Hole Saw for floor removal

[bwaysteve]

Someone in the forums mentioned using a 1 1/2 hole saw w/o the guide bit to cut around the elevator bolts to move each section out in one piece for nice template use.Can't find the post.
Anyone experience this?
Also what is the procedure for reinstall on the elevator bolts with shell and belly pan on? Do I remove the banana wrap for access?
Steve

[Ambie '64]

Steve, I think the thread was Shell On Floor Replacement. I'm not sure why you'd need a template if you're not going to replace the floor under the c channel. Also, once you get into the mess of removing the floor, the belly pan will be a nasty place to work above. I'm not a big fan of doing a shell on replacement if the trailer is as old as ours because most of the rot is usually under the c-channel (or will be there eventually). I know it's a highly debatable point on the forums, but that's my two cents. Also, with your preferred restoration, the only way to attach the new floor is with flat headed self-tapping bolts (again, not what I'd recommend for a solid sub floor)...okay, that's my three cents.

[silverleeper]

Originally Posted by bwaysteve

Someone in the forums mentioned using a 1 1/2 hole saw w/o the guide bit to cut around the elevator bolts to move each section out in one piece for nice template use.Can't find the post.
Anyone experience this?
Also what is the procedure for reinstall on the elevator bolts with shell and belly pan on? Do I remove the banana wrap for access?
Steve

Hi Steve, Take a look at this thread here. http://www.airforums.com/forums/f36/...edo-59325.html. You will find a good link in Areowoods post and you have seen Vikings blog.

1 1/2" hole saw will work.

[68 TWind]

Steve,
I replace a the rear floor in my Trade Wind. The handiest tool I had was one of the oscillating saws. The Fein MulitMaster is the cadillac version, I bought the one from Harbor Freight. I used it more than any other tool. $39- best money I ever spent of a tool. One down side to the cheaper version is the blades that come with it are not nearly as good at the blades for the Dremel,Bosch, or Craftsman version of this type tool. HD and Lowes have blades and they will fit the Harbor Freight tool.

[VIKING]

Originally Posted by bwaysteve

Someone in the forums mentioned using a 1 1/2 hole saw w/o the guide bit to cut around the elevator bolts to move each section out in one piece for nice template use.Can't find the post.
Anyone experience this?
Also what is the procedure for reinstall on the elevator bolts with shell and belly pan on? Do I remove the banana wrap for access?
Steve

You have to remove the belly pan to replace the elevator bolts but you may be able to keep the lower side wraps buck riveted to the lower edge of the skins as I did. This avoids the issue of using Olympic rivets or having to buck new rivets. All other joints on mine were pop rivets anyway.
I used a hole saw with the guide bit set about 1/4" lower than the saw teeth to drill out around the elevator bolts. The bolt heads fit between the guide bit and the saw when drilling. Just be careful to stop right away when you contact the metal of the frame crossmembers. They are quite thin steel, and can be damaged easily.
The shell-on floor replacement involves removing all of the floor, not just the center field area. The floor under the C channel is the most damaged area you are likely to find. Read the major restorations thread if you haven't already done so, and see my blog for more detailed info. And ask away, we're ready to answer!
Rich the Viking

[bwaysteve]

Originally Posted by 68 TWind

Steve,
I replace a the rear floor in my Trade Wind. The handiest tool I had was one of the oscillating saws. The Fein MulitMaster is the cadillac version, I bought the one from Harbor Freight. I used it more than any other tool. $39- best money I ever spent of a tool. One down side to the cheaper version is the blades that come with it are not nearly as good at the blades for the Dremel,Bosch, or Craftsman version of this type tool. HD and Lowes have blades and they will fit the Harbor Freight tool.

Bought one today! On sale for $39.95 Thanks.