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pinkflamingoes · 09-19-2014, 05:28 PM

Hello,
So we're looking at the interior of the outside skin, and some of the ribs are shorter than others at the bottom end. Is that normal? I'm guessing it is, what are they for? Holding the shell shape, and I'm also thinking they are obviously for attaching the inner shell to. Just like the framing of a house. But I removed the belly pan years ago and I can't remember if these were normally different lengths or not. Here are pictures. I'd appreciate some input. Mmmm. Short ribs.

AnnArborBob · 09-19-2014, 05:34 PM

That doesn't seem right to me. I just finished gutting a '72 Overlander @ Colin Hyde's shop a week ago and all of the vertical ribs went into the C-channel at the base of the outside skin. Seems to me that those structures would be required to keep the body securely on the frame. I'd consider riveting in some sort of rib "extensions" so that each rib is firmly attached to the C-channel.

dznf0g · 09-19-2014, 05:53 PM

I seem to remember Andy saying is was normal on some older models. PM him and ask.

pinkflamingoes · 09-19-2014, 05:55 PM

Maybe they were attached to banana wrap?

pinkflamingoes · 09-19-2014, 05:56 PM

No forget that that would make no sense.

pinkflamingoes · 09-19-2014, 05:59 PM

What's Andy's user name?

surfpod · 09-19-2014, 06:02 PM

I just took the interior walls off my 62 Safari and found a similar situation and then they added more rib. I'll get pics this weekend.

pinkflamingoes · 09-19-2014, 06:22 PM

Yes please. I'll try to figure out what the deal is in the meantime. If I can't get input I'll call The VAP!!

dznf0g · 09-19-2014, 06:24 PM

Andy's screen name:

Inland RV Center, In

surfpod · 09-19-2014, 06:30 PM

Here's what I found behind the skins!

MarkR · 09-19-2014, 06:38 PM

My '60 Tradewind Ribs end at various and sundry heights, except at the 1st and last "bow" ribs, which make it all the way to the bottom of the track . . . I think the "argument" in favor of justifying the willy-nilly rib lengths has something to do w/ the "monocoque" design.

pinkflamingoes · 09-19-2014, 07:22 PM

I left a message for the guys at The VAP, and I have another source. Let's see what we find out.

pinkflamingoes · 09-19-2014, 07:25 PM

Surfpodthat looks like a second outer skin, maybe a replacement/repair job for that part? Look at my picture, there's another layer on mine too.

putback · 09-23-2014, 11:23 AM

Normal, on the ones I've done, all pre '68, the front corner .032 channel type ribs are not connected to the floor. What has really shocked me is how few of the original extruded aluminum body bows [ribs] that are not connected to the C channel or floor. The worst example I've seen is my '62 ambassador. Only 2 full length bows connected to the floor, at the front and rear end caps. Every other rib stops at the top center and not attached to the floor, none full length and no apparent reason why not. Even the ones on either side of the entry door not anchored. I extended and anchored all.

Inland RV Center, In · 09-23-2014, 12:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by putback

Normal, on the ones I've done, all pre '68, the front corner .032 channel type ribs are not connected to the floor. What has really shocked me is how few of the original extruded aluminum body bows [ribs] that are not connected to the C channel or floor. The worst example I've seen is my '62 ambassador. Only 2 full length bows connected to the floor, at the front and rear end caps. Every other rib stops at the top center and not attached to the floor, none full length and no apparent reason why not. Even the ones on either side of the entry door not anchored. I extended and anchored all.

That is absolutely normal.

Andy

Inland RV Center, In · 09-23-2014, 12:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pinkflamingoes

What's Andy's user name?

Which Andy?

Andy

AnnArborBob · 09-23-2014, 12:40 PM

I'm no structural engineer so I cannot give an expert opinion about any problems the "short ribs" might cause, but my intuition suggests this could be a problem. If it this occurred on my rebuild, I would make sure all the ribs extended and were secured to the C channel. It would not be a big deal to do this when the trailer is in a deconstructed condition.

pinkflamingoes · 09-23-2014, 01:14 PM

That's what we were thinking. Most of the ribs are U channel so since w're getting ready to fab or buy some, we think we'll just extend what is there. He says it's easy and can't hurt not to.

pinkflamingoes · 09-23-2014, 01:17 PM

Then I start to worry about lengthening and connecting the ribs making things to stiff. I always find something to worry about.

J. Morgan · 09-23-2014, 01:21 PM

The way the shell gets its strength, mostly from the outer skin, the short ribs will make little to no difference in rigidity...

I would not worry about them if it was my trailer.