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08-14-2011, 09:41 PM
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#1
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1 Rivet Member 
1964 26' Overlander
Renton
, Washington
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 18
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C-Channel?
I'm finally getting around to fixing the rotted floor on the front curb-side of my 64 Overlander. I've read a lot of posts and it's my understanding that there is a C-channel that runs around the frame and that the floor slips into the C-channel and is then bolted through the c-channel and the subfloor.
I've removed part of the rotted floor and I cannot find a C-channel, not at the curve, which sags even though not rotted, nor along the side where there is rot. It appears as if the floor was just on top of the frame and under the wall.
Am I misunderstanding how the floor was laid?
If there is supposed to be a c-channel and there is none, what do I do?
Thanks.
deb
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08-14-2011, 11:07 PM
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#2
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Rivet Master 
1964 17' Bambi II
Vintage Kin Owner
Schererville
, Indiana
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,637
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I'm refurbishing a 1964 Bambi II. The "c-channel" wasn't a c-channel in mine either. It was more like a u-channel. The channel is bolted directly to the floor--it doesn't slip in the channel. The skins are riveted to the rear of the channel, which sits up higher than the inside (front) of the channel. Make sense? If not, I can get a picture of what my channel looks like. I had new channel fabricated at a local shop. If you don't need a lot, you can bend it yourself. Mine was completely trashed. The c-channel was in newer models than ours.
__________________
Becky
1964 Bambi II
1988 Avion 32S
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08-15-2011, 11:26 PM
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#3
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1 Rivet Member 
1964 26' Overlander
Renton
, Washington
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 18
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C-channels and U-channels
Thank you.
A picture would be very helpful. I think I'm seeing what you are describing, but my trailer doesn't seem to have that, either. All I can see is the metal beam that crosses the trailer and the metal beam that the wall is attached to.
Maybe I should post a picture, too.
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08-16-2011, 01:00 AM
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#4
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Tool Hoarder
Currently Looking...
West
, California
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 907
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Usually the 60's trailers have U channel that is bolted thru the floor. i made mine out of 3003 .032 Al and a 36" metal break, super easy.
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08-16-2011, 07:35 AM
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#5
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Rivet Master 
1964 17' Bambi II
Vintage Kin Owner
Schererville
, Indiana
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,637
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Quote:
Originally Posted by marzboy
Usually the 60's trailers have U channel that is bolted thru the floor. i made mine out of 3003 .032 Al and a 36" metal break, super easy.
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Yep, that's what mine has too.
__________________
Becky
1964 Bambi II
1988 Avion 32S
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08-16-2011, 09:38 PM
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#6
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flygrrl
1962 19' Globetrotter
Winchester
, Ontario
Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 251
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Pictures please
Hi Deb, yup, a pic of what you have would be very helpful so we can all diagnose your dilemma.
Leonie
Quote:
Originally Posted by dejahardy13
Thank you.
A picture would be very helpful. I think I'm seeing what you are describing, but my trailer doesn't seem to have that, either. All I can see is the metal beam that crosses the trailer and the metal beam that the wall is attached to.
Maybe I should post a picture, too.
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__________________
TV: 2007 Jeep GC Laredo diesel
Toy: 1995 Jeep YJ
Experience is what you get from not having it when you needed it.
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08-17-2011, 10:28 PM
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#7
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1 Rivet Member 
1964 26' Overlander
Renton
, Washington
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 18
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Where's the c-channel?
This is the view through the hole in the rotted floor. I can't find any kind of channel.
This is the floor forward of the hole. The wood isn't rotted, but it sinks half an inch if you step on it, as if nothing is holding it up.
The wall is in the way of seeing what might be above, but wouldn't the channel be at the same level as the beam that crosses the trailer?
All help gratefully accepted.
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08-17-2011, 11:11 PM
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#8
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Rivet Master 
1978 31' Sovereign
Oakley
, California
Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 1,197
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dejahardy13
This is the view through the hole in the rotted floor. I can't find any kind of channel.
<img src="http://www.airforums.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=138001"/>
This is the floor forward of the hole. The wood isn't rotted, but it sinks half an inch if you step on it, as if nothing is holding it up.
<img src="http://www.airforums.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=138002"/>
The wall is in the way of seeing what might be above, but wouldn't the channel be at the same level as the beam that crosses the trailer?
All help gratefully accepted. 
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Yours may have done what mine did. After prolonged exposure to moisture and the chemicals present in plywood (lye specifically) the aluminum begins a chemical process and breaks down. Over time it can separate from itself and may have just fallen out? A section of mine was hanging on by just one 1/8" sliver. Here are some pics of the afflicted area that fell out.
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08-17-2011, 11:32 PM
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#9
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Rivet Master 
1992 29' Excella
1987 32' Excella
Morrilton
, Arkansas
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 591
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Your missing c-channel
I posted under your photo, but I probably misspoke. I thought the trailer was closer to the age of mine, 1992. I have no idea what is in a vintage trailer like yours. Better ask the vintage folks. You may have something entirely different. That's what I get for opening my mouth before I looked closer to see what kind of trailer you actually have! Sorry.
