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VintageFan · 09-27-2015, 06:41 PM

I have read a lot of the posts on this topic and they have been so helpful! Especially the ones with photos. I am a very visual person. I am not sure how to get the bottom skin off on the far right side so I can access the bolts in the channel to slide new wood in there. Anyone have any ideas or how you worked around it? I will try to upload a photo. Thanks!

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Belegedhel · 09-28-2015, 08:31 AM

Welcome to the Forums!

Not sure how different the Argosy may be compared to the regular Airstream, but on a 70's era AS, you will need to remove the lowermost beltline trim piece. This will expose all the pop rivets that connect the banana wraps and lower wrapped skins to the shell. Once these are drilled out, it is just a matter of drilling out the pop rivets that hold the bellypan to the frame underneath.

good luck!

VintageFan · 09-28-2015, 02:01 PM

Thank you! I actually had the belly pan out because I had to replace the dump valve. Then I noticed all that mess. I wish I could figure out how to post a photo here to show you. That reminds me that I still have to think about how to replace the belly pan. I did keep it so I have somewhat of a template. One thing for sure is that once you take it apart, you will know your camper like no one else and know what is going on where.

Belegedhel · 09-30-2015, 09:24 AM

The easiest way to post a picture is to look just above the window you are typing in while responding to a thread. There will be a bunch of little icons up there for formatting text, etc., but in the top row, you will see a little icon that looks like a paperclip. Click that guy, and a dialog box will come up asking you to select a file (picture) from your computer. Find the file, select it, and then click "upload." Once it is uploaded, close the dialog box, and you are set. A good practice is to reduce the size of large pictures, as you only have a set alottment of storage space.

I replaced my bellypan also. The good thing is that it isn't really one gigantic sheet--it is segmented into several smaller pieces. As I recall, I bought 2-3 4x12 sheets of .032 6061 from Airpsrts inc., and that did the job. I did my bellypan with the shell off and the frame turned upside down, so that made things a lot easier. It would have been a major pain to try to install brand new sections while lying on my back with drill cuttings falling in my face.

good luck!

kaa4111 · 09-30-2015, 02:59 PM

There is no row of icons at the top of the quick reply box on this page.

kaa4111 · 09-30-2015, 03:05 PM

If you "go advanced" there is a row of icons but no paperclip. This is a great forum but everyone has a hard time attaching pictures. Surely someone can address this issue.

It is okay if life is hard, but it shouldn't be mind-numbingly crushing... Trying to attach a photo is exactly that.

Belegedhel · 09-30-2015, 07:40 PM

Don't hit "Quick reply." Instead, click the "Post Reply" link immediately above the "quick reply" box. Below is a screenshot. I actually attached it by editing this post and then going to advanced to get the paperclip to appear.

VintageFan · 10-01-2015, 07:45 AM

Ok, I did find the paperclip by going to Advanced Reply. It is in between the smiley face and the do and undo icons. However, I still could not upload it. It says upload failed. I also tried to copy and paste right into the message but that doesn't work either. I think it is my photo size so I will have to try it later when I can take the time to figure that out. Thank you for your answer and I will try to get the photo up soon.

On another note, I sure wish I could do an off-shell floor replacement. I don't have a building big enough nor do I want to have my camper out of service for too long until I have my little Shasta rebuilt. I hate to miss opportunities to camp especially in our area. The weather can be nice sometimes in the middle of winter.

Melody Ranch · 10-01-2015, 08:37 AM

Fierst...how bad is the rot out.
Now, figure out where the leak which caused the problem and fix that. Then access the area that need repair. If it is only a section your in luck, so to speak. Without messing with belly pan or walls, use a circular saw and small hand saw to cut out a squared out section of the rot area. You can hack saw or break off any bolts or screws encountered. Dig out remaining wood from under the walls....use a screwdriver or sharp chisel. clean the area. Cut out a new piece of plywood to fit the removed area. Weatherproof that piece....I use Trempro for the edges and paint for the surfaces. Fit it into place tightly...a hammer works well . Fasten it to any frame members below with deck screws...self tapping. Sometimes a doubler is needed under the floor to provide a solid place/support where frame is not there to attach/support the new piece. Use screws to fasten to that.

prairieschooner · 10-01-2015, 08:57 AM

There is another way to make the repair. I found the soft area and just carved it out to find out what was left (some use a thinned out epoxy like Git-Rot but I don't like that approach since all it does is seal in the rot but it has been an accepted way to make repairs). Then I used a 12:1 Scarf and laminated some plywood in that area (I used a few layers of some original plywood from the cabinets that were not going to be used).
***If the Rot hasn't gotten to much area or very deep then the Epoxy approach could be fine. Here is what mine looked like;