The center belly skin was removed this afternoon.
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The center belly skin attaches to the frame rails forward and aft of the axles, and to one crossmember located between the axles.
The skin is installed as two sections; a wide skin section on the curbside, and a narrow section on the streetside. This may indicate that the belly skins were installed at the factory with the running gear in place, otherwise a single skin section would have been used. A single skin section would be very difficult to install with running gear in place.
Electric brake wiring enters the belly on the streetside. This wire is cut as all wiring will be replaced later in the renovation.
The fasteners (pop rivets) securing the streetside narrow skin section are removed, and the section is slid forward over the axles.
The side curbside section is removed in the same manner.
The insulation is removed to expose the frame and subfloor. The frame and floor in this section are in very good condition.
Another milestone reached. Dirt, fiberglass dust, rust and aluminum shavings make belly skin removal a very dirty job. Work space is also tight when under the frame. These factors make safety glasses, a dust mask, and regular cleanup with a shop vac a necessity.
"C" channel and subfloor removal are next on the list. The Super Bowl is about to start though, so that's all for today.