles of driving right now...

one way.

put some pics up dude!

hi to your mate too!

cheers
2air'

CaddyGrn · 12-19-2009, 11:59 PM

Howdy all!

Yup, back in the good ole' USA. Had a wonderful trip to Asia. Looked everywhere for an Airstream, but none to be found. They were obviously lurking in places we weren't!

Very excited that Don hit a milestone with the Flying Cloud. We are hoping the weather will cooperate so he can get the shell on right after Christmas. (Keep your fingers crossed)

Happy holidays, Merry Christmas, Bah Humbug, etc. or your version of the politically correct greeting!

NorCal Bambi · 12-20-2009, 08:26 AM

Thanks, you may be 3500 miles away but your thoughts are still a great help. The energy behind good thoughts can do amazing things. Say Hi to Max.
Don

Just an added thought. I have always noticed that you write without capital letters. I like that. Claudia and I have noticed that there are people that write in all caps. We find that very discomforting. It's like they are always shouting at you. Your style has a comforting note in its no cap message. Just a thought.
Don

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2airishuman

hi donny boy!

so you and the claudmeister are back in the usa?

wish i could help ya with the shell but it's about 3500 miles of driving right now...

one way.

put some pics up dude!

hi to your mate too!

cheers
2air'

NorCal Bambi · 12-20-2009, 10:01 PM

My good neighbor Tom came over an helped me put the shell on today. It is still about 2 inches above the floor. There a couple of things I need to do before it comes down the last few inches. This is always a great time in a restoration project. There was also a new realization today. 69 years of age is old enough to be doing shell off. I have a strong feeling this will be the last.
Here a couple of pictures.
Don