McBrew's Cub Build

[McBrew]

I've been fooling around with my HF trailer for a couple of months, but I have finally made a little progress "above the floor." Here are a few pictures that my fiancee (Brandy) took while I was "working." I am cutting a template from MDF board. Later, I'll clamp plywood to it and use a router to make my inner and outer walls.


Here I am placing screws for the string.


Drawing the curves.


Here is the rough cut shape.

The next step is to belt-sand it down to the exact shape. I'll get that done sometime this week.

[Miriam C.]

Great profile Greg! Now for some real sawdust!

[BillandMarijo]

Nice shape. Your going to be hooked now. Lol
Bill

[McBrew]

Great profile Greg! Now for some real sawdust!

Thanks... but I'm Jesse, not Greg... lol!

[angib]

Here I am placing screws for the string.

Good photos - may I steal them to add to the ellipse-drawing guide?

Any problems with 'string stretch' and what did you use? Just regular organic string?

Andrew

[McBrew]

Here I am placing screws for the string.

Good photos - may I steal them to add to the ellipse-drawing guide?

Any problems with 'string stretch' and what did you use? Just regular organic string?

Andrew

If they will help at all, please use them! The string I used was a little stretchy, but it helped to make everything line up. It was just some construction string that I've used for everything from plumb bob work to pouring concrete.

[McBrew]

I used my planer and belt sander to get the shape of the MDF template finished up today.

I also worked out the location of the axle... which wasn't as straight forward as I had hoped. Those Harbor Freight trailers aren't perfectly square . Oh well. The axle is clamped into position... I just need to drill and bolt it onto the frame. I guess I'll need to remove the axle and bolt the brackets to the frame, then reinstall the axle to the brackets.

I am seriously thinking about a painted roof instead of bare aluminum. What about Filon? y RV has a Filon roof and it is some tough stuff. I am guessing it isn't too hard to paint. I am thinking a green roof would go well with the woody sides.

[McBrew]

I got the frame drilled and the axle bolted into place today! I also finished bolting down the wood frame to the trailer and stapled the floor onto that. Finally, I primed the top of the floor so that I can put the vinyl tiles on and I finished painting the frame black.

[BillandMarijo]

H ey;
Looks good. Looks like your on your way.
Enjoy the build.
Bill

[McBrew]

After taking a shower, cooling off, and having a gin & tonic (like spinach to Popeye), I headed back down to the garage and laid the floor tiles. They're standard 12" vinyl Armstrong tiles.



It's going to be a while before I can devote some real time to the project. I've got to work all this weekend, then my soon-to-be inlaws are throwing us an engagement party next weekend up in Gettysburg, and then I work the following weekend.

I will have October 3rd off... hopefully I can get something done that day.

[toypusher]

Jesse,

Looking good! Should really start taking shape now.

BTW: If you have time while in Gettysburg, go visit the new Visitor's Center. It is really great!! Of course, I am a Civil War buff of sorts!!

[McBrew]

Thanks for the words of encouragement! I just hate having nearly three weeks where I won't be able to do any serious work on it. I went out last week and bought the air conditioner and I was just in time... a lot of stores have stopped selling them for the year. I was able to snag an electronic 6,000 BTU unit for $105!

[2bits]

Hi Jesse,

As a fellow Cub builder I will follow your build with anticipation! I am in the home stretch on mine and I know how it feels knowing it is in the garage calling to you to spend some time with it!

[Sam I am]

Great looking floor, Jesse. Be careful not to damage it when you finish the interior. I put my floor tiles in last because I knew I would hog it up if i didn't. Sure enough, I slopped drops of glue and varnish on my plywood floor, then just covered them up with tile!
Sam

[McBrew]

It's been a LONG time, folks... I've been working a lot... got married... having a baby... whew!

Since I have limited time and an even more limited budget, I have scrapped the Cub design and am going for a generic Benroy. I switched from sandwich type walls to just 3/4" ply. The roof and floor will still be insulated. It is 4' wide to cut down on wind resistance and weight, since it will be towed by a subcompact car.

In two days, I got the walls cut, doors cut out, most of the roof spars put in, and got a good start on the cabinets. Here's a lousy cell phone pic includeing my two helpers: