How many King Richard's are left?

[real550A]

Ted- I've been checking the fit often, as I progress. It really turned out well, and very stiff. Has a nice feel to it. I put another coat of varnish on it tonight.
Might get away with just one more, maybe two. Then, fasten the aluminum skin in place, mount the lid half of the hinge, and add the hardware.
I really think doing the floor and walls will be a walk in the park, after doing this panel! Have you started yours yet?

[TRP]

Ted- I've been checking the fit often, as I progress. It really turned out well, and very stiff. Has a nice feel to it. I put another coat of varnish on it tonight.
Might get away with just one more, maybe two. Then, fasten the aluminum skin in place, mount the lid half of the hinge, and add the hardware.
I really think doing the floor and walls will be a walk in the park, after doing this panel! Have you started yours yet?

I have not started the hatch yet. I'm going to wrap up the wiring and the final layer of 1/8th birch on the inside before I turn my attention to that. Originally I had done one layer of 1/8th birch ply on the interior. The birch ply has a light side that's pre-sanded and a darker side which is less attractive. After looking at it last night, I realized that I had put the 'dark side' showing on the interior. I could sand it down and make it pretty, but it's hard to match the color so my screw holes/nail holes will show. I also feel that a second layer won't hurt. It's only 20.00 a sheet, so why not. I'll get that buttoned up tonight or this weekend. The fuse panel, the battery box, battery wires, and the blue-top will be here Monday. Maybe I can fiddle with the wiring next week. We are headed out camping for labor day weekend, so I won't get to work on it over the 4 day weekend. (booo!)

I do want to finish the hatch before I install the galley and rear cabinets. I'd like to be able to close the hatch and sit on the inside to check the fit and alignment. I still don't understand where the weatherstrip goes for the sides and bottom of the hatch. I will have to get Steve to take a couple of photos of that.

I still need to figure out what I'm going to do in the galley area. Not sure how I'm going to lay that all out. Same question for the rear interior cabinets. I'm thinking I will use cherry to trim everything out, but I'm not sure.

Till next time,
T

[real550A]

Finally got a few hours to work on the KR! Fall is coming fast, and there's much to do around here before Winter.
Final attachment of the aluminum skin, sealed along outside edges.

New hinge from Grant is going to work out well! Here's the new hatch installed.

Makeshift electrical center. (to be replaced during total restoration).

[TRP]

Hey! Look at you! The hatch looks GREAT! I hope mine is 1/2 as nice.

Coming along really nicely. I'm interested to learn what the two switches and the plunger thing are for? (the items mounted to the black panel there in the last photo?)

Ted

[real550A]

Ted, the switch panel is just something out of a parts drawer that I modified for temporary use. The "plunger" is acutally just a vintage pull type light switch,
from a '50's automobile that I'm using for the galley light. The other switches are just there, not in use at this time. I'll redo the entire setup, when I replace the floor, walls, etc., similar to what you're going through presently. I've got too much scheduled right now, to tear into that project and do it properly. The chassis
wiring in this trailer isn't great, but is isn't that bad, either. I'll retain most of it, for now.
I'm checking your gallery photos from time to time....you're coming along GREAT! Good luck as you progress! Mike

[dguff]

I think there are 31 King Richards left. Just an opinion.

Jerome

[TRP]

Ted, the switch panel is just something out of a parts drawer that I modified for temporary use. The "plunger" is acutally just a vintage pull type light switch,
from a '50's automobile that I'm using for the galley light. The other switches are just there, not in use at this time. I'll redo the entire setup, when I replace the floor, walls, etc., similar to what you're going through presently. I've got too much scheduled right now, to tear into that project and do it properly. The chassis
wiring in this trailer isn't great, but is isn't that bad, either. I'll retain most of it, for now.
I'm checking your gallery photos from time to time....you're coming along GREAT! Good luck as you progress! Mike

Hey Mike!

My progress has stalled a bit due to weekend trips and what not. I think I'll be able to get back on it this coming weekend. Although I may be making a trip to the dump on Saturday to make some room in the garage. Last night while putting away the camping gear I noticed that the 2.5 car garage was starting to get a little cramped. I'm not one to enjoy a cluttered shop/garage so I may take a pause on the build while I clean up my space a bit. Essentially - I need to clear out some space so I can move my new gun safe into it's new home. Right now it's kind of in the way. Other than that, I have a bunch of 'stuff' that I haven't used in years, so it can 'go away' now.

I did manage to get all of my supplies so I can wire up the entire trailer. I picked up a battery box, optimia blue top, a nice quality fuse panel, some 0 gauge wires and other odd and ends. I just need ground terminal bus and I'll be all set. I may just make one out of some copper bar stock. Once I settle on the final design of the rear cabinets I should be able to mount the cabinets in their final spot and then knock out the wiring. I want to get that all buttoned up and tested before I apply the aluminum. Just in case I spiked a wire or something.

I'm thinking about getting my original trim soda blasted and polished before putting it back on. There are also a few spots I'd like to have TIG welded (cracks and extra holes filled up) before final assembly. Obviously - that's a ways off.

Fair warning - I may harass you when it comes time to build my hatch. Although, I have a local tear dropper here in town (Dano) who has offered to lend a hand. He's built 3 trailers, so his local experience is going to be invaluable.

I'll keep you updated on my progress.

T

[paramedicrescue101]

Hi to each of you. I just found this website, and wanted to let you all know I have had a King Richard teardrop trailer for many decades. Around 1980 I bought my 1959 King Richard from a family friend that we camped with once. He was the original owner, so I am now the second owner. The floorboard was rotten when I bought it, and I had some time on my side, so I restored the trailer including removing and replacing the floorboard. We then took it camping. It was great fun, and a head turner since in the 80's there wasn't many teardrops around. I have never seen another King Richard teardrop in my area of So.CA. I know they are extremely rare. Unfortunately it has been stored in the back (covered, under a tarp) for the last 20 years. It could use some mild to moderate restoring now, but due to injuries I sustained while with the LAFD, I am incapable of doing so. I am considering my options.

[Mesquite]

I realize that this is a really old thread, but I have one. I just bought it from a gent who has owned it for 40 years.