Accessing C-channel

[budal]

Hello wise ones...previous post seems to be lost--I'm new at this---Can the interior siding be cut up about 4 inches by 12 inches in several(5) spots to access c-channel--is the interior siding at all structural---also there is no bottom ledge of the c-channel(so it's not a c-channel in these areas) in both the bow and stern lengths between the first and second side supports on both sides. Screws down from the top into the plywood where the gaucho sides and twin beds were....
I'm replacing some rot and also these no channel areas flex under any preasure---screws have pulled out. 1980 31 Excella II..just bought this last weekend...have furniture and carpet out--oh boy are we having fun now! Plywood floor measures 1/2 inch thick----and why is there insulation in the floor cavities except to trap and hold moisture------I would put trim around interior side and floor junction with rivets --I think it might look kinda cool---or just take off the panels---do they just tuck under the window frames or do you need to loosen the frame? Bud & Nan workin' it in Lake Orion, Mi.

[vinstream]

DO NOT CUT THE INTERIOR SKIN!!!! You need to remove the interior parts... Gaucho cabnets ext that are attached to the wall skin! Then remove the pop rivits that hold the skin in place. I most cases the skin goes up to the bottom of the windows. That will then expose the "C" channel to better work on the floor problem. when done the skin will be rivited back into place!

I believe that the interior skin is in part structual (not major like the exterior) so dont cut it! It may seam like a short cut (no pun) but in the long run it is not the correct way to do this type of repair.

Vin....

[budal]

Took off starboard bow lower interior skin tonite...not too bad--I hope it goes on as easy---used 1/8" drill on rivets---so I guess I should use 1/8th " rivets---I haven't installed a rivet in 20 years--if ever!!! I didn't know the interior skin was metal---oh boy, on the job training going on here...THANKS for advice--Bud

[overlander63]

Originally Posted by budal

Took off starboard bow lower interior skin tonite...not too bad--I hope it goes on as easy---used 1/8" drill on rivets---so I guess I should use 1/8th " rivets---I haven't installed a rivet in 20 years--if ever!!! I didn't know the interior skin was metal---oh boy, on the job training going on here...THANKS for advice--Bud

They make 1/8" aluminum (they have to be aluminum) rivets with white tops, so they aren't as noticeable as the silver ones.