1952 Airfloat Skipper 16'

I'm curious as to how you will deal with Airfloat's one ever-persistent weakness in the frame design; where the tongue angles up to the hitch from the main floor frame, and has the two support struts that are bolted to the body just below the front window. In the few Airfloats I have seen, there is enough flex in the frame at that 'angle-up' from the main body frame to jar the horizontal wood they are attached to, to cause leakage and eventual failure there. I have always imagined adding interior metal angle iron(?) supports that go horizontally where those struts are attached and then mitered and  bent to follow the front curve down to the floor part of the frame to support the attempted triangulation to counteract that flex.
I found one example where the rebuilder simply left those supports off, but I have no idea if that eliminated the initial frame problem or simply ignored it, only to cause problems later on;

oldtrailer.com/vintage-airfloat-trailers.html

Scroll down the included pics.
Like so many others have said, your trailer has always been my 'Holy Grail', and it is a true treat to get to witness a fellow member who has found not one but two, and share your rebuild. Lots of two hands clapping here. Could you add a picture of how the corrugated panels end horizontally so they lay flat where the jrails cover them?


Boy you've hit the nail on the head.  The frames were very under built IMHO.  My Skipper frame is constructed out of 2" X 1/4" angle iron!  Here's a pic that shows the angle iron construction. Spindly to say the least.




And pic of how the upright braces are tied into the perimeter framing on our trailer.  




This could be greatly improved as you mentioned in your post.  And you also mentioned Airfloats that have had the upright braces removed.  I've seen several.  I believe the 57 Float Tim Heinz restored has them removed as well.  And it's a necessity if using the original frame without a substantial strengthening, just my opinion again.  

I believe if the original frame is strengthened or replaced with a new one of suitable construction, it won't need the upright braces.  If I keep them and most likely will, they shouldn't need to be a structural support.  At least that's my thinking.  It just needs the frame it should of left the factory with.  I'm not totally sure how I'll address it yet, haven't givin it a ton of thought at this point.  The walls have kept me busy.  But I'll do one of two things.  Beef up the original angle iron frame and add a new rectangular tube tongue, running back to at least the axle. All new frame.  Probly the easiest, smartest option.  But this whole project isn't based on doing the smart thing Once i I get it stripped down I'll be picking some brains on this forum.

OK,  here's a pic you asked for on the siding.  Really hard to tell from the photos but where the edge is flattened, the currogated ribs taper and blend smoothly.  Tim Heinz told me they were stamped from the factory to shape.  I don't know how the process worked.  I'll have an uphill battle doing this with my siding as I'm going all new.