The Big Weekend Day 2
So there's that gap. While looking at it, I realized I needed to cut out a section of the hinge side attached to the trailer where it crossed the sides. The aluminum was too long and was impinging on the sides. The dremel handled this well--I was trying not to cut too much, so it was up and down a couple of times as I got the right amount removed.
I was having trouble getting the SS screws in. The clutch on both cordless drills kept engaging well before the screws were set. I know they are soft so I'm trying to be careful and not twist the heads off. But, if I make the pilot hole too large or too long, I won't get max holding power. You know, the classic soft screw dilemma. Had the same thing with brass screws.
Anyway, I decided I needed a drill with more torque. So it's off to my favorite store again.
Got a good price on the porter cable drill. And dang it, it did the same thing. Clutch engaged, same as the cordless drills. What in the world is going on here?
Fortunately this morning I brought a pondering chair with me. After using it a while I decided to change the driver bit. Amazingly, this worked. I went from a 1.5" long bit to a 6" bit, and for some reason the clutch stopped engaging and the screws started going in. I did twist one head off, but I was putting too many screws in anyway so I decided that was an acceptable level of spoilage.
I got the hinge halves attached to the hatch and the trailer. Now I needed to thread the hinge onto the trailer. My son in law came out to help, but it was obvious we didn't have enough oomph to get there. Just then 2 unlucky aprtment denizens--each with huge biceps--drove up. We got it 80% on and it just stopped. So we pulled it off, and since it's a camper there was no WD40 but there was liquid soap. An excellent lubricant. Zip it's on!
After that it was easy. Edge trim on the side-roof joint.
Then re-purposed floor trim to cover up nasty joint workmanship.
I am very pleased with the results. This is what I saw in my head a year ago!
Vintage Technologies sent me a little paper bag full of SS screws. When all this work was done I had three left.
Here's my workspace--quite a difference from the space I used to build this thing. But, I am grateful to have it. It's only 15 miles from my house and I'm getting to see my daughter each time I come over. I offered to let her make a cut with the dremel today, but it was quickly obvious that was not in her comfort zone.
loomanum trim is dirty.
It has been a long day--started 10 am, it's now 5 pm, no lunch, time for, you guessed it, sweet tea.
Left to do: I need 18' feet of the plastic strip that covers the screws, and I need to caulk and add a few pieces of weatherstripping. Hey if I do everything today, there would be nothing left for tomorrow!