Frame Restoration

[adam025h]

Hi everybody

My name is Adam from Denver. I purchased a 1966 H24 from a friend that was almost completely restored and is beautiful. However, when we removed the belly skin to do some plumbing and LP lines, we noticed the frame is shot! This is so disheartening, and we are lost for an answer other than replacing this single axle beast of a frame. Any suggestions, frames for sale, fabrication services, willing buyers as is, or any and all advice? Please help, as we sincerely thought we were going to make so many memories with our young boys, and now we have a 4000lb paper weight!!

Thanks,

Adam

[silverloaf]

Hi everybody

My name is Adam from Denver. I purchased a 1966 H24 from a friend that was almost completely restored and is beautiful. However, when we removed the belly skin to do some plumbing and LP lines, we noticed the frame is shot! This is so disheartening, and we are lost for an answer other than replacing this single axle beast of a frame. Any suggestions, frames for sale, fabrication services, willing buyers as is, or any and all advice? Please help, as we sincerely thought we were going to make so many memories with our young boys, and now we have a 4000lb paper weight!!

Thanks,

Adam

Hello Adam,

Sorry to hear of your conundrum. We too discovered frame damage to our new-to-us '88 30P when we removed the belly pan.

Can you describe what you mean by " frame is shot." Do you have any pics you can forward?

[adam025h]

I’ve had two welders say that they won’t touch it, and a full frame replacement is the only remedy.
These pics are of the worst of damage, it’s pretty much this way the whole way through

[adam025h]

Plus the crossmembers in the frame are pretty much corroded through

[silverloaf]

You might want to call Chuck Cayo at Cayo Trailer Repair (269-463-5068). Chuck does a lot of Avion restoration work. He might have access to a frame or explain to you your options.

[adam025h]

Thanks!!!

[silverloaf]

Thanks!!!

Adam -

I came across a 1972 Avion brochure. A picture of the frame is on page 9. I believe this frame design came out in the '60s and continued until a new frame and shell architecture was released around 1978 or 79.

https://www.jerrystrailers.com/fckimage ... _Avion.pdf

The frame is shown upside down. This pic might give you an idea as to what is supporting the floor, shell and suspension. Frankly, I would investigate the best method to put the shell on blocks. Having the frame in full open view will bring the elephant down to size.

In doing so, you might be able to work with a local trailer fabricator to reconstruct or rehabilitate what you have. Again, Chuck might give you some ideas on separating and supporting the shell.