The Ladybug-Out

...ask your questions in the appropriate forums BUT document your build here...preferably in a single thread...dates for updates, are appreciated....

The Ladybug-Out

Postby nhstt » Mon May 06, 2013 8:37 am

Ok,
Here goes. I've started my build but as a rank amateur have hundreds of questions. I've all ready gotten some help from Roly and hope he'll follow this thread as soon as he's back from The Dam Gathering 8) I've been on the site reading for a while, now it's time to build.ImageImage
The name of the trailer is what I hope to accomplish! A place that's prepacked, watertight :worship: and ready to go!
I'll be having a little fun with this also and painting her as a giant lady bug. my inspiration is Roly's stacker. My 23 year old say's Dad would be in trouble if Roly was 25 years younger and living on the east coast. His tears are definitely chick magnets.Image
I'm building on a harbor freight 40x48 with a partial over the wheel build. About 1/2" my fender will be visible, giving me a floor of 46 1/2" by 84".Image
The design is a combination of a Kamp Master and a traditional tear. I will have one door and a large hatch that provides entrance from the rear. My galley will be removable or 10' wides, attached on both sides with doors that come up to form the counter.It will have a fully attached awning like the Wild goose. providing ventilation and more important head room for my claustrophobic mate. Three under floor cubes. One for a spare and two for storage. Windows will be the CRL round tinted windows( SPOTS )or I'll make my own.Image
For money's sake I need to this tear off the shelf! so If you've got any ideas please let me know.
My boys will be helping with the build.ImageImageSuki want's to see whats going on!Image
Karen 8) Image
nhstt
Teardrop Master
 
Posts: 153
Joined: Sat Jan 26, 2013 1:31 pm

Re: The Ladybug-Out

Postby George Taylor » Tue May 07, 2013 6:21 pm

For good cabinet latches/pulls you can use window sash locks that ate used on double hung windows.
George Taylor
Teardrop Master
 
Posts: 214
Images: 12
Joined: Sat Mar 13, 2010 9:18 pm
Location: New Boston, NH

Re: The Ladybug-Out

Postby George Taylor » Tue May 07, 2013 6:39 pm

Just make sure you you will have enough clearance for turning.
George Taylor
Teardrop Master
 
Posts: 214
Images: 12
Joined: Sat Mar 13, 2010 9:18 pm
Location: New Boston, NH
Top

Re: The Ladybug-Out

Postby nhstt » Wed May 08, 2013 6:05 am

George Taylor wrote:Just make sure you you will have enough clearance for turning.

Thanks George I'll be using a tongue extension. I got the idea from Roly.
Karen 8)
nhstt
Teardrop Master
 
Posts: 153
Joined: Sat Jan 26, 2013 1:31 pm
Top

Re: The Ladybug-Out

Postby nhstt » Wed May 08, 2013 8:21 am

Some more pictures, Gordon and the boys build boxes while I'm at work!

Image

Image
will paint with spar varnish then spray undercoating on the outside.
QUESTION-Do I sand the spar before applying the undercoating?
and how many coats of the spar first?

Image

Danny helps Dad finish up the frame extention. 8)
nhstt
Teardrop Master
 
Posts: 153
Joined: Sat Jan 26, 2013 1:31 pm
Top

Re: The Ladybug-Out

Postby harleykamper » Wed May 08, 2013 11:09 pm

looks great Karen. I posted a response to your comments on my build. It just sorta grew from there while I was looking at your build and typing at the same time... :roll: have a look. Thanks for the comments.
Paul.....HarleyKamper
Paul & Marilyn Moon
2008 anniversary edition Harley Davidson ElectraGlide Ultra Classic
Kustom KlamShell tent Trailer. (In build now)
The ClamShell Tent Trailer Build Journal viewtopic.php?f=50&t=54531
User avatar
harleykamper
Teardrop Master
 
Posts: 102
Images: 206
Joined: Fri Feb 08, 2013 4:30 pm
Location: Reno Nv.
Top

Re: The Ladybug-Out

Postby Fishingtomatoseed » Thu May 09, 2013 7:44 pm

Karen looks good. Like the design and graphics. I responded to your message and the only other thing I would like to say is Mike's quite on his signature. "The quality is remembered long after the price is forgotten, so build your teardrop with the best materials...." That is something I wish I had done on the outside if the trailer waterproofing it. Because after you put months too years into build only to have the paint come off or damage to the wood.

Have fun.
User avatar
Fishingtomatoseed
Donating Member
 
Posts: 261
Images: 9
Joined: Sun Aug 21, 2011 4:47 pm
Location: North Texas
Top

Re: The Ladybug-Out

Postby nhstt » Fri May 10, 2013 10:03 am

Thanks guy's for the comments,
getting cold feet here on the undercoat prep for my boxes and the bottom of the trailer :shock: .
I know a lot of people use spar varnish under and I'm just learning about cpes. Which do people use most and
how many coats drying time, sanding etc.? :worship: hoping to get done this weekend.
Karen at the Ladybug-out build journal viewtopic.php?f=50&t=55602
nhstt
Teardrop Master
 
Posts: 153
Joined: Sat Jan 26, 2013 1:31 pm
Top

Re: The Ladybug-Out

Postby Yankeeka » Fri May 10, 2013 11:56 am

This what I have done in the past and it seems to hold up well IMO;

1.) sand the wood with 220 grit to get a nice clean surface
2.) wipe with acetone to remove any oils or grease on the wood (allow this to dry)
3.) apply CPES until the wood will not take anymore (even strokes allowing the wood to soak up whatever it can). This will vary on the wood species and weather)....it should look glossy when your done
4.) allow it to cure 24hrs then rough the surface again (220 or scoth brite pad) and apply an even final coat.

