Thursday, April 5, 2018

Post #8 Frames - metal & wood.

So the past week has been spent putzing with the chassis frame, planning on how to rebuild the subfloor(belly pan) and under floor framework, & repairing the street side framework. We've been waiting for new brakes, springs and other parts to arrive from Amazon and Etrailer before we tackle any more welding projects (Pick them up tomorrow).  I've included a few photos of the aluminum belly pan - one showing the birth date of the trailer, and the other showing a huge rip.

For the subfloor/belly pan we decided to use 1/2" plywood and to add 3" to the width for added stability and waterproofing. . That way the framework for the side walls will rest upon it when they get attached to the floor framework. The floor framework is all cut out to the same dimensions as the original plus a few extra supports every two feet. I numbered them in sequence and set them aside for later, as I'm not quite ready to assemble it.  It is too cold and damp to paint the metal frame, or use undercoating on anything right now.

I used the subfloor to lay out the street side framework (skin side out) to start repairing  and replacing the rotten edges and split parts of the frame. Plus I took the opportunity to add supports. I reconfigured the electrical inlet area, and under the bathroom window where I plan on putting a tiny sink. I also added some extra support over the large window in the front because I may be adding a bunk bed or shelf support to that area.  I managed to get two curbing strips glued together, bent and attached to the front but, it's really too cold here to glue stuff together yet, so the rest of the curbing strips will have to wait until it hits 55 degrees.  I still have lots of work to do on the other side too, which needs to be sanded, the old paneling remnants taken off, and remove more pin nails & staples.

The top photo shows what Joe did today - which is to say he removed the old breaks, springs and axle so we could be ready when the new ones arrive tomorrow.

One step forward at a time...and occasionally a few steps back .















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