P(purple) T(teardrop) Snuizer

[Gaston]

My build is coming along well enough that my better half has decreed its ok to name it. (I think she realized it really will be done some day) the name is a play off the tow vehicle, a purple PT cruizer.
Progress so far is both sides, basic frame(need axle to finish), floor, front closet and rear sill test fit the rear sill assy and the front closet to the floor and every thing lines up fine. I'll set it on the frame and check the sides next then its on to the galley build. I've put it off cause I really dont know what I want for counter & cabinets or cooler ,or water, or microwave or.... Ive been looking at the galleys in the hall of fame and getting some really great ideas. I guess its time to suck it up and build something.

[mikeschn]

Let me guess... your tow vehicle is a Pontiac...

(It's not the Aztec is it? )

Mike...

[Wright]

Looking good there... but there's something... can't put my finger on it...

OH... hey... there ain't no wheels....

Do you know what axle/wheel/tire combo your using?

Still trying to decide on mine... will take any suggestions/opinions...

[Gaston]

No its not a Pontiac ,banner is left over from a previous life as a short track stock car builder, owner, sponsor, pit crew , and chief money provider ( my son got to do the fun part and drive) when He gets done rebuilding the house I'm selling him we will finish the shell in the backgroundand do some serious racing again. ( behind the frame in the photo below)
The axle I am useing is going to be a dexter torsion type 2000lb. I haven't ordered it yet as I havent been sure what angle to use. I'll mock up the frame and side panels then figure what I need for clearance then order either 10 or 22 degree down depending on what will work best.

[mikeschn]

I'm trying to remember what Grant says he always uses... I think he says 22* down.

But let me confirm that....

Grant?

Mike...

[madjack]

Let me guess... your tow vehicle is a Pontiac...

(It's not the Aztec is it? )

Mike...

what's wrong with an Aztek...we love ours...very cofortable, handles like a sports car, has plenty of "ommph" , gets 27mpg hwy, has air suspension (tow pkg)2000# without brakes, 3500 w/brakes, doesn't dent in parking lots/garages...and it is mostly American vrooooom vrooooom
madjack

[Hardin Valley Magic]

Mostly American!! Just razzin' ya.

[grant whipp]

Mike wrote:

"I'm trying to remember what Grant says he always uses... I think he says 22* down.

But let me confirm that....

Grant?"

10º UP is what I usually use ... figures out like a 4" dropped tube axle on leaf springs.

2,000# rated axle? Are you projecting a 1,500#+ dry weight when finished? The heaviest axle I've ever used was a 1,500# under a 5'x10' that had everything (including a kitchen sink, and a generator on the tongue) ... netted out at just over 1,100# ... never a problem and rode like silk.

Continued good luck on that build! In the meantime ...

CHEERS!

Grant

[madjack]

Grant's point about weight ratings reminds me of a couple of points that I have not seen mentioned and all may not know about.

First, your axle should be sized at 50% over intended load...in other word a 1000# trailer should be riding on a 1500# axle. This will give you your best ride/handling characteristics without being to stiff or too soft

Second, when you order a Flexiride or Dexter, the order form shows a 900#, 2000# and so on...
...these are the max rates that these axles are made for...
...you can order the weight rating at whatever you desire within that range...
...for example...
...when I ordered our 2000# Flexirde, I specified that it be configured for a 1500# weight rating, because I figured a 1000# max load when completely loaded for a trip
...the 2000# Flexiride and Dexter axles can be had in a range of 1000#'s to 2000#'s...
...this "adjustability" follows thru for all their axle size ranges...
...Just something to keep in kind when ordering
madjack

[mikeschn]

The Aztec was viewed by many as an ugly looking vehicle. And at GM we couldn't understand what they were doing offering such an ugly vehicle.

I understand a little more now. The Aztec was supposed to be a new breed, a crossover. They didn't get the forumla right then... so they went to Japan and bought the Matrix... aka the Vibe.

More recently though, they are getting it...

GM is a lot like Microsoft... never buy version 1 or 2. Always wait for version 3.

No one is arguing the functionality of the Aztec. It makes the perfect camping and towing vehicle. I even considered buying one for towing.. But all that is moot, if I can tow with the G6.

(At least until I build a Tab XL clone that Andrew could design for me!)



Mike...

Let me guess... your tow vehicle is a Pontiac...

(It's not the Aztec is it? )

Mike...

what's wrong with an Aztek...we love ours...very cofortable, handles like a sports car, has plenty of "ommph" , gets 27mpg hwy, has air suspension (tow pkg)2000# without brakes, 3500 w/brakes, doesn't dent in parking lots/garages...and it is mostly American vrooooom vrooooom
madjack

[madjack]

...alas the Mrs.(aka the poor girl) has a penchant for collecting ugly/unusual/different stuff...look at me, our mutant chihuahuas and her large collection of homeless stuffed animals so she just fell for the Aztek...anyway 2005 is the last year for the Aztek...the replacement vehicle is the Torrent...looks like a cross between the Aztek and the Trailblazer...I just wish they offered the 3.8 or 4.3 V6's in them...the 3.4 is a nice motor...but bigger is better
madjack

[Gaston]

The company I'm getting my axle from (quality axle/century wheel) doesn' t custom weight their axles. If you order a light weight torsion axle from them and ask for a 1500 lb axle you will get their 700-2000lb axle. they are all the same as far as the weight rating. you can order the angle and width of the beam and the hub face measurement. The up side of this axle is the price (if you talk real nice to them is about 145.00 with wide hubs and 5 on 4.5. it beats the best quote on a dexter axle in this area by about $100.00 ($255.00 from auto wheel in Portland.) in fact the torsion from Quality is cheaper than a spring type axle with hubs some other places. I suspect this axle is built the same place as the dexters are the start angles are the same as are most other specs.) I really thought I wanted a flexride so I could custom fit the ride height, but just the shipping cost on the flexride from texas is more than my axle cost.
.

[bledsoe3]

Gaston, Did you buy your axle yet? I got a Dexter #9 (2000#) for less than $200 from a place near Delta park. They even had it in stock. I can't remember the name of the place right now. PM me if you want the info and I get it when I get home. Jim

[campadk]

My build is coming along well enough that my better half has decreed its ok to name it. (I think she realized it really will be done some day) the name is a play off the tow vehicle, a purple PT cruizer.

Thats what we did Gaston.

We used to have a PT Cruiser and decided on PJ Snoozer as a play on the PT as well as the fact that we might be sleeping in PJ's in the thing.

We usually call it one of many nicknames these days: PJ, The Snoozer, or Snoozie.

Just remember you might change your tow vehicle.. then what?

Cheers

[Gaston]

I trial fit the pieces I have built today to see what it will look like on the frame at ride height, and to measure for rear cabinets and galley counter. I havent realized how big this thing is till now! I guess I should rename it monster tear!!