I've top coated my undersides CPES with an additional epoxy coat using west system for even further water protection but some conside that overkill. If you decide to do that make sure you scuff the last coat before applying to promote adhesion.

I've used spar urethane as well and while its initial resistance to moisture is good, the CPES and epoxy systems are much better in terms of durability and longevity. Hope that helps.

**edit: if you are for sure going to use spar varnish / urethane I usually do three coats (again until wood will not take any more) sanding with a 400 grit paper between coats. Polyurethane takes a while to cure so do not rush the dry times....if you need to accelerate the process you can thin the poly with mineral spirits but you would have to build up more coats conversely.

IMHO I would never use that underbody automotive coating if that is what you are referring to....it is messy and has not held up well in my experience with it. You could use a spray bedliner for a more durable finish just be sure to scuff up any glossy surfaces before applying....just my opinion.
User avatar
Yankeeka
Teardrop Builder
 
Posts: 28
Images: 27
Joined: Thu Dec 03, 2009 8:59 am
Location: Houston, TX
Top

Re: The Ladybug-Out

Postby nhstt » Fri May 10, 2013 9:58 pm

Thanks Yankeeka,
That's a lot of good advise! I went to the web site for Rot Doctor, looks like a great product. Not sure where do get it around here. I live in the sticks, no big cities around and Lowe's doesn't carry it :cry: I picked up 4 cans of Rust-oleum undercoating. I plan on using this after several coats of spar or the cpes(If I can find it!) with my storage boxes I think the spray will work best. :thinking:
Gordon and William finished the box for the spare tonight while I was at work. I picked up some 2x2's to attach the boxes to the underside of the floor. Hope to get the 3 holes in the floor cut out, boxes -glued and screwed to the floor and several coats of spar or cpes. Followed by the undercoating all done over the weekend around my job :worship:

Then we will tweak the cardboard template for the side before getting our 1/2" birch ply for the sides.

Also will need to figure out how to open and remove bad grease :? from the H.F. tires and replace with good grease? :NC
Stop at VIPS and they had a bunch, not sure which to get :shock: That looks like a fun job, I bet I won't get any offers of help on that one :frightened:
Karen
nhstt
Teardrop Master
 
Posts: 153
Joined: Sat Jan 26, 2013 1:31 pm
Top

Re: The Ladybug-Out

Postby nhstt » Fri May 10, 2013 10:14 pm

Image
Working on the boxes before running off to work!
Image

Two down one to go!
Image

Test fitting the first two boxes.
Image

The boxes are made from 1/2" birch ply 15x15x9, glued and screwed overlapping edges so the bottom of the box is cut 1/2" larger on both sides. This worked out great!
Karen
nhstt
Teardrop Master
 
Posts: 153
Joined: Sat Jan 26, 2013 1:31 pm
Top

Re: The Ladybug-Out

Postby nhstt » Mon Jun 03, 2013 8:10 pm

Gordon traces the box on the floor before cutting it out
Image

First cut :shock: Nerve wracking
Image

The floor moves outside 8) Boxes in place!
Image



starting to varnish the bottom!
Image


Three coats Danny :applause: Image


My 13 year old took this :thumbsup: I love it!
Image


Will puts down the camera and grabs a brush. I want the boys to be able to say I built this when it's all done.
Image


Image


After 3 coats of varnish and sanding, sprayed the bottom with 4 cans of rustoleum undercoat.
Image


Yes it smelled! but not as bad as the brush on roof tar. Ruined on of my favor polar fleece jackets :x Got black all over it when I accidentally leaned on the side.
Image


Danny's turn :applause: Only one kid with a spray can at a time :?
Image


Karen
nhstt
Teardrop Master
 
Posts: 153
Joined: Sat Jan 26, 2013 1:31 pm
Top

Re: The Ladybug-Out

Postby celticquetzel » Sat Jun 15, 2013 2:38 am

Part of the appeal of TDs is the cuteness factor... and yours fits the bill. And I love that it's a family affair. Great job! :)
celticquetzel
Teardrop Master
 
Posts: 124
Joined: Thu May 30, 2013 4:14 pm
Top

Re: The Ladybug-Out

Postby gregp136 » Sat Jun 15, 2013 8:06 am

Looking Great!!!!!

Greg and Laurie
Image
User avatar
gregp136
The 300 Club
 
Posts: 329
Images: 100
Joined: Sun Jan 03, 2010 8:11 am
Location: West Allis, Wisconsin
Top

Re: The Ladybug-Out

Postby bc toys » Sat Jun 15, 2013 11:07 am

you are doing a great job and those boys will remember this forever so share it with them all the way to the end.
bc toys
2000 Club
2000 Club
 
Posts: 2217
Images: 42
Joined: Sun Jun 28, 2009 2:45 pm
Location: LAS VEGAS NV
Top

Next

Return to Build Journals

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 15 guests