Rear Floor Replacement '70 International Ambssador

[RugerMarklll]

OK new here i am in the process of replacing floor as i have decided to do the hole floor right know i am trying to figure this rear out as the metal was totally rusted away there is a piece of angel iron that is 2 1/2 buy 1 3/4 x 1/8
does this bolt to the frame cross member that used to be there it was a u channel piece of steel i do not see where any of the bolt holes line up with the upper channel and why is this only 36" in length .I know i should have taken pictures of every thing before i tore this apart i am hoping some has some detailed pics of this rear assembly I have a pick if i can figure out how to load it

[Belegedhel]

I'm having a heck of a time visualizing what you are describing. What you should have is cross members that are 24" on center that go from one frame rail to the other. They should be 4" tall with a flange on the top and the bottom so that the floor can be screwed to the top side, and the belly pan can be riveted to the bottom. The angle Iron you describe sounds like some kind of attempt at a previous repair. Typically in these 70's era trailers with rear end separation and floor rot, the last 1 or 2 cross members will be rusted away. I would suggest that if you are replacing your entire floor, you might as well lift the shell off the frame and drag that frame down to a welding shop to get the rusted away sections rebuilt.

[RugerMarklll]

Hi thanks is there a way to edit your posting and pics i do not see where to do this there's surly a way i have not got use to all this yet not real good on
the computer I will take some better pics of what i am talking about that angle i have seen on some other posts they call it a hold down plate it was inside the the rear between the the shell and inside channel looks like it goes under floor and sits on the rear cross piece

[RugerMarklll]

Ok here is what i am talking about this is all under the rear hatch
i guess what i do not under stand is why is this only 36" this angle iron that is and what is the purpose of it.The little piece of the u channel is what was welded to the frame

[Lance M]

Hello and welcome to the forums!

It is indeed the "rear hold down plate". Its purpose is to strengthen the attachment of the outer skin, U channel, floor and frame. Why it is only 36" across would have to be asked of the engineer at Airstream that designed it.
As you have seen on my thread, I used a new piece of stainless steel. Others have used thicker aluminum.
Good luck with your project. There are many great threads to read here on how to fix and prevent rear end separation.

[RugerMarklll]

Thanks Top you have done a awesome job on yours did you make your plate wider than the 36

[Lance M]

Thanks Ruger. I made the new one the same size as the old one.
If you have a chance, I would recommend Wabbiteers thread "Shell Game". Lots of info on the rear hold down plate and bumper trunk plate fixes.

[Aerowood]

I replaced mine with thicker aluminum (.063 2024-T3) and also made it wider to pickup the vertical frames. It's all in my thread below.

[Lance M]

Ruger,
Read Kip's thread. Volumes of technical expertise that you'll not likely find anywhere else.