I tried replacing the shower pan. Please help.

[The-Marco]

Okay, shell is up!!! I almost trashed the whole thing when my hi-lift jack fell over while I was cranking it up (neighbor distracted me for a split second) and the back of the trailer dropped about a foot and the wood frame miraculously landed on a leveling jack I had used earlier and saved all my panels in the back from suffering major damage.

[RM66caravel]

You remove the awning? Now necessary but just be aware of the weight and use caution when rejoining the shell! Yes I was the monkey screaming for help when the shell shifted because of the way I had it on the jack! A lot of oh craps in there!
Cliff


Yes I said that! Or did I?

[cwf]

Wow... New name... "Marco the Marvelous!"

[The-Marco]

Hahaha cwf, I'm liking that name!
We'll here are some better pictures.

Next step is to get this on blocks that are outside the trailer so I can pull the frame out from under it.

[The-Marco]

And looks like I need to replace some of the C channel. The fun just doesn't stop! And check out how rotted that floor is

[RM66caravel]

In your last shot you have some serious corrosion going on you need to tend to it soon! Clean it up the best that you can then coat the panel to block the oxygen, if it has penetrated the panel you will need to replace it!
Cliff


Yes I said that! Or did I?

[Shaggy1970]

Um, I am starting to think maybe it would be easier and cheaper to buy a brand new one? But what fun would that be?

[The-Marco]

Buy a new AS or a new panel? And yeah, I was going to remove every last but of corrosion off every single channels and panel and protect it. How will I be able to tell if the piece is totally shot?

[The-Marco]

This is what it looks like after some grinding

[RM66caravel]

Just my opinion but I would sand lightly then coat with aluminum primer!
Cliff


Yes I said that! Or did I?

[The-Marco]

Free Willy! I can now pull the frame right out from under the shell. Very stressful procedure...

[dbj216]

Well, you did it! Not very many Airstream owners completely disassemble their trailers. It's like becoming an Eagle Scout. It takes a lot of problem solving and work. You are on your way to receiving the "FULL MONTE" award. But you don't get the award until the thing is back together and working.

Now you have free access to all the structural members and utilities (electrical, water, sewer). Replacing the shower pan will be a snap!

Since you like to boondock camp in the desert, maybe an external shower hose is all you need. Some people rig these outside sprayers to clean the kids and dogs sandy feet after a day on the beach. Spray yourself off after a hot day's ride. Saves shower pan clean up and sand stuck in your dump valves. Nobody likes sand stuck in their dump valves.

David

[Aerowood]

Originally Posted by The-Marco

This is what it looks like after some grinding
Attachment 218084
Attachment 218085

I wouldn't even mess with that, replace the panel, it's one of the easiest panels on the trailer to replace. Trying to fix that is like taping an amputated arm back on and hoping for the best.

[The-Marco]

Dear dbj216, I am every excited for my award! But more excited to have a functional trailer I decided on doing an interior shower, and an exterior shower using the old battery compartment (I'll relocate the batteries elsewhere). This makes the most sense since the most of the plumbing will be over there anyway. And I have one of those honda 3000eu generators I plan on keeping locked down in the back of my truck for some power.


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[The-Marco]

Dear Aerowood,
You have a great idea there. I'll just swap it out at the same time as the back lower corners. After grinding ALL the corrosion off the aluminum could probably be poked through with your finger.


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[surfpod]

Great work and welcome to the full monte club! Been working on a 1976 Safari and had similar corrosion. I used a few products for my corrosion from, I think, Aircraft Spruce. There are threads in the forums on its use. I like your idea of the outdoor shower hookup. There's no rear hatch so will have to be a little creative on design. Those saw horses make me a little nervous. I might beef them up in case of wind or runaway vehicle admiring the shell sitting, waiting. Looks great and have plenty of clecos for rebuild.
My AS will also spend time boondocking. I ripped out all of the wiring and started over. Simplified the system a bit. I've installed 200watts of solar and rewired with LED puck lights (warm), car stereo(no CD player), Fantastic fans and AGM batteries. The system works nicely and recharges the battery.

[Shaggy1970]

Marco,
Keep the pics coming, also track the man hours and money your spending on this project. It will give those of us a better idea of trying to earn the Full Monte award.

[mikextr]

Are those of us doing shell on renovations automatically out of the running for the Full Monty award? Maybe there should be Einstein award for being smart enough to get it all done with the shell on.

[The-Marco]

Hey Surfpod,
Thanks for the corrosion tip, I will definitely pick some of that up.

My horses are rated for a combined total of 5 tons, and I believe it, have had far heavier things on them. So have no fear

For the outdoor shower I'm going to use the hatch/hole of the battery compartment. Looks like the right size and then I won't have to alter the body.


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[The-Marco]

Hi Shaggy,
I'll keep the pics coming, and I have also been tracking my hours with a punch clock app, I'll post them for you guys in a bit.


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