New build, "the 78 teardrop"

[Danny]

Am I reading correctly? Usually, the chassis can weigh around 300# and you are saying that you hope your build comes in around 300#? There are no moving metal parts that I can see under that teardrop. Are you having a chassis built or do you have something special planned?

The harbor freight trailer weighs about 92 pounds and, The teardrop I am building is constructed of mostly pine and 1/4 inch ply..very light weight.. Roly's stacker came in at 245 pounds I believe and He used the same trailer frame I will be using.This allows me 208 pounds of lumber,glue and screws,hinges and locks....the heaviest component is the floor(1/2 ply. Hope this helps you out..Danny..P.S., remember this micro tear is only 78 inches long and 41 wide..Thus the name "78 tear" or 78 RVM

[Danny]

One more time saving tip.. When you cut your floor to width, cut your ceiling liner at the same time. The result will be a perfect match..Danny

[S. Heisley]

Am I reading correctly? Usually, the chassis can weigh around 300# and you are saying that you hope your build comes in around 300#? There are no moving metal parts that I can see under that teardrop. Are you having a chassis built or do you have something special planned?

The harbor freight trailer weighs about 92 pounds and, The teardrop I am building is constructed of mostly pine and 1/4 inch ply..very light weight.. Roly's stacker came in at 245 pounds I believe and He used the same trailer frame I will be using.This allows me 208 pounds of lumber,glue and screws,hinges and locks....the heaviest component is the floor(1/2 ply. Hope this helps you out..Danny..P.S., remember this micro tear is only 78 inches long and 41 wide..Thus the name "78 tear" or 78 RVM

WOW!

[Danny]

OK..Brief update on the "78" ..Skinned the galley/cabin shelf top. single piece of 1/4" 30 x 41..Then installed the galley bulkhead(upright back)..Solid piece of 3/4" 18 x 41..fit like a glove.. squared it up and screwed it in..Pine is so much lighter in weigt than 3/4 inch ply..easier to work with(JMHO),looks better..TIP* you can buy pre glued,3/4" wide pine boards at the box stores..All the way up to 36" wide by 8 feet.. So, the spars are in back to the galley hatch and the ceiling liner in the cabin, galley top, and bulkhead..All installed this week..Neighbors want to know when it will be finished..lol.. They think it takes too long.. They don't get it. Americans have become used to buying plastic junk.Buy handmade crafted tears, Quality is long remembered afer price is forgotten.. .Danny

[Danny]

OK, the hatch is done except for skin.. I think I will take some pix tomorrow while all the spar(e) ribs are showing..The tear needs to be skinned and, I need to select a color for the top(leaning towards deep forest green with clear gloss woodie sides),maybe gloss black top ..

[Danny]

Fabricated window frame(s) for door window.. Will be fixed. Thinking of putting in some louvered air vents for good circulation.. Any ideas for vents??? maybe something you can buy off the shelf at a box store? soffit vents maybe?? Also took quite a few pix of build,structure, galley lid, etc. will try to upload in next few days.. Danny

[Danny]

Da PIX

[Danny]

[Danny]

OK, skin is on back to hatch.. will skin hatch and below hatch at rear of tear this weekend..All for now..

[Danny]

[Danny]

Hatch is now skinned glued clamped and drying..Trying something different(not new) hidden hatch hinge.. so far, it is working well..Still I kind of like the hinge out, I don't know

[aggie79]

Danny,

Your teardrop is coming along nicely. Have you taken her outside yet?

Trying something different(not new) hidden hatch hinge.. so far, it is working well..Still I kind of like the hinge out, I don't know

You have our attention. We're awaiting pictures of this detail.

Take care,
Tom

[Danny]

Danny,

Your teardrop is coming along nicely. Have you taken her outside yet?

Trying something different(not new) hidden hatch hinge.. so far, it is working well..Still I kind of like the hinge out, I don't know

You have our attention. We're awaiting pictures of this detail.

Take care,
Tom

It turned out well, I ended up adding one more spar(turned flat) right behind the hinge spar of the hatch. this was done to allow a inch and a half glue area (gorilla glue), then the hinge being already installed, allows silicone on the hinge plates to adhere to the skins.. so, gorilla glue on everything except where the skins meet the hinge..clear sealant works well and is absolutely waterproof..Care must be taken to get a good heavy bead BUT, do not let any sealant get on where you will paint or stain...Tom, your tear looks very cool..nice fenders..that gray hammered finish on the cabinets, was that done with a can?

[Danny]

sides now glued and screwed to floor..Still waiting for HF trailer on backorder..Availability: On backorder..http://www.harborfreight.com/automotive-motorcycle/trailer-accessories/1090-lb-capacity-40-1-2-half-inch-x-48-inch-mini-utility-trailer-with-12-inch-four-lug-wheels-and-tires-90153.html

[teardrop_focus]

Danny... here's a hint so that we may avoid the dreaded "side scroll" when viewing your excellent thread:

When entering a picture's URL surrounded by IMG tags, please use the Enter key to move the following picture down to the next line.

Thanks!