C Channel 67 Caravel.

[Wanlessrm]

I'm told I can't buy the channel from airstream.

Where would I be able to find the closest thing to it?
Thanks

[goshawks00]

Have any HVAC shop bend you up some.

[Wanlessrm]

So I walk into a hvac shop and say make me up some c channel and they'll know what I'm talking about?
Or do I have to give the them the height or depth and width?

I would measure mine but for some reason it gone in the place I'm working on.
Thanks

[RM66caravel]

Do you have a piece that they can see? Are you talking floor channel that was damaged? Get ready they will ask size length curve angle and yes you can trace the curve and at least you have something they can work from. Remember the easier you are to work with the better they wil work with you. Too many "not a clue'" and they may be terribly unable to help you. So pretend that you have a bender and someone wanted a small piece of curved "C" channel, now what do you need to know to help them?

[RM66caravel]

And don't forget to specify aluminum!!!!!

[Wanlessrm]

I don't have a piece. The po had some damage and used wood for a c channel.
I have found some pictures so I guess I'll try and bring those it.
Thanks for the help.

[rumrunner]

I just went out into the rain to check so I hope you remember this.
The critical dimension is the outside width between the legs. It must be exactly 1.5" to match the original wall depth. the legs are 3/4"tall but you can increase that as you wish, especially if some of your rivet lines run close to the edge. I also highly recommend going a little heavier than the original .032 thickness. Most any HVAC shop will have 5052 aluminum available in .040 thickness and can bend it easily to these dimensions.
hope this helps
tim

[Wanlessrm]

Your the best!

Thanks for the help!

[rumrunner]

If you need to make the c channel fit a curve simply cut a notch every couple of inches and dry fit it. If you need more curve make the notches wider. simple.
tim

[FC7039]

You either have c channel somewhere in the trailer or you have a trailer with no walls or no ribs. You may have to disassemble more and take off an inner panel. Then cut a small piece out

[RM66caravel]

Fc you saw what we all missed got my head on bracing and did not even put it together about his inner skin! Gonna have the shell off of my caravel by cob Friday that is if murphy will just leave me alone! My c or u as you look at it is fine the ribs need a little work (kinda bent in places)

[Wanlessrm]

The C channel was really easy to buy. I went down to the local Hvac told them what ya'll said and the next day picked up my channel.
Tomorrow I'll be painting the frame and sealing the floor.

[Wanlessrm]

I painted a frame rail I'm going to piece in and was wondering if I should go ahead and paint the c channel also?

[luvoldstuff]

Get to know your HVAC sheetmetal shop and compensate them well-especially if you always have projects, I have used the same one for over 15 years, from hot rods to home stuff now campers. They just made up some 5" channel for my AS frame. They also ordered 8 sheets of AL for my interior .040 for $44 each no tax!
By the way, my '68 AS had missing and small scabs of c-channel around its perimeter, from the factory they were stapled down but not bolted, one not even riveted inner or outer! I figure that the end shells are the back bone of the structure, the sides just dont need to flop???

[rumrunner]

No need to paint the c channel. I have pieces in my 55 fc that are as shiny as the day they were made. Control the leaks and they will last a very long time.
tim

[Wanlessrm]

Well the po really did a half ass job on this one. Looks like they patched in a floor under the water heater.
It's got to go and now I'm pretty sure the kitchen is coming out.