Lifting the shell- what to do with C Channel?

[Mixter]

OK, so Im reading more and more about lifting the shell.... I'm SOOO tempted just for ease of frame and floor work, but DEFINITELY a little scared...

I'm still trying to find a definite opinion on the C channel issue when lifting. i.e. do you drill out the buck rivets in the exterior skin and leave the C channel? OR do I leave the C channel attached to the skin and lift? But then how do I get the new floor in that C Channel when bringing the shell back down?? Stretch it??

I've seen both ways mentioned in various posts, but have not come to a good conclusion in my mind yet.

There is LOTS of sealant in that seam and all over the rivets etc.. Also, many rivet holes that probably wont line back up... looks like drilling out could provide an opportunity to create a leak point with all those holes and compromise the sealant, somewhere that is currently nice and tight from the factory...

Bring it on! What's your thoughts?
Thanks again!
Micky

[Colin H]

Originally Posted by Mixter

OK, so Im reading more and more about lifting the shell.... I'm SOOO tempted just for ease of frame and floor work, but DEFINITELY a little scared...

I'm still trying to find a definite opinion on the C channel issue when lifting. i.e. do you drill out the buck rivets in the exterior skin and leave the C channel? OR do I leave the C channel attached to the skin and lift? But then how do I get the new floor in that C Channel when bringing the shell back down?? Stretch it??

I've seen both ways mentioned in various posts, but have not come to a good conclusion in my mind yet.

There is LOTS of sealant in that seam and all over the rivets etc.. Also, many rivet holes that probably wont line back up... looks like drilling out could provide an opportunity to create a leak point with all those holes and compromise the sealant, somewhere that is currently nice and tight from the factory...

Bring it on! What's your thoughts?
Thanks again!
Micky

Micky,
Drill out all of the C channel rivets & lift the body off. This is how we do it & it works very well.
Colin

[Mixter]

Thanks Colin!

[Mixter]

Gantry's built today. Countdown has started to lift off!

[Colin H]

Originally Posted by Mixter

Gantry's built today. Countdown has started to lift off!

Move the front gantry to the forward vent hole. You'll be better balanced lifting from there.
Have fun
Colin

[Mixter]

Yeah- I've been stewing on that! Thanks! Did you get my question on what to do with the wheel wells? i.e. can I leave them attached or do I need to drill them out?

[Mixter]

oh- and do I need a LONG piece of wood to go completely front to back to catch all the ribs? OR can I just lift from the front and rear ribs/ vents?

[Colin H]

Originally Posted by Mixter

oh- and do I need a LONG piece of wood to go completely front to back to catch all the ribs? OR can I just lift from the front and rear ribs/ vents?

Front & rear ribs/vents.
Colin