Gasket Material for rib before installing Interior skin

[CapnTom]

What type of gasket material should I use in the ribs before install the interior skins and where can I get it? I know I've seen some of this in the threads somewhere but now I can't find it. Thanks

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by CapnTom

What type of gasket material should I use in the ribs before install the interior skins and where can I get it? I know I've seen some of this in the threads somewhere but now I can't find it. Thanks

Airstream did not use any such gasket, as you suggest.

The interior metal was attached to the ribs, in the same way as the exterior metal, with rivets, and that was that.

Andy

[silverleeper]

Originally Posted by CapnTom

What type of gasket material should I use in the ribs before install the interior skins and where can I get it? I know I've seen some of this in the threads somewhere but now I can't find it. Thanks

I have seen butyl tape used between the ribs an skin.

[CapnTom]

I know they didn't use a gasket...but I am replacing the interior skin and the advice I get in the forum is to put a 1/16 - 1/8 gasket on the ribs before replacing the skin to insult from the outside cold/heat. My question is what type material is best for this and where can I get it.

[CapnTom]

But was also told to use a hard material so the new skin will not dimple when attaching the rivets

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by CapnTom

But was also told to use a hard material so the new skin will not dimple when attaching the rivets

The interior shell is just as important as the exterior shell, because of the semi-monocoque construction.

If you put a soft barrier between the interior metal and the main bows, that will allow the rivet body and interior metal, to slightly move as the shell twists. When that happens, the holes in the metal will open up and will no long hold the metal tight, as it should. Also the barrier you propose, is not solid, and will dimensionally change, causing loose rivets.

The only barrier that works, is luan, but that also weakens the shell.

I would doubt that you could find any difference in thermal transfer from the original construction to what you have in mind.

Anything that is not mounted firmly, in an Airstream, will loosen when the shell is put under stresses, as it travels down the roads.

Andy

[2airishuman]

some1 might wanna let the factory IN on the futility of using a thermal break,

since they DO put double sided butyl tape between the OUTER skin and RIBS now...

and have for several years.

they claim it DOES help with heat/cold transfer.

and when/if they need to drill out the bucked rivets the claim is that the tape is SO STICKY, that the skin stays firmly attached.

personally i am NOT a fan of how they do this on new streams, because it gives a 'dimpled' look to much of the skin/rivets,

but one could certainly obtain and use the same stuff on a resto.

it would be fun to see some of the heat transfer tests with/without as zep' has done with paints...

the backside of the inner skin could be 'corked' before hanging, or primed/coated before hanging...

but the bigger issue is OUTER skin conduction into the ribs, window frames and so on...

cheers
2air'

[StingrayL82]

CapnTom,

Streamline used neoprene between their ribs and walls. Here is a page of their 1969 brochure. You might have to zoom once, to see it properly.

[Zeppelinium]

I've seen what CapnTom is referring to, but no clue where we saw it. If I had to guess, I'd say it was Malconium who used 1/8" foam tape between the inner skin and ribs. The thing that impressed me, whoever did it, was that he/she later confirmed that it was effective, in that previously the outside frost melted along the ribs, but with the tape the rib pattern didn't show up.

I think doing it on the inside would be best--you don't see the dimples as easily. I agree that having the cold ribs and window frames inside it not optimum, but IMHO the dimple issue wins out.

Zep

[Melody Ranch]

I saw a roll of the Airstream double sided panel tape in the Local Airstream maintenance shop. I asked about it and was told that Airstream uses it now..between the panels and ribs. Also for my project between the hinge and shell for the segment protectors. I suppose you could just order it from Airstream....or let me know and I will see if I can get it at the shop in question.

[CapnTom]

Well, I found a product they may work rather well. Its Scapa SR532V Double Coated Foam Tape. It's 1/32" x 3/4" polyethylene foam that's not too expensive. I've included the link below for reference. I think this being thin will work well. What do you think? It lists the benefits as:

• Rubber-based adhesive provides for a good specific adhesion to a wide variety of surfaces.
• Its high adhesive coat weight aids in adhesion to irregular surfaces.
• Good quick-stick makes application easy.
• High shear strength gives high load bearing ability.
• Foam gives good thermal insulation properties.
• Composite die-cuts easily.

Scapa SR532V Double Coated 1/32" Foam Tape at FindTape.com

[utee94]

Originally Posted by Zeppelinium

I've seen what CapnTom is referring to, but no clue where we saw it. If I had to guess, I'd say it was Malconium who used 1/8" foam tape between the inner skin and ribs. The thing that impressed me, whoever did it, was that he/she later confirmed that it was effective, in that previously the outside frost melted along the ribs, but with the tape the rib pattern didn't show up.

I think doing it on the inside would be best--you don't see the dimples as easily. I agree that having the cold ribs and window frames inside it not optimum, but IMHO the dimple issue wins out.

Zep

As I recall, Carlos Ferguson used strips of cork between the ribs and interior panels, and confirmed that it helped reduce the thermal conduction.

For any who are interested, his thread is here. It is lengthy but a great read.

-Marcus

[slowmover]

AVION also used a 1/16" thick vinyl foam tape on ribs as a thermal break from the late 1960's (or so) going forward.

[SilverHoot]

I had a 1963 Silver Streak that had a Black rubbery tar like coating between the ribs and the interior skin.