Getting the shell back onto the frame

[pinkflamingoes]

We're ready to re-attach the front of the trailer shell to the frame. Problem is, either we cut the shape wrong (used the old floor curved section as a template, we felt we'd cut exactly on the drawn line) or the shell edges moved inwards after we detached it.

Should we trim the floor edges or force the shell out? Both? Ideas on fitting that part of the shell back on? The rest of the trailer is still bolted to the frame. Thanks for any help...

[greg176]

I had a similar problem with my project.Try using a straight edge and checking if that panel has turned in at bottom.Does the door still open /close without binding?How rotten was the floorboard you used as a template?If you like the way the shell sits just trim floor.

[pinkflamingoes]

Hi Greg: Original floor was very rotten. Shell sits fine; I guess if I got underneath and made sure that the three layers: shell/floor/frame are solidly connected and it looks ok, we can just trim the edge of the floor and go ahead and bolt it down.

[NorCal Bambi]

Hi Greg, I too had the same problem on the same side. "interesting". I did some measuring and found that the plywood floor was actual longer on the side where the shell didn't fit. So I drew a new line and trimmed the plywood a little at a time until I could get a fit. I don't know if you will find this out down the road or not. However when I was installing the inner vertical walls, they did not fit the contour of the trailer anymore. The shape had changed. So it was necessary to reshape the walls to fit. I remember when I got to the stage of putting the shell back on. WHAT A GREAT FEELING! Keep the pictures coming.
Don

[Over59]

I put the shell on before the belly pan also. Will do the belly pan first next time. If it's tight now wait until you try to get the belly pan between them on that curve. Working the belly pan on that curve was the hardest part of the shell off for me. If you put the belly pan on now in the front I think the whole thing will be easier as it would guide the shell out over the floor. I think it should be a skin tight fit, tight skins don't flutter going down the road.

[pinkflamingoes]

we did get the shell bolted down. It was a really tight fit in that corner, maybe we should get belly pan piece, un-do that corner of the shell, and re-install after the belly pan part goes on. Time to check out some belly pan material...point me to your threads about that...thanks.