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minnguy · 04-25-2014, 08:23 AM

After removing the floor on our 79 Sovereign, we noticed the frame was rusted badly. The previous owner 'repaired' the situation with a wooden subframe. We removed the back 4 feet or so and had a professional welder build a new frame, along with replacing some outriggers. My question has to do with the height of the frame. Currently, the rear end of the frame and shell are a half an inch or so apart. Should the shell rest on the frame when not on jacks? Or does the strength come when all are tied together? I'd rather have the welder shim the frame properly now before installing the floor and securing all together. All comments welcome!

AldeanFan · 04-25-2014, 08:28 AM

The floor sits on top of the frame and the shell sits on top of the frame,
so with the floor removed you should have the thickness of the floor between the frame and shell. My floor was 5/8 plywood.

minnguy · 04-25-2014, 08:39 AM

Thanks AldeanFan. The channel in the rear that holds the plywood is slightly above the frame. So you are saying this should rest on the frame when unsupported? Since the original frame was in such bad shape, the welder didn't have alot of information to go on and could be off by a little.

AldeanFan · 04-25-2014, 11:13 AM

On my '77 the channel sits on top of the plywood, the plywood is sandwiched between the channel and the frame. I have a U-shaped channel with the open end up.

If your floor fits in the channel then there should be no space between the frame and channel with the floor removed.

AldeanFan · 04-25-2014, 11:14 AM

Also there is a rear hold down plate that rivets to the shell and bolts to the frame, this is very important.

minnguy · 04-25-2014, 12:53 PM

Yes the plate must be what I referred to incorrectly as the channel. It is different than the side channels. I'll be sure to secure the plate to the new steel. Thanks for the advice.

perryg114 · 04-25-2014, 12:59 PM

There is an L-shaped steel plate that is riveted to the center part of the rear skin. This is different than the Aluminum C-channel that the skins are connected to. The floor will sandwitch between the C-channel and the steel plate. Bolts go through all three of these and then into the rear cross member.

Perry