And Thus It (Widget) Begins

[Dandy]

Well, things sort of went from concept to reality today with a successful trip to the RV surplus store today. The purchased items represent the first investment, other than time, into the Widget build.

I was really surprised to find the T@b doors available. But considering the T@bs are built about two miles away from this place, I guess it stands to reason they would have some. We really went back and forth on weather or not to use one on the Widget, but after I did a scale drawing, we decided it looked o.k.

I bought two windows and was in such a buzz to make sure they were the same size I didn’t notice until I got home that one was tinted and the other wasn’t – can you say “dummy” while laughing as hard as my wife did? (Actually, she didn’t say “dummy” – she was less polite).

Now its back to the computer to draw the parts for the wall frames. They will be cut on a CNC router. After that, I’ll build a small wooden test frame covered with extruded polystyrene and epoxy/fiberglass to see if it is worth the effort and expense to do the exterior walls and top using this “composite” arrangement. My goal here is to build an ultralite Widget.

Surplus Parts

Widget w/ T@b Door

[b.bodemer]

You are off to a great start!

Barb

[WarPony]

Dandy,

I'm going to be watching this build closely. My third is going to be a Widget so it'll be interesting to see your ideas.

Oh, what are the dimensions of that door and how much moolah?

Jeff

[Miriam C.]

Great start! I love the door and window!


Enjoy

[peggyearlchris]

Those parts look great. Peg

[Camping Embers]

That door is beautiful!!! I'm working on a design for a standie too. I'll be interested in seeing your progress. Post lots of pics eh?

Man....Love that door!

[jimqpublic]

Awesome door! I look forward to seeing another Widget to ogle.

[groveb]

So which surplus store did you visit in Elkhart and if you don't mind me asking how much was the Tab door ? I live in Granger so only about 10 minutes from Elkhart.

[Rarin2go]

Good start Dandy,
Get the basics and build around them is a fine concept.

[Dandy]

For those of you who asked, I got the door at Bontragers in White Pigeon, MI. They were asking $45, but when I hemmed and hawed a little about it not having a lock, they gave it to me for $30.

They have about a dozen of these left, most do not have locks (meaning they are missing just the outside key cylinder). They are in good shape with just very minor blemishes. Most are gray and a couple are white. Also, l should mention that all of the ones that are left have a door catch installed in the upper right hand corner - the one I bought does not. I wasn't sure if there would be anywhere on the trailer to mount the mating part of the catch.

It looks to me that painting them would not be an issue. The lock on the other hand may be a bigger problem to solve.

Dave

[Mike C.]

Dave,


I hate to repeat everyone else, but I really like that door.

I think that will make your trailer look really good. I wish the place you bought it was nearby. I wonder if they could UPS one to Missouri. I think I will give them a call.

Thanks for sharing the site.

[s4son]

How can we get three or four of those doors to Missouri? Anyone going that direction for anything?

Scott F.

[robert johnson]

Wow that cuts down on a lot of work! I had to build my door with a round top. My stand up trailer is very simular to the Widget, I also tried to build it very light weight. its stick built, covered directly over with .025 aluminum, bubble wrap insulation, and 1/8 birch on the inside. not quite done on the intirrior but I weighed it the other day and was at 850 lbs loaded on a trip.


....Bob

[Podunkfla]

Wow... If I was up that way I'd scarf up ALL those doors in a heartbeat! Cut down they would even work for your average little tear too... whata deal. Dandy... you oughta grab em all and sell them to forum members... You can get way more than that on ebay too.

[Bill Fernandez]

Dont forget the pictures I want to see how this one turns out
Bill