Back wall curvature

[TinkersMom]

I'm sure I'm not the first to ask -- but my husband and I are doing some renovations on our '89 34' Excella. That dreaded back wall -- what's the easiest way to make a 'template' of the curvature from floor to window? We're attempting to make new bedside tables for the two back corners. Any help appreciated!

[nm1oqrz]

Hello TinkersMom. I found the easist way for me was to get a piece of white cardboard long enough to cover tha area you are interested in. Get a pair of draftmans dividers(one end needs a pencil) or a large compass. Place the cardboard on edge towards the wall so the top and bottom of the cardboard are touching the wall. With your dividers or compass place the tip of compass against the wall and the pencil tip on the cardboard. While holding the compass parallel to the floor move the compass up the wall and the pencil will scribe a line on the cardboard to the exact curve of the wall. Works for me.
Cappy camping nm1oqrz

[TinkersMom]

Thanks, nm1oqrz

That did help -- appreciate it !!!

[Skatiero]

That is pretty much how we did it as well. Craft paper helps a lot-- and the two corners are symmetrical, so you can actually do just one side and then make the mirror image for the other. We have an 89 as well, btw!

[Frank&Mike]

I had asked a similar question last year regarding making a template for the front curve. So I think the replies I received on how to make a template would also apply to the back of the Airstream. Following is the thread which explained how to accomplish this:

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f38/...rve-67325.html

[Lumatic]

The moustache trimming technique. Cut a little here and there until it's right. I ended up getting rid of the stache.

[CanoeStream]

Ready for some reading?

Story stick to copy irregular shapes
Canoe cradle for Eddie Bauer
Template - Interior Front Curve
The Joggle Stick
How do you make a bulkhead?

Even between similar models, Airstreams are so handbuilt that each coach's curves are unique.

A story stick can be very accurate but you have to temporarily rig a piece of scrap plywood, particle board or cardboard (if you can keep it flat).

Pictures please as you go about your project!

[Pahaska]

I used a piece of the corregated plastic that is used for signs. It is stiff enough to stand upright. I used a compass, as described above to pencil a curve on the sheet. Sign shops may have scraps that would be cheap or free.

I found small, but noticeable differences between curb and road side of the trailer. I used braid from a hobby shop to trim where my new cabinets meet the wall.