Shell on floor splice ?

[Rodmaker]

I've started to replace the subfloor and spliced the first piece in three sections cutting out the center and splicing on both sides. I was concerned that I wouldn't be able to get two pieces in place. Do others get subfloor in with a single splice down center and what are the steps required to get second half to lie flat?
Thank you

[goransons]

If you cut it into 3rds you really are weakening the overall structure (in my opinion at least, others may disagree). First thing make sure your measurements are exact. side to side. Cut your piece, then cut down the center line of the trailer. Test one side at a time and mark with a pencil on the neighboring panel or frame rails. Trim if necessary and repeat. If you're struggling to get it under the walls, a 2x4 and bottle jack or even floor jack (make sure you're directly on a bow/rib) you can gently take the sag out of the body to get under easier. Make sure to use the widest splice underneath you can, lots of glue and screws.

[Dingo Girl]

The sections of subfloor should be one solid piece from side to side. The trailer will flex out enough to slide them in.
Aerowood here on the forums told me to put the end pieces in first, middle last. Also a good time to get everything square & make sure the door closes properly.
It worked out perfectly on my 67.
Take your window screens out when doing the middle section. I could see them getting torn wrangling the center section in.
Hope this helps

[goransons]

That's true, the front and back ones are the hardest. You often need to drill out the wheel well to body rivets or you'll have issues getting the body to flex there.

[JRF0st3r]

I cut and spliced the rear panel into 3 parts, see attached, to coordinate with obstructions below and then set the 2 outside pieces first. When all was in place glue and screws were applied to the splices. Other sections were much easier. See our Jim & Jane's thread on restoration of our 1967 Safari under trailers tab.

Jim

[SuzyHomemakr]

I ran my splices in between the frame members, and sistered on a fairly big piece of 3/4" ply (8" wide, I seem to remember?) to support it. Glued and screwed, of course. Lots of Thompson's Water Seal slobbered on to all pieces.

Monday-morning-QB'ing it, I probably would have been better off if I had caulked the seams during assembly. Especially the outer edges, though so far, so good.

[Minno]

Ours went in as one piece side to side, ends first middle last. We did it in a weekend, two of us. It's in our "Little Girl Refurb" thread in the '70's trailers section.

Kay

[DavidsonOverlander]

Originally Posted by Rodmaker

I've started to replace the subfloor and spliced the first piece in three sections cutting out the center and splicing on both sides. I was concerned that I wouldn't be able to get two pieces in place. Do others get subfloor in with a single splice down center and what are the steps required to get second half to lie flat?
Thank you

I too found that the sides of the trailer flexed enough to allow a full sheet to be installed. I halved the rear sheet (first one installed) because I thought it was necessary, but then realized I could have installed it in one piece.