I know it’s how it was originally done but is there any other specific reason to not attach the belly pan/banana wrap to the C-channel first and THEN have the shell overlap that? Just seems more water tight gravity wise?
No problem, glad you found it useful! We recently launched our in-depth Airstream Renovation course Airstream U. We will be covering the full renovation process in detail. If you're interested, check it out at www.airstreamu.com
Thank you so much for this video. Looking at a recent year used trailer that had the subfloor replaced using the “cut around the c channel” method. This video saved us from paying top dollar for a trailer that isn’t sound and needs a proper floor replacement.
Great video with great information. Unfortunately I'm in the situation where I can't manage a full subfloor replacement but I do have some rot in my rear bathroom. What do you think would be the best temporary solution to mitigate further water damage and critter intrusion until we can actually do a full subfloor replacement?
Hi Ian, I just happen to see three ASs on the side of you garage. Two of them are cover with some plastic. I heard on FB not to do that but what do you see?
Do you have to remove the entire shell off in order to replace the subfloor? I'd love to send some photos and see what you think. My floor in my 1979 is pretty bad... thank
Curious what would be a guesstimated cost for your shop do this repair on a 1963 22' safari if it had moderate frame damage?....ive got my eye on one with an excellent shell & intact interior but the floor is rotten ...... & dont dis-similar metals in contact with each other accelerate corrosion by electrolysis .. ?.. some vague recollection from my youth as a machinist.. 😅
Does anyone have thoughts of replacing the subfloor in sections and then using a zillion mending brackets/braces along each join? Would that create rigidity/stability in a pieced together floor. I'm not in a place where I can do a hull off restoration I don't think. But it seems like cutting the wood and then bracing the living daylights out of it could be a workable alternative. I just won't be able to have a wooden floor with the unevenness created by the braces. But I also want the highest level of insulation possible and I'm sure carpeting will help immensely in warmth in the winter time.
I've got a 1956 Caravan 22' Airstream I've had since 1977 in the back country in Idaho. Now I'm in Washington state .I don't live in trailer any more but my wife wants me to fix it up so way can go camping on occasion. I'm concerned about sub floor and I know it has rot in front and back. So I'm looking at pulling up and replacing. Now the windows are single pane with the old crank. I have some glass that are broken and need to be replaced. I'm thinking I may have to drill out the rivets to replace glass or go to a newer style. What would you recommend?
Hi guys I would love to find the floor plan o blueprints to see the frame structure in the airstream 1969 land yatch safari one axel , is posible ? Thank you!!! ❤
How much would you charge to help me do a frame off subfloor replacement? We are in San Marcos so I think we are close! I just got it so it's not ready, but I have some rot so I want to get an idea/prepare for the cost. I can bring it to you as well.
A way to kill mold - and it's not safe but from the old days - is to seal the dwelling in pie tins filled with formaldehyde until it ALL evaporates. Remove all foodstuff, and clean every surface thoroughly afterward. When all the formaldehyde evaporates, open all windows (and doors if possible) and leave open for 3 days. As I said: not safe.
Thank you Ian for this helpful video!! What is the material you use for repairing the chassis? What’s the thickness and size? My ‘ 76 Argosy needs to be repaired.
I generally use 1/8" steel plate for most repairs. It depends on the area of course. I am going to start making my own outriggers and that will most likely be 16 gauge steel.
63 ambassador shell off resto.Floor was totally rotted, frame in some/most spots exposed. I have no template of floor curvature to go by. My question is how much "play" in the front and rear curves would be acceptable?
I have a 1967 Airstream Caravel. I'm thinking about rehabbing it but have no desire to remove the shell, clean and paint the frame, install under floor plumbing, tank, wiring and replace the floor and shell on my own. Would you contact me so I can receive an estimate cost, time log and where you are located?
Ian - we have a mid 70s Excella we'd like to get the frame and floor redone on, belly pan and so forth. The interior was completely shot and we pulled that out. How can I get in touch with you?
It's technically not as rigid as plywood and way more expensive. Also, you shouldn't attach anything directly to Coosa with a screw. It won't hold. You'll have to have something to fasten each screw from underneath. So increase body flex and added expense, but the trade off is weight savings with mold and water resistance. I'd rather have the coosa if I had the $.
Condensation, leaks, trapped moisture, poor factory rust protection on the frame, and a lot of decades. When something is 30+ years old and seldom used, it's almost a guarantee it was neglected at some point.
Why would you replace the floor with something that will just rot out again? I am so disappointed in my airstream. It cost roughly the price of a house, and they use a cheap material for the floor that will rot out in 10 years?
Everyone is always looking for a shortcut but there is no easy way to fix these trailers properly. Heed this gentleman's advice!!
As well when selling . Be honest with potential buyers, price the trailer accordingly. Let them keep some $$ to get it done .
I know it’s how it was originally done but is there any other specific reason to not attach the belly pan/banana wrap to the C-channel first and THEN have the shell overlap that? Just seems more water tight gravity wise?
Great information. I'll be pulling the shell off of my '75. Thank you!
No problem, glad you found it useful! We recently launched our in-depth Airstream Renovation course Airstream U. We will be covering the full renovation process in detail. If you're interested, check it out at www.airstreamu.com
Thank you so much for this video. Looking at a recent year used trailer that had the subfloor replaced using the “cut around the c channel” method. This video saved us from paying top dollar for a trailer that isn’t sound and needs a proper floor replacement.
