Alright braintrust!
In the restoration process, I have replaced my wheelwells with the dual axle ones made of a black poly I believe. The restoration has an entire new floorplan and I was wondering that after the black poly ones are installed do you cover those with a plywood cover or box built over/around the poly ones? There will be cabinets built over the wheelwells. I was thinking in a blowout situation the tire would come right through the poly and nothing stopping the shredding tire from shredding everything inside.
I would love a photo or two and all opinions!
Thank you, thank you!
You could put a shaped metal cap (riveted aluminum) over the poly ones. I think they would take up less space than and be a bit more durable than plywood. However, in a catastrophic tire failure neither are going to be much help in protecting the contents of the cabinets over the wheel wells. It's more as a second layer of defense from moisture & debris if a small hole develops in the poly...
Shari
__________________
Vintage Airstream Club - Past President 2007/2008
WBCCI #1824 - DenCO Unit Past President (2005)
AIR #30 - Join Date: 2-25-2002
69Silvrbelle,
I think it's a great idea to cover the inside of the wheel wells. My .02
In my 64 Safari the wheel wells are made of galvanized sheet metal that is pretty thick. However I still insulated and covered them with 3/8 ply and incorporated them into the cabinets, for example under the galley sink I made a shelf for storage and under the dinette is a covered shelf with power for 12v accessories, TV and phone jacks. Carry on!
Ha! I found a picture of ours (a single axle)...double layer metal with insulation between the layers - posted for additional ideas. They are original to our '56 Safari.
Shari
P.S. Yours are gorgeous Disco!
__________________
Vintage Airstream Club - Past President 2007/2008
WBCCI #1824 - DenCO Unit Past President (2005)
AIR #30 - Join Date: 2-25-2002
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