? about the floor under the front gaucho

[drowe42]

Today was the first day we have been able to get into our "new" 66 safari and take a good look at what we acquired last fall. The Midwest has been brutal this winter. Our eyes must have been glazed over when we first looked at it. Now that every thing has been cleaned out we have a number of questions. I thought it might be a good idea to begin with the floor. Most of it seem solid we do see an issue with the bathroom area and know it will have to be replaced. Can it be done in sections or do we have to completely gut the safari to access it? As we were taking the seat cushions out and checking for the water tank and pump we discovered a hole cut in the floor with wire mesh covering it. Is this normal? What is it's purpose if it is? We also see signs that there are water spots but it seems to be solid. Once this is dealt with I can start to deal with the gas and water.

[VIKING]

Welcome to the forums drowe42.
The wire mesh covered hole is usually under the refer for outside combustion air to the burner. I haven't seen one under a gaucho before.
The bathroom can be removed without gutting the whole thing. check in the repair area of the forums to find out what you will be into for that. The water spots indicate that there are or were leaks in those areas. It would be a good idea to re-seal the seams on the exterior and check with a garden hose to be sure you are watertight.
Everything you need to know is here already, and if you can't find it just ask.
Happy streaming, Rich

[centennialman]

My 66 Safari also has a hole cut in the floor on the streetside gaucho with wire mesh over it. It was stuffed with insulation and I have always wondered what it was for.

[drowe42]

Well now I know there are at least two of us wondering. I still haven't figured out what is original and what has been added. Maybe someone out there knows.

[VIKING]

It's possible that the battery was located there. I can't think of any other reason it would have a vent there.

[BIGED52]

I have two wire mesh covered outside air vents on the street side of my Safari. One is located behind the refer the other is under the streetside goucho near the battery access door. I think the one under the goucho was for air to the battery compartment to help vent off gases from the battery while charging and when overcharging and boiling. Ed