SIERRA NOMAD 1/31/11 did the mag. rack

[doug hodder]

John...it's a flexiride axle so is fixed to the frame bottom, only the end spindles rotate.

I dragged it out this morning and got a good look from the side. Here's where I was with it, (pic one). But after clowning around with it and really raising it a lot when I went to remove the tire, I could get it out if I went with my original plan on the outline.

I painted it up so that the new profile could be seen better as it's a collection of arcs and pieces cut 1 at a time ( taped together) and then removed the wheel till I got to a point that I couldn't get it out. I've had the wheel off and on about 8 times this morning and I can do it with the profile in white without touching the sides......but it ain't easy. It does look more Scottiesque however. I look at it this way. If I go with the 2nd one, I can always cut away at it later, much easier than adding material. Just aft of the wheel on this side, there will be an access door to storage under the bed and battery. Doug

[jhb]

Now that you have a better side view (and keep in mind I'm far more engineer than artist), in your second picture, I'd start leaving the (tire white wall) circle about 2 oclock and arc forward toward the original cutout. That might give you just a scooch more room to angle the tire up into the wheel well. And like you say, it will be easier to remove material than add it if you keep that in mind when laying it out.

I went and looked up the flexride, if my leaf springs give me any more trouble I might just cut them off and go that route, it will work with the way I built my frame.

[caseydog]

It's not my real favorite...but that's what the practice stuff is for. I had an earlier version made, but the wheel couldn't be removed without fighting it. With it the way it is now. I can just make up more templates (smaller) and stack them over the existing opening and play with the look. Scotties had a little sharp point on the front of the opening. I need to clank around some vintage trailer sites and get some more ideas on the opening. Doug

I tend to agree that the big round cutout looks out of character.

You wouldn't have to make it just like a Scotty. What about something similar to the old Ford Fairlane wheel arches...



The start round, and have a "fastback" finish to them.

CD

[halfdome, Danny]

Doug how about making a removable fender flare to fill in your wheel opening. Like maybe a 3/4" piece to your desired shape with bullnose edges. Use something like hanger bolts with wing nuts to remove it in the event of a flat. It could be a design element that you could paint with your accent color. It would give your sides some definition instead of flat walls. Danny

[bdosborn]

Doug,

Looks great! I like the inside-out build approach. I don't know why but I don't get email updates on your thread even though I'm watching it. I'll have to remember to check back in more often as your builds are always a favorite of mine.

Bruce

[teardrop_focus]

doug hodder

By Jove! I think he's got it!

[Miriam C.]

doug hodder

By Jove! I think he's got it!

Much better!

[satch]

I like this better

[jhb]

I like this better

That doesn't look like Doug...

[Chip]

NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!! I think ya just ruined campin for me for life,,,,

[doug hodder]

I picked up the side ply the other day and tonight got it all cut into pieces and glued up. I splined it together and glued it with epoxy. Dimensions are 6'4" x 11'. Plan is to get them cut to shape tomorrow and trial fit up. Then paint. I wasn't too careful with the epoxy on the face of them since they get painted anyway and used a squeegee to take care of the squish.

[prohandyman]

Doug
Where did you get your profile drawing from?

[doug hodder]

Dan, I have a friend with a Scotty that I took some side pics of to help, but my profile is mostly one that I cooked up. Doug

[John T. Hodgen]

Hey Doug,
I just caught up with your build! I knew you was building and seen the first thought thread and color boomerang stuff. The Nomad? I love the trailer and color, my thought of that is--where is the pinstripping?? It would get the Troops on their knees checking it out! Love the whole concept, keep up the great work and I really like your "Diner Rail"!!!
Til later by the fire--John T. & Linda
Kewl Stuff!!!!!

[doug hodder]

Here's the Sunday update: Steve E came by and helped me wrestle the sides around and we spent most of one day measuring and creating the profile, lots of armwaving, discussion and yucks. We plotted the coordinates, but after they were on the side, we decided to take a piece of lexan and use it as a template to smooth them all out a bit.

We trial fit the door side that day. That night I did the final cut on the profile, cut the doors and windows, flopped the other side down and traced it out and cut it also. A pick hook on the ceiling helps jockeying them around by myself.

Puttied up any visible crack from the splining, primed/ painted and got them speckled this morning. Mid afternoon, we got them up on the side and braced off across the top. I'm so glad to get this portion done. Big heavy sheets of goods are a drag to clown around with. I was so thankful that Steve came by to help on the first day and again today to help set them. I would have been sunk without another person. Thanks Steve!

The windows will be painted on the outer edge so they don't look so massive. They will also have all the corners raidused on them.

In case anyone is wondering....NO...it won't fit out the door as it sits, I'm shy about an inch. I'll wait till it comes time to pull it out to paint the roof material and at that point I'll have a better idea on how it's really going to sit as most all the weight will be on it then. I'm thinking of making the trim piece on the header of the garage removable. Cut it, and hinge it so that it will swing out of the way. I'd like to not have to drop it any lower, but can on the flexiride, maybe 1 spline.

Next step, build the upper portion of the galley and the front seats/table. Doug