[VAL] frame repair

[Bob Patterson <bpatt@xxxxxxxx>]

Hi,
I have a 53 Flying Cloud I'm getting ready for the road. I have the belly 
pan off and am contemplating strengthening the frame. I would like to know 
if anyone has done this to their Airstream and how was it done. I was going 
to use steel channel smaller than the present channel and weld it to the 
inside of the frame. Looking at the frame it appears the weakest area would 
be from the hitch to the first spring perch.

I also could weld a plate onto the open side of the channel but this would 
take more time than the U style channel to do. Anyone have any comments?
Thanks,
Bob Patterson