__________________
Carol
2004 Dodge Ram 2500 Cummins HD 1987 Excella 32'
"Besides, I'm a gypsy at heart and I like to travel around." Reba McEntire
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08-18-2011, 05:59 AM
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#10
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Restorations done right
Commercial Member
1962 26' Overlander
1961 26' Overlander
Vintage Kin Owner
Currently Looking...
Baltimore
, Maryland
Join Date: Aug 2007
Posts: 5,545
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Okay, I think it important you learn and understand Airstream construction before you take on what is a very serious(but not too hard) repair.
To actually see the "c" channel you need to remove that interior skin. The channel is the filling in a wall sandwich. It is bolted to the floor and also into the outriggers. Drill off the interior skin and you will clearly see your "c" channel is in place.
To Phrunes, I have never heard of lye in plywood. Is it also the mouse urine? Because it is mouse urine that eats aluminum channel in most cases. Nasty fact, but true.
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08-18-2011, 09:20 AM
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#11
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Rivet Master 
1978 31' Sovereign
Oakley
, California
Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 1,197
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 62overlander
Okay, I think it important you learn and understand Airstream construction before you take on what is a very serious(but not too hard) repair.
To actually see the "c" channel you need to remove that interior skin. The channel is the filling in a wall sandwich. It is bolted to the floor and also into the outriggers. Drill off the interior skin and you will clearly see your "c" channel is in place.
To Phrunes, I have never heard of lye in plywood. Is it also the mouse urine? Because it is mouse urine that eats aluminum channel in most cases. Nasty fact, but true.
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Anothe strange one but yes, wet decomposing wood creates lye. That mouse urine fact is just disgustin! Haha
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08-20-2011, 12:35 AM
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#12
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1 Rivet Member 
1964 26' Overlander
Renton
, Washington
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 18
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Ooooooooooooooo
Quote:
Originally Posted by 62overlander
Okay, I think it important you learn and understand Airstream construction before you take on what is a very serious(but not too hard) repair.
To actually see the "c" channel you need to remove that interior skin. The channel is the filling in a wall sandwich. It is bolted to the floor and also into the outriggers. Drill off the interior skin and you will clearly see your "c" channel is in place.
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Not hard? Oooooookay.
I don't really understand why I can't see it since the wood is not there anymore, but I do understand the concept and have read that it is best to drop the belly skin to replace the floor.
I'm not sure if I have the original interior skin. Is it supposed to be a type of composition board?
Is the channel aluminum or steel? Mouse urine. Plywood lye. Wow!
Thanks, everyone. You're giving me a great education!
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08-20-2011, 08:08 AM
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#13
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Retired.
Currently Looking...
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, At Large
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 21,276
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dejahardy13
I'm not sure if I have the original interior skin. Is it supposed to be a type of composition board?
Is the channel aluminum or steel?
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The interior skin is aluminum sheet, with a Zolatone finish. The floor channel is aluminum.
__________________
Meddle not in the affairs of dragons, for you are crunchy, and taste good with ketchup.
Terry
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08-20-2011, 10:57 PM
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#14
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1 Rivet Member 
1964 26' Overlander
Renton
, Washington
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 18
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Misconceptions
Thank you, 62Overlander (Terri?). You have corrected several of my misconceptions. I had thought the c-channel was steel. I had also thought that there was a steel beam on each side of the chassis. I completely misunderstood about the outriggers. Up until now, the pictures I had seen of the floor still had the shell on. After getting your post, I went looking for more pictures of just the chassis. Wow! How wrong can you be?
Marzboy, how does a U-channel work? I'm having trouble wrapping my mind around it. It looks like the floor would be held up by just the edge of the lower side of the U.
Does anyone know of a book that discusses how Airstreams are built and how to use and fix one?
Thanks again, all. I would love more information about how to go about this fairly cheaply by a complete novice. :-)
deb
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08-21-2011, 01:19 AM
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#15
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Rivet Master 
1979 23' Safari
1954 29' Liner
Orange
, California
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 3,857
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dejahrdy,
I don't know about a book, but RJ Dial has documented the restoration of his two trailers on: Vintage Airstream Home
In addition, this site has a wealth of information on vintage Airstream trailers.
Bill
Quote:
Originally Posted by dejahardy13
Thank you, 62Overlander (Terri?). You have corrected several of my misconceptions. I had thought the c-channel was steel. I had also thought that there was a steel beam on each side of the chassis. I completely misunderstood about the outriggers. Up until now, the pictures I had seen of the floor still had the shell on. After getting your post, I went looking for more pictures of just the chassis. Wow! How wrong can you be?
Marzboy, how does a U-channel work? I'm having trouble wrapping my mind around it. It looks like the floor would be held up by just the edge of the lower side of the U.
Does anyone know of a book that discusses how Airstreams are built and how to use and fix one?
Thanks again, all. I would love more information about how to go about this fairly cheaply by a complete novice. :-)
deb
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__________________
Bill Kerfoot, WBCCI/VAC/CAC/El Camino Real Unit #5223
Just my personal opinion
1973 Dodge W200 PowerWagon, 1977 Lincoln Continental, 2014 Dodge Durango
1979 23' Safari, and 1954 29' Double Door Liner Orange, CA
https://billbethsblog.blogspot.com/
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