The Squidget Pop Top build is on.

[parnold]

I feel like this is more of a blog than a topic. I hope I'm not boring everyone with my prattling on about my project. I don't mean to sound like mine is the only trailer being built.

You're not boring me, and I doubt if you're boring anyone else. Throw in some pictures and you'll get more responses.. we're a very visual crowd here.

Sound's good !

[cracker39]

You're not boring me, and I doubt if you're boring anyone else. Throw in some pictures and you'll get more responses.. we're a very visual crowd here.

Rather than take up server space here, I put pics on the build web site whenever I have made progress enough to be shown. The link is below.

[john]

I feel like this is more of a blog than a topic. I hope I'm not boring everyone with my prattling on about my project. I don't mean to sound like mine is the only trailer being built.

I had considered a comment, but you have your bases covered.

Your not boring and please don't stop. I look forward to updates on this thread as your build is quite unique and I enjoy the engineering.

I watched your Squidget build previously and was fortunate enough to see it in person at an Anastasia. I hope to watch the poptop too.

Just know I am watching...

[Wolffarmer]

You are not boring me. I do that all by myself

Randy

[S. Heisley]

Sorry, Dale, I think we're all just saying a silent umhum.....
Nobody's bored here. Keep up the good build. ....nice cabin shape. Personally, I think your trailer is going to be one of the best pop-up designs to date.

I'll agree that a picture once in a while does help. I know I don't always pop over to the other site to look and there are probably others like me;
but, I do read what you post and I do go over to the other site sometimes.

Yes, the weather can keep a person out of one's build tent or shop, no matter where you live. In spite of it, you're moving along and getting things done, though.

[Larwyn]

I enjoy keeping track of you build and always keep my eyes open for new ideas for when I get around to rebuilding my TD. I may not talk a lot but I do look in often. Your trailer is looking good.

[zapj]

ditto what others have expressed ...keep going


Jim

[cracker39]

Well, it’s good to know that I have silent watchers (spooky as that may sound), so I’ll keep posting progress.

I finally got two coats of epoxy resin on the exterior skins. I said earlier that I planned to use angle aluminum molding on the joints, but changed my mind. I decided to use fiberglass, cloth and resin. The problem I faced was that I can’t seem to find glass cloth light enough (preferably 2-3 ounce per yard). I’ve read of boat builders using canvas and even linen with resin and I believe someone on this forum said they used bed sheet material. I tried a piece of bed sheet on a board and it worked OK with two sandings and two resin touchups. It needed one more coat of resin and sanding to be really well blended. I found a twin sheet set at Dollar General for $8. It’s 200 count, so has some porosity to absorb the resin. Today, I ripped pieces and applied them with resin. Tomorrow, I’ll sand and reapply resin, then repeat that to see how well I’ve blended it with the skins. I’ve used most of the flat sheet and have the fitted sheet left over, but no twin bed to put it on…go figure. And, I’m getting close to having to buy a third gallon of resin, but it’s worth it for the added protection under the paint.

[Wolffarmer]

Good to see some one using bed sheets. We on another thread are thinking of using cloth and yellow glue, covered with paint.

Randy

[john]

The difference in strength between fabric and a fiber glass weave is great. I realize fiberglass weave is likely much stronger than necessary but do you feel comfortable with the strength cloth offers?

[aggie79]

ditto what others have expressed ...keep going


Jim

Ditto again for me!

[cracker39]

I am beginning to regret changing the corner joint protection from aluminum trim to resin and cloth. I’ve sanded for at least two hours and have only 40 percent of the cloth feathered at the edges to put on another coat of resin. I read in a topic about working with fiberglass that it is a “love/hate relationshipâ€

[parnold]

I used 5 coats of polyester resin under my paint, with no cloth at all at the seams. 1 year later, not a single crack.

[cracker39]

I used 5 coats of polyester resin under my paint, with no cloth at all at the seams. 1 year later, not a single crack.

I really think that several coats on the joints would be enough to seal them against cracking. I'm thinking I went into overkill mode.

It’s only 2:30 PM and I think I may be finished for the day. After 4-6 hours sanding, I finally got all of my cloth edges feathered as best I could and coated with resin. I expect to coat and sand those areas at least two more times, but the sanding will take less than an hour for each. I’m hoping it comes out smooth enough that one can’t tell that I worked on the edges at all. But, I probably won’t be that lucky.

As I have a 3/4" space beteen the raised edges around the opening in the ceiling and the sides and ends of the pop top, I was concerned about centering the pop top exactly when it was lowered. I think I found the solution. I first thought about ripping pieces of pine with angled sides to guide the top down centered on the roof, then I thought about quarter round molding. I bought some 5/8â€

[cracker39]

Based on Paul's comment, I decided to apply a 3d overall coat of resin since I had the new gallon and no projects in sight that might need resin. Without sanding, it already feels smoother. After I sand it down with 100 or 150 grip paper, it should look pretty good after it's painted. I should start priming and maybe even putting on a coat of paint tomorrow.

Today, while waiting for the resin to cure, I finished constructing my tongue boxes and doors for them. I still need to do some sanding and resin coating before they're ready to mount. If you missed my comments on two tongue boxes, I plan on putting a propane tank inbetween them. The right side box will hold the battery and maybe some small stuff. The one on the left side will hone the power cable, main circuit breaker, battery charger and whatever else will fit inside.

I took a photo of one box on the frame that supports them. That box actually is the battery box and will go on the other side. The large holes are for two round plastic vents. The small hole at the bottom right side is for the conduit that will run through a conduit between the two boxes. The 12VDC power lines and connector cord to the charger run through the conduit,which will be sealed with foam to prevent fumes from the battery from getting into the main breaker box.