Thursday, August 28, 2014

shell off?

Been spending quite a bit of time on www.airforums.com.  (today's photos from the airforums website)  One of the things I did not know before I jumped into this project is that in order to correctly repair the frame and replace the floor, the shell needs to be removed.  That being said...I am contemplating building a gantry which seems to be the preferred method of doing a shell off.  Once the shell is removed and placed on a secure surface, the gantry can be used to lift the frame to gain access to both sides for repairs and painting.  Still not totally committed to this project but I'm thinking even with the extent of repairs needed - this will be much faster to refurbish than the greenhouse was to build.  86,99,74,0,B

7 comments:

edobnek said...

pretty much like doing a frame off resto to a car. Could you lift the body and roll the frame out leaving body suspended?

Margery Billd said...

Driving into San Antonio today I saw a relic from antiquity that appeared to be an old Airstream. The man was driving 50 mph and seemed perfectly happy. Your Airstream still looks so much better.



Rob said...

Sounds like you're at that point where if you're going to do it you know how to do it right.

Rev.jimmyleebob said...

here's my 2.4576 cents..that rig looks
like it could get you in some serious trouble if a wind gust got hold of it...lot of surface area there. If it was bolted down it might be more safe. A better idea might be to jack up the trailer, block the shell,lower the trailer and pull it out with your truck.
Remember...Murphy's law has not been repealed

Guy Hodges said...

John- Harbor Freight has some good hoisting type equipment that
might do the trick for you. Not sure how the cost would compare to lumber, but it might be worth a look. Rehabbing is so much fun!

KE5MIL said...

John, I think it comes down to the end game. What is it that you are trying to achieve? What need will the trailer fulfill when it's done? If you don't have a very strong compelling reason to take on this massive refurb, scrap it and set yourself free.

Unknown said...

I've done the four-pylon shell lift, fooled around with hydraulic jacks and slipping lumber... and STRONGLY recommend using the hoist method. Lift shell, scoot frame out from underneath, set shell down.

And there is NO substitute for easy manipulation of the frame (for repair and painting, for subassembly installation and finishing) unless you wish to make a ground-anchored rotisserie pivot set, if you plan on doing more than one the rotisserie would be the way to go...