Kit Profile/Lofting Information

[jride200]

Hi All, As the title states, I'm looking for lofting information for the Kit teardrop camper. I can get a general idea, from looking at various pics, but if anyone has this information it'd be a big help. I've looked in the design library, and I've searched, but I can't seem to find anything. I already have Mr. Whipp's full size tracings, which I will use when it comes time to make my router template, but I'd first like to do some work on the old drawing board. Thanks! Jason

 

[tinksdad]

I've got a Kit profile done in Sketchup if it will help. It may not be exact to Grant's full size; but it's darn close. It wouldn't be hard to overlay a grid and get some measurements.

 

[jride200]

Great... How can I get the file from you? I've not used Sketchup, but I suppose its time for me to learn.

 

[Mark72-TNT]

I just don't know why but no one seems to want to do the kit profile in cad. Grant sells the profile for a reasonable price but that still doesn't do anyone who wants their local sign shop to route the profile and door on their CNC table any good. A good steady hand will cut all the shapes but the accuracy you would get especially on the door gap would be excellent from the CNC router!
I don't know but it seems to be taboo..

Mark

 

[tinksdad]

Can't speak for anybody else; but for myself..... I haven't mastered CAD yet.

 

[danlott]

The KIT profile is actually a closely guarded trade secert. Sort of like the COKE formual or KFC's 13 spices. Although you can buy profile tracings, they are not exact copies of the KIT profile. Only 2 people know the true profile layout measurements. One person knows the front half, while the second knows the back half. These 2 people do not know each other and have never met. How these 2 people are selected and how the measurements come together is a secert.

As you can see getting a true profile layout of a KIT teardrop would be close to impossible and would probably get you put in jail if you were able to get one. Even if you were to get close and believe that you did have a true KIT profile, the former company lawyers would quickly deny that your profile was a true KIT profile.

Good luck with your quest.

Dan

 

[Mark72-TNT]

good thing I can't use CAD!

Mark

 

[tinksdad]

OK..... I'm a glutton for punishment. Just spent a good part of the movie I'm trying to watch taking x,y measurements from my sketchup version of the kit profile. They are hand written at this point. Give me some time (not tonight!) to type them up into some kind of file and if they will be of any use to you, they are yours.

 

[eamarquardt]

I have the original drawings of the Kit profile before it was copied, torn in half, and the two halves (yeah, I know two halves is kinda redundant) entrusted to two different people that don't know one another.

I could tell you, but then I'd have to kill you!

Such is life (or death if I tell you, but I won't do either).

Cheers,

Gus

 

[reo-ron]

Hey did anyone ever get a KIT profile in some kind of computer format???????? I want to cut one on a shop bot but need profile in some kind of computer format. CAD, etc
HELP!!!!!
Ron in Tulsa

 

[mikeschn]

Can't speak for anybody else; but for myself..... I haven't mastered CAD yet.

I have not mastered CAD yet either. Even though I use 2 CAD systems at work, and 3 CAD systems at home. Usually just about the time I think I have it figured out, the next release comes along, and everything has been moved and changed.

It wouldn't be too hard to come up with a KIT profile, if someone has a good side view. And I'll bet that's what Tinks did!

Mike...

 

[Camperdude58]

Closely guarded secret???!!! Just call Grant...he has the complete full size profile on heavy brown paper to purchase. Makes it very simple.
Or call me and I can trace a profile off one of my original sides I have sitting around. You can't get much more factory than that.

 

[reo-ron]

The full size profile will not help. I need a CAD type fill to program the computer controlled router to cut the sides exactly. The precision cuts and gaps would sure speed up the build.
Ron

 

[Camperdude58]

Oh sorry I missed that little note.

 

[Oldragbaggers]

The full size profile will not help. I need a CAD type fill to program the computer controlled router to cut the sides exactly. The precision cuts and gaps would sure speed up the build.
Ron

Cutting the sides takes about 10 minutes each once you have it drawn out (from Grant's handy profile or whatever other source you find). It won't speed up the build too much if you spend a month looking for a program to do it for you??

Grab that jigsaw and just "git 'er done"!!

 

[reo-ron]

This build will be a little different, It will be made using no wood. I have some corrugated aluminum(think metal cardboard) for the floor and some pvc clad with aluminum for the side walls. I want precision cuts and gaps so I don't have to do any sanding. I have access to a shop-bot to cut all the side openings and profile. I'm building this to be very light and VW inspired. VW windows in the doors and modified early VW fenders and lights. To be pulled with the wife's TDI Bug. It will be sorta ol' school look with modern tech construction. The frame is built and one fender is built.
Ron

 

[Oldragbaggers]

Oh...I see!!

That sounds very interesting (and high tech!!). I will be anxious to see pictures of the build as it progresses.

I never cease to be amazed at what the folks on this forum come up with. Good luck to you with your new technique. Who knows, you may be coming up with the next "big thing" in production teardrop building. Very inventive.

 

[SC Campbell]

Hi all,

Did a Kit profile ever make it onto CAD?

SC

 

[powelly78]

I've got a Kit profile done in Sketchup if it will help. It may not be exact to Grant's full size; but it's darn close. It wouldn't be hard to overlay a grid and get some measurements.

Hi,

Do you still have the Kit Profile in Sketchup? I would be interested in a copy.

Craig.

[email protected]

 

[powelly78]

Found a set of plans!