57 Westerner - Need help guiding drill bit for joist bolts

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Teachndad
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Keep the conversations going at VTT!

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'55 Rod and Reel & '57 Westerner

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57 Westerner - Need help guiding drill bit for joist bolts Jan 4, 2015 15:56:29 GMT -8

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Post by Teachndad on Jan 4, 2015 15:56:29 GMT -8

Hi,

I have removed the old rear outside floor joists and cut new ones. To drill new holes in the joists, I was planning on drilling up from underneath beginning under the frame outrigger. It’s easy for the rearmost carriage bolt hole because it’s new plywood. However, the closer hole next to the wheel well needs to line up with the old hole in the old plywood flooring on top. I kept the last 9” of the old plywood because it was still good.

Does anyone have a recommendation for a drill guide or trick? Can I use the drilled hole in the old joist as a guide?

Thanks,

Rod

"You’ll get the camper done, eventually." - nccamper

My in progress restorations
vintagetrailertalk.freeforums.net/thread/3598/andy-57-westerner-restoration-thread?page=1
scottw818.wixsite.com/vintage-rod-and-reel

John Palmer
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Hi, From a vintage trailer guy located in Santa Ana, CA. It's good to see lots of activity here.

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57 Westerner - Need help guiding drill bit for joist bolts Jan 4, 2015 19:31:39 GMT -8 vikx and SusieQ like this

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Post by John Palmer on Jan 4, 2015 19:31:39 GMT -8

Not sure I fully understand your question?

I have some long 10" 3/16" drill bits that I bought at a swap meet years ago. I use them for lots of special applications. Drill up from the bottom through the steel frame, "as straight as possible". Line it up on the top, and drill down "as straight as possible". Then take a 1/4" drill bit or what ever size is correct for your carriage bolt and drill it through. The pilot holes that you previously drilled will help you get the two different holes aligned.

It helps to use a flat washer on the head of the carriage bolt to spread the force out. You sometimes need to counter sink the holes, and I have Bondo'd over the bolt holes, if flooring needs to go over the bolt heads.