From the moment we bought the airstream and saw areas in the subfloor that were rotted away and missing, exposing the frame underneath, we knew that the frame would need some work. We’ve seen through our research that some people completely remove the exterior skeleton and work on the frame. Some had indoor working environments, some had elaborate and fantastic interior wood framing to remove the outside skeleton (we saw an AMAZING video of someone who did this. Blew my mind!), and some needed to hire contractors in order to solidify the frames. None of that was going to happen in our space. Brandon and Dave were confident that between their skills and all this fantastic advice from Airstream communities, they would be able to make it work.
After removing the subfloor and the belly pan, Brandon wire-wheeled the entire frame, removing the several years of caked-on rust. While Brandon prepared the frame, Dave worked to weld the area near the bathroom, which is where our new black and gray tanks were going to go. Welding of new metal framing needed to happen here because we needed to create hanging, mounting areas for housing two tanks. Previously, we had only a black tank that was used for black and gray matter (black=toilet, gray= sinks, showers). With our hopes of boondocking in the future, one tank would not be enough to house the water from sinks and matter from the toilets. With two tanks, we would be able to sustain more time not connected at a campground.
Once Dave had completed the rear welding (more welding to come in the future for the front of the Airstream, where there are framing sections that need to be supported with new metal beams), we were able to work on the next step.
Brandon made the decision to purchase undercoating, which is a tar-like paint substance that is painted on and prevents rust from continuing to grow. The frame was in good shape in MOST areas, but we wanted to strengthen and create longevity in the frame so that we wouldn’t run into problems with rust eating away at the frame in the future. This material is also used on vehicles to prevent rust.
Here’s a blurb from their website: “Undercoating In A Can Black Wax Coating is a “Rust Encapsulating” product meaning it can be applied to existing rust areas and will deter further compounding effects of rust (Rust Cancer). The coating has been continuously improved over the product lifetime to resist the very harmful side effects modern road salts- magnesium, calcium, and potassium chlorides. This rust inhibiting and sound deadening sealant forms a firm barrier film when applied to metal and wood structures, thereby extending the useful life of the coated surface. This coating exhibits excellent gravel, power wash, and impact resistance.” https://petroleumservicecompany.com/undercoating-in-a-can-black-wax-coating-5-gallon-pail/
We made the $127 ($147 with shipping costs) purchase of the 5 gallon bucket and had it shipped to our house. Yes, this is not the most eco-friendly product. I know. However, we wanted to make sure that the frame was strong and would withstand any future wear and tear. This was the product to do it!
What a messy job this was. Friends, I was removing this tar from my hair for DAYS. I couldn’t get it out! The problem was that when I was painting this onto every inch of the frame, meaning even the underside, I was bending over and dragging my ponytail through the muck I had just painted. It was unavoidable and disgusting! However, our finished product looks awesome. We got every nook and cranny of that frame, painted in two coats. We also painted the front section outside of the airstream where the hitch hook-up is. I am confident about the strength of this frame for many more years to come!
Much love,
Lauren
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