'70 Airstream Overlander

[jaybay6347]

Early stages of bringing rig up to speed

Basically original shape- Getting it checked out at local RV shop before updating


One question - What is the best way to clean up the rust damage under door / step & tounge? Also, one small soft spot in floor by door.

Cut out & replace?

Sandblast?


I would apprciate any thoughts from the experts




Thanks,




Jay Basinger

[overlander63]

Jay, as long as the soft spot is not too soft, I would recommend Rot Doctor for the soft spot. As for the rust, depends on how bad it is. You can use a wire brush and a can of Ospho, followed by regular paint, or you can sandblast the area, and prime and paint. Here is a photo of a large soft spot repaired using Rot Doctor:

[jaybay6347]

how do you post pictures?

[overlander63]

Originally Posted by jaybay6347

how do you post pictures?

You mean like in post #2? After you enter your test, and before you click "submit reply", scroll down slightly on the page. You will see a tab marked "manage attachments". Click that, and a small pop-up screen will appear. You then click one of the buttons marked "browse", and search in your computer for the photo. Click the "save" tab, and then click "upload". When it's done uploading, click "close window", then click "submit reply".

[bookman]

yeah my steps are rust welded in.. fortunately I am an old enuf dawg to know to use lube, be patient, use lube, be patient, use lube, be patient, use lube, be patient, use lube, be patient, and wait somemore

[BarryIowa]

I just encountered and dealt with this too. I sandblasted the step and frame area around the step along with the tongue. Then I used a special primer for use over rusty metal (even though I sandblasted 95% of the rust away) and used a silver top coat. It looks great. You can see the before, during and after pictures on my thread.

[jerrypeterma]

Rotted floor
If you have a airstream shop manual for your model there is a technique discribed that is fairly easy. You first cut out the rot. Cut 2 inch strips of plywood that you glue and screw to the underside of the floor leaving 1 inch exposed. Now cut a plywood patch that fits the opening and glue and screw it to the 1 inch exposed strips.
Works great
Jerry