Hello from scotland!

[Shug]

Hello everybody!
Currently in a very wet Edinburgh yet still desperately wanting to build my own teardrop.
Inspiration came from Grizz's build posted on a UK retro cars forum, and I was like a kid at christmas when I found this place!
Some truly fantastic builds here (kudos to you all!) and if what I come up with is half as good, I'll be delighted.
Going to be an extra challenge for me, as I live in a flat with no space to build. My garage is a short walk away, is a shoebox and has no power. Once I finish off the current project (http://www.opel-manta.com/Manta35/car.JPG ,currently at in-laws) and what will be towing aforementioned teardrop, then I'll have all winter to build a teardrop ready for what passes for summer in scotland!

[absolutsnwbrdr]

Welcome to the madhouse! Rian (Grizz) is a heck of a nice guy! He mailed me a couple Scottish flags when he saw how I was going to paint my trailer. Glad he could inspire you to come check us out! His trailer is awesome!

[aggie79]

Welcome Shug,

Glad to have you on board! I wish we had some of your rain over here. In Texas, we're in the worst drought on record.

When you start building, please start a journal and post pictures!

Take care,
Tom

[planovet]

Ah Edinburgh, what a beautiful place. We visited there in 2006 and would love to go back. Of course we had to visit the castle and the grave of Greyfriars Bobby

Welcome aboard!

[Shug]

Thanks for the welcome folks!

Tom, if I could send the rain over I'd gladly oblige. You'd get the flood warnings as well though

Funnily enough, I've never been to the castle. Been in edinburgh 6 years now (from Inverness way originally), should really make an effort. Been to greyfriars bobby though. (the pub, not the churchyard! )

Loved your teardrop especially Zach. Colour scheme spot on!

[planovet]

Been to greyfriars bobby though. (the pub, not the churchyard!

Well, we did make it to the pub also

[campmaster-k]

Welcome brother. I have not seen an old Opal in years. Get that tear started.
-Kirk Kelleher

[2fry]

Always nice to see another Jock on board

Maybe it's a raft you should be building Shug...
Here is the link to my build
http://tnttt.com/viewto ... ttish+tear

I'm just out side Biggar in Lanarkshire,give me a should if you need a hand...

Graeme.

[BigAl]

Hiya Shug, There are a few Scots here, but most are intermittent visitors, so it might take a while for us all to come out of the (ply)woodwork. haha!

I am about 45 minutes drive away from you if you want a look at my tear and you are most welcome. You can also see my build thread via the link in my signature.

Nice Manta! BTW, I built 100% of my trailer during the bad winter and spring of 2009 in the open. Having a dry garage will help a lot! How about a little generator as a power source?

I can also help you source some materials if you are struggling to locate certain items or translate from American into English! (oh stop you lot, it was a joke!)

Have you settled on a design yet?

Anyway, I am glad you are on-board. Now you have joined the crew feel free to ask.

Cheers, BigAl.

[Shug]

Ah, design. The hardest part by far. Making my mind up!
I kinda like the side profile of the cub in the design library, but in 8ft format so as not to stress my poor manta. As the manta only weighs 950kg (even with a cast iron engine block, head and manifold!) , I'll need a lightweight one, and want braked hubs.
Only stuff I'm not sure about where/what to get is paint for floor. Not sure whats best in UK for black goop!
Missus wants something a bit more colourful than plain wood or aluminium. I was thinking two tone white/cream and red. (kinda inspired by this: http://www.thecampershak.co.uk/images/g ... dj_001.jpg which I could never afford! )
Cheers for the offer of a peek at yours, might take you up on that if I ever get 5 mins to sit down and organise the chaos that surrounds me!

[BigAl]

Hi Shug, The black goop is bitumen paint available from any builders merchant or B&Q, if you want to pay twice the price. It's around 8 quid for a large tin.

I got a lot of materials from Service Metals in Cumbernauld, who supply the commercial trailer trade. They do a glassed plywood, finished with a gel coat that would give you a very nice finish for your sides. I think they use it for the walls on box trailers. Available in many colours so long as it's white.

If you call them ask for Bill, tell him I sent you and he will give you the best price for sure.

Since you are building light, have you considered building a foamie? You can buy 25mm Pink urethane insulation board in 2440 x 1220mm sheet for about the same price or cheaper than marine ply, and it's insulating by default. The board is available from any builders merchant as well. You could glass over it for a strong yet light superstructure. If I ever build another (who am I kidding?) I will use this method.

Anyway, keep us informed, and go for it!

[Shug]

Cheers for the link al. Some of the other materials they do look interesting which could lend themselves to a strong lightweight td. (like the isoglass/isolight)

[3822sean]

welcome to the forum