Great video with great information. Unfortunately I'm in the situation where I can't manage a full subfloor replacement but I do have some rot in my rear bathroom. What do you think would be the best temporary solution to mitigate further water damage and critter intrusion until we can actually do a full subfloor replacement?
Spray foam
Nice Work ,Video and information ,
What supports the sub floor at the rounded corners between 0 and 90 degrees?
Great video, Ian! Question, what specific bolts do you use to secure the floor channel and also subfloor to frame?
Hi Ian, I just happen to see three ASs on the side of you garage. Two of them are cover with some plastic.
I heard on FB not to do that but what do you see?
Do you have to remove the entire shell off in order to replace the subfloor? I'd love to send some photos and see what you think. My floor in my 1979 is pretty bad... thank
The best subfloor? Marine plywood with resin coating?
The best would be Coosa
That Coosa board sounded great till I saw the price...I'll be doing plywood with epoxy on my 1957 Avion 26 just like on my Avion C11 resto
@@MillerGarage Would you recommend using treated wood at all? Ill be putting in vinyl flooring, so not sure how that would be for fumes.
What about solid manmade recycled plastic? Like you countertops and tables are made. Zero chance of decay, water seepage, easily cit, drilled, etc.
Curious what would be a guesstimated cost for your shop do this repair on a 1963 22' safari if it had moderate frame damage?....ive got my eye on one with an excellent shell & intact interior but the floor is rotten ...... & dont dis-similar metals in contact with each other accelerate corrosion by electrolysis .. ?.. some vague recollection from my youth as a machinist.. 😅
Does anyone have thoughts of replacing the subfloor in sections and then using a zillion mending brackets/braces along each join? Would that create rigidity/stability in a pieced together floor. I'm not in a place where I can do a hull off restoration I don't think. But it seems like cutting the wood and then bracing the living daylights out of it could be a workable alternative. I just won't be able to have a wooden floor with the unevenness created by the braces. But I also want the highest level of insulation possible and I'm sure carpeting will help immensely in warmth in the winter time.
I've got a 1956 Caravan 22' Airstream I've had since 1977 in the back country in Idaho. Now I'm in Washington state .I don't live in trailer any more but my wife wants me to fix it up so way can go camping on occasion. I'm concerned about sub floor and I know it has rot in front and back. So I'm looking at pulling up and replacing. Now the windows are single pane with the old crank. I have some glass
that are broken and need to be replaced. I'm thinking I may have to drill out the rivets to replace glass or go to a newer style. What would you recommend?
Hi guys I would love to find the floor plan o blueprints to see the frame structure in the airstream 1969 land yatch safari one axel , is posible ? Thank you!!! ❤
How much is a full shell off floor replacement cost. A range of costs. Please.
Subfloor in New Airstreams are a one piece composite that won't rot, etc, read features on Utube.
How much would you charge to help me do a frame off subfloor replacement? We are in San Marcos so I think we are close! I just got it so it's not ready, but I have some rot so I want to get an idea/prepare for the cost. I can bring it to you as well.
Hi Ian I have question does the plywood usually stick out past the outriggers because it seams like the shell is wider than my chassis
A way to kill mold - and it's not safe but from the old days - is to seal the dwelling in pie tins filled with formaldehyde until it ALL evaporates. Remove all foodstuff, and clean every surface thoroughly afterward. When all the formaldehyde evaporates, open all windows (and doors if possible) and leave open for 3 days. As I said: not safe.
Thank you Ian for this helpful video!!
What is the material you use for repairing the chassis? What’s the thickness and size?
My ‘ 76 Argosy needs to be repaired.
I generally use 1/8" steel plate for most repairs. It depends on the area of course. I am going to start making my own outriggers and that will most likely be 16 gauge steel.
63 ambassador shell off resto.Floor was totally rotted, frame in some/most spots exposed. I have no template of floor curvature to go by. My question is how much "play" in the front and rear curves would be acceptable?
I have a 1967 Airstream Caravel. I'm thinking about rehabbing it but have no desire to remove the shell, clean and paint the frame, install under floor plumbing, tank, wiring and replace the floor and shell on my own. Would you contact me so I can receive an estimate cost, time log and where you are located?
Ian - we have a mid 70s Excella we'd like to get the frame and floor redone on, belly pan and so forth. The interior was completely shot and we pulled that out. How can I get in touch with you?
Wouldn't coosa board be a better replacement?
It's technically not as rigid as plywood and way more expensive. Also, you shouldn't attach anything directly to Coosa with a screw. It won't hold. You'll have to have something to fasten each screw from underneath. So increase body flex and added expense, but the trade off is weight savings with mold and water resistance. I'd rather have the coosa if I had the $.
WOW , what a headache! I won't be doing that project!
Good job.ty
How do the frames get so bad on theses considering they’re covered?
Condensation, leaks, trapped moisture, poor factory rust protection on the frame, and a lot of decades. When something is 30+ years old and seldom used, it's almost a guarantee it was neglected at some point.
Why not put metal floor in?
Weight and expense.
Why would you replace the floor with something that will just rot out again? I am so disappointed in my airstream. It cost roughly the price of a house, and they use a cheap material for the floor that will rot out in 10 years?