Building the "Heart of Gold" - Done 3/9/2014

[drewh1]

more latch details - I added these metal brackets to secure the hatch latch. Once it is sandwiched into the ply, this latch isn't going anywhere. Now finishing up the galley and hoping Santa will bring me some cash for aluminum!

Hope all you TNTT''s have a great holiday!

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[drewh1]

Happy New Year to all you Tntt'rs. I got off to a nice start in the New Year. Finished my countertop and redid the hatch support. After I did the countertop, I had to adjust the clearance and decided to remake the hatch lift support so the wood would match the countertop! I think it looks a bit more elegant now and matches the shape of the sides better.

I also got my galley lower cabinet drawers and door cut out. I won't have the hinges and latches for a couple of weeks as they are backordered. I am flying into a blizzard headed for Vermont tomorrow so I won't get much done for a while anyway.

When I get back, i'll insulate and seal the thing up. Then on to Aluminum. Wow!

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[KCStudly]

That's looking really good!!!

[paul.luna]

Wow! That is a thing of Beauty! I am inspired.

[drewh1]

Thanks Paul and KC! Gonna close it up this week and maybe get distracted working on the tongue box. Hope your projects are going well!

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drew

[drewh1]

Got er skinned! seemed like a big step to close it up. I checked all the electrical again before doing it. I ordered the CPES to coat the outside. Next, I will start ordering aluminum. I am going to have to rent a truck to go pick it up.

Now I just have to skin the hatch and build my tongue box. I think I'll be ready for the April 1st opening of Ocean Cove!

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[KCStudly]

Nice milestone. Congratulations!

[drewh1]

More progress - skinned the hatch, got my doors and figured out my design for the tonguebox. Also got my CPES so I can start sealing things up.

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[KCStudly]

Looking good!

[aggie79]

Very nice. She's really looking good! As KC said, getting the shell together is a major milestone...and I might add it is a reason for celebration.

[Gunguy05]

Looking good, where did you purchase the doors?

Also, are you using Cpes on the entire outside before Aluminum?

[drewh1]

Thanks Guys! so nice to hear the feedback - I would like to celebrate but don't have time as I am Really motivated to finish this project now and in the midst of selling a house so I can go off and live in my teardrop (well part time anyway).

Looking good, where did you purchase the doors?

Yes - CPES on the entire outside - I only bought the 2 pints version. The rot doctor says that one heavy coat is enough although most of the guys on the forum use 3 or 4.

I bought these doors from Vintage Technologies (http://www.teardroptrailerparts.com) . They seem to be of really high quality, include seals and all hardware, just cut a hole and screw them together. I am very pleased and am using the extra time to design and build a VERY sleek tongue box! Weird though, last time I looked on his website, he didn't have these doors listed. I would get a hold of him and ask him if he can still get them. I like them better than the all black as they will match my aluminum skin and look more integrated.

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Lazy dogs!

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drew.

[RandyG]

I like the slant of the tongue box, . Make sure it clears the tailgate or hatch of the tv. That would be an "oops " I would make. Keep up the progress, you're on the back nine!

[drewh1]

I like the slant of the tongue box, . Make sure it clears the tailgate or hatch of the tv. That would be an "oops " I would make. Keep up the progress, you're on the back nine!

Hmm, hadn't thought about checking the hatch opening, excellent thing to check. The box slants in along the tongue as well as forward (compound angles have been driving me nuts), but I will double check the hatch opening.

drew

[drewh1]

Tongue box progress - complicated little box, but the hatch clears and very importantly, so does the crank for the wheel!

Oh - tongue weight at this point in the build is about 125 lbs. Battery will go in the front and should add about 50, don't know how much weight the aluminum will add. I should come in under 200 lbs right?

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