Bad chassis - Frame Rotten

[andyair]

i have aquired a 1977 Airstream the frame is totaly rusted out but the shell is almost in perfect condition any sugestions, or should just part it out

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by andyair

i have aquired a 1977 Airstream the frame is totaly rusted out but the shell is almost in perfect condition any sugestions, or should just part it out

That sort of depends on what you want to do.

Repairing your frame, would most likely not be worth the time or trouble.

Look around and find a chassis that was on a trailer that was totaled out.

Then you can easily switch the chassis.

Parting it out and selling the parts, is a long term project.

Andy

[nairnchyz]

You don't mention how long your '77 A/S is.
If you go to the classified section and look under parts and appliances you will find for sale;
2003 30' A/S frame for $ 500.00 In the pictures posted it appears to be in good shape. You'd probaly have to do some modifications to the frame to suit your application. This frame would be a bit of a trip for you to pick up. You never know though there could possibly be someone headed your way empty. A person would hate to part out a '77 Coach that is almost perfect.
This may be a solution for you!

[andyair]

Thats great! thanks just starting out. Thats not to far c onsidering I have very little cash invested so far ( 500.00)

[nairnchyz]

Looked at the pictures again of that frame for sale for $500.00. The tires look very serviceable and when you think of it the asking price is very close to what 4 tires would cost you.
If you could get this $500.00 frame under your near perfect '77 Coach you would be away to the races in no time at all!!

[RUMSHIP]

A 2003 frame is wider than a 1977 ?? So you would have to modify all the out riggers and also get new axles. Cheap is cheap, but sounds like a lot of work to convert a wide body to a vintage width. Maybe not be in such a hurry and look for a standard width frame for your 1977 ??

[overlander63]

The frame doesn't really do much more than support the axles and keep the floor level. Why not get some 5" C channel, and weld in replacement sections?

[M2HB]

If it were me I would build a new frame out of structural channel. It seems like it would be easier.