floor and belly replacement (shell off)

[cdmagda]

Recently finished replacing floor and belly on '58 Flying Cloud, shell-off method. Check out some pics if you like. Don't do this if you have any sense

[Ken J]

VERY nice job!!

Ken J

[Over59]

I like the frame color and the flooring. What did you do with the running gear?

[cdmagda]

Originally Posted by Over59

I like the frame color and the flooring. What did you do with the running gear?

The axle is new, as are the electric brakes.

[Over59]

Originally Posted by cdmagda

The axle is new, as are the electric brakes.

Did you get a Dexter Axel or find something else? Looks like really nice work.

[Ken J]

It looks to me like you kept the original springs...?

Also, what kind of aluminum did you use for the belly?

Ken

[cdmagda]

Originally Posted by Over59

Did you get a Dexter Axel or find something else? Looks like really nice work.

The axle was replaced by the person that I bought it from, so I don't know what brand it is, I'll take a look, that's a good question. The trailer was also re-wired with all new DC wiring. The AC wire is going to be re-wired as it has the original thread insulated type in it now. I may as well, the interior walls are off, and I can get to them easily.

[Over59]

Great time to rewire. It's not much wire. I'm using 10 and 12 guage marine wire. Moisture resistance for those hot steamy walls and alot more flexible than house wiring and easier to work with. For the small amount of wire the cost isn't an issue.

[cdmagda]

Originally Posted by Ken J

It looks to me like you kept the original springs...?

Also, what kind of aluminum did you use for the belly?

Ken

The springs are original, however, the axle is missing the stud for the shock absorber to mount to. I wonder if I can have a stud welded on, I don't see why not. As fo the aluminum, I used .040 and found that it was a little too heavy for easy instalation (don't even think for a moment that it would easy with .032). Bending it from the u-channel track on the deck around to the underside was a struggle, but worked nicely, and it is very durable as a result. As for the exact alloy I don't know. I just made sure that it was an alloy that could be crimped to accept the channel track.

[bubbleboy]

Originally Posted by cdmagda

Recently finished replacing floor and belly on '58 Flying Cloud, shell-off method. Check out some pics if you like. Don't do this if you have any sense

I had no sense! My 58 Bubble was given to me, and the aluminum was so nice I had to replace the floor. Well, I replaced everything except the aluminum. I'll post some photos soon. Yours make me feel relatively sane.
Now after 7 years or so, I am enjoying the fruits of my labor, and trying to finish the little tidbits to end this project. I still need to finish designing and building the bathtub/shower pan, get some new tires, and make a new accordian door for the bathroom. I am presently waiting for hardware to arrive so I can finish installation of two 60W solar panels! That should pretty much do it. Now it's ready for another 46 years of use.
They sure didn't make these things to be rebuilt!
I think my bubble may be the last one. Its serial number is 493.

[Ken J]

Bubble

Can't wait to see your pictures - I'm still in year one on my 58, but it is coming along - soon as I have a bed and new axles/springs etc, I'll start using it.

Ken