Northwestern Build - Updated 7/4/2010 - Done!

[wlivesey]

That router guide was exceptionally clever!
I'm enjoying watching your build!

+1 That's using the old noodle!!!

There's one thing I forgot to mention - if you cut a wheel well this way, you'll want to make sure the weight of the trailer is still on the axle while you're cutting. I used a floor jack under the axle to support the trailer while the wheel was off. If you don't, your clearance will be less than you want.

[aggie79]

This I want to see!!!

I really want to see how you trim out the aluminum in the area where the hatch meets the sidewall. You know, that 3/4" wide shelf...

Mike...

You're not the only one wondering how I'm going to do that. Suggestions are welcome...

Hey Bill,

Since your shelf is straight and not curved, you might be able to use a z-shaped flashing something like this detail:



I recall seeing something like this made out of aluminum at the big blue box, and think it may have been about 3/4" on each leg. I want to say it was in the flooring section - perhaps a transition edge for tile.

Tom

[wlivesey]

This I want to see!!!

I really want to see how you trim out the aluminum in the area where the hatch meets the sidewall. You know, that 3/4" wide shelf...

Mike...

You're not the only one wondering how I'm going to do that. Suggestions are welcome...

Hey Bill,

Since your shelf is straight and not curved, you might be able to use a z-shaped flashing something like this detail:



I recall seeing something like this made out of aluminum at the big blue box, and think it may have been about 3/4" on each leg. I want to say it was in the flooring section - perhaps a transition edge for tile.

Tom

Thats a good idea. I'll have to check it out. My shelf is actually about 1 3/4 inches wide so it may not fit. I'm thinking about using a couple pieces of angle and some flat bar to achieve the same thing. It just depends what fits...

[wlivesey]

We got the exterior ply on the front today. Hopefully we'll get started on ALUMINUM!!!! (sorry for yelling) this weekend. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

We tried muscle...


...but we had to resort to wet towels and ratchet straps to get the job done.

[WesGrimes]

There is a hood ornament joke here somewhere...

[WayneFromMo]

I got lucky with bending my plywood. I laid it on a rail of my 16' trailer and after a few days with the morning dew it bowed, so I left it layng on my trailer about a week and put it on with the help of a couple of ratchet straps.

[starleen2]

We tried muscle...
...but we had to resort to wet towels and ratchet straps to get the job done.

Benn there done that!

[aggie79]

Okay Bill,

Are ya holding out on us. I know the way you and your wife work. Your trailer must be done now!

(I understand if you want to keep the grand unveiling until a gathering.)

Tom

[wlivesey]

Okay Bill,

Are ya holding out on us. I know the way you and your wife work. Your trailer must be done now!

(I understand if you want to keep the grand unveiling until a gathering.)

Tom

I wish I was holding out. Unfortunately, my wife and I both been under the weather. I missed 4 days of work. It's been nearly two weeks since we've made any real progress. I think it's going to be a grand unfurling... We will be there in a tent.

[aggie79]

Bill, I'm sorry to hear that y'all have been under the weather.

Don't worry about not having a trailer at gatherings. I lot of folks think my wife and I just show up for some free potluck dinners.

Not that you need it, but when y'all get going again, if you need an extra hand with the aluminum, don't hesitate to call.

Tom

[mikeschn]

Do you have your aluminum skinning solution all figured out?

Mike...

[wlivesey]

Do you have your aluminum skinning solution all figured out?

Mike...

Yes indeed. I do believe I have figured how I'm going to do it.

First of all, this is where we are with the aluminum skin. The window isn't installed permanently yet. It's just helping to hold the aluminum in place.


And for the skinning/trimming solution - here is a picture of the hatch shelf. It's about 1 3/4 inches wide.


I made a piece of aluminum flashing to weather proof the hatch shelf.


The flashing will sit behind the upper skin and over top of the lower skin.


One the flashing is in place, I'll cover it with 1x1x1/16 aluminum angle.


I had to cut about 1/8 inch off of each piece of angle so they butt together over the 1 3/4 shelf.


Right now, I'm thinking about trying my hand at MIG welding aluminum. It would be pretty cool to weld the two pieces of angle together to make a seamless trim piece for the hatch shelf. The flashing makes it unnecessary but "unnecessary" hasn't stopped me thus far.

[aggie79]

Looking great Bill!

What are you using to cut/trim the aluminum sheeting?

Tom

[starleen2]

Do I detect some curved Aluminum angle for trim in this pict??

[mikeschn]

Do you have your aluminum skinning solution all figured out?

Mike...

Yes indeed. I do believe I have figured how I'm going to do it.


I made a piece of aluminum flashing to weather proof the hatch shelf.

Awsome idea with the flashing.

And you're going to seal the screws so that water doesn't get under them?

Mike...