[VAC] Belly pan

["terry tyler" <tylerbears@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Hello KJVirtue@aol.com,
     
In your posting, you wrote, "I looked at removing the belly pan to gain access, but that seems like
a  huge job.  Can I slip the floor in from above, putting access holes through the belly pan for
screws, and then place caps in said holes?  What have others done? "

ANSWER: Yes, removing the belly pan is a huge job, but a straight forward job that only takes a lot
of time and perseverence. I have done it and would not hesitate to do it again. If you can limit
removal of pop rivets to three sides of the square, that will help your realignment efforts when it
comes time fold the pan back into position and button it back up. Get a box of 500 pop rivets and
try not to use all of them. 

Now that you have read Bud Coopers article, you know about about the 3" strips he mentioned. IN MY
OPINION, those are best secured firmly in place from underneath and that means you need to get your
hands in there = remove the belly pan and have complete access to see, to keep the strips in place
while you secure them firmly/tightly. 

Plus, while you are at it, you'll inspect all the outrigger joints for cracks, replace the
insulation that has decayed, wire brush any rusted areas (including the step housing) and spray
paint them. 

When you outline the sequence of events needed to do the entire job and estimate the time you'll
need for each block of work, it can easily add up to more than three days -- unless you are a
glutton for physical punishment or have one or two other guys helping. I would strongly suggest the
latter, especially for positioning, holding in place and reattaching the belly pan. 

Whatever you do, DO IT RIGHT THE FIRST TIME, or don't do it all. Remember what you father taught you
when you were a little tyke: GOOD ENOUGH ISN'T!!


Terry