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

[wlivesey]

Looking great Bill!

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

Tom

Thanks Tom. I'm using an electric sheer I picked up at NorthernTool. I tried using a router (low speed) without much success. The sheers seem much easier to me.
http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_200319669_200319669

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

Good eye! I've successfully annealed the aluminum trim for the front curve. It's not perfect but I think it will get the job done and look good.

Awsome idea with the flashing.

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

Mike...

Thanks, Mike. But I think it was Tom that suggested doing it this way a couple pages back in the thread. I've got to give him credit... Don't worry, the screws will have sealant on them... I might even avoid putting them into the shelf itself. The fewer holes the better, I think.

Any thoughts on welding the seam of the shelf trim?

[High Desert]

just read this thread. Wow You're building a fantastic looking trailer with some great variations Bill, very inspiring for us WW hopefuls . Thanks for the great documentation

[wlivesey]

just read this thread. Wow You're building a fantastic looking trailer with some great variations Bill, very inspiring for us WW hopefuls . Thanks for the great documentation

Thanks for the kind words. It's been a lot of fun building my own interpretation of the WW. Hopefully you can learn from my mistakes!

Here are a couple more pics of our progress on the aluminum skin. It's just loosely clamped in place right now but it's pretty well trimmed down to size and just about ready for installation.

[WesGrimes]

That skin is going to look really good on there. Looks like quite a challenge to glue as well.

[starleen2]

Good to see the resume of the build - lookin' good Bill Any plans to super polish the aluminun?

[planovet]

Good to see the resume of the build - lookin' good Bill Any plans to super polish the aluminun?

Get that WW finished and get camping!

[wlivesey]

That skin is going to look really good on there. Looks like quite a challenge to glue as well.

Don't quote me on it but I don't think there I'm going to use any glue. The windows and trim should be enough to hold the skins on. From what I've read, it seems that the glue doesn't really stay bonded to the aluminum for very long anyway.

Good to see the resume of the build - lookin' good Bill Any plans to super polish the aluminun?

As a matter of fact, I do plan to super polish the skins. I just have to find the right method to do so.

Get that WW finished and get camping!

I'm working as fast as I can!!! (That's not very fast)

[wlivesey]

Aluminum update... We got a late start today and I spent quite a bit of time working out some ugly spots on the edge trim. It turned out pretty nice... I expect to get a lot more done tomorrow.



We went for the riveted look.

[planovet]

Nice!

[Wig]

man! I can't wait to see this thing finished.

[wlivesey]

man! I can't wait to see this thing finished.

You and me both!

So I'm looking for some opinions... The aluminum is not laying down as flat as I would like it to. Because of the way the aluminum was rolled, it tends to try to bubble up. What's the best way to remedy this problem? I've got some ideas of my own but I'd like to see what all the big brains out there can come up with.

[aggie79]

Bill,

I purchased some VHB tape because I will need to seam the aluminum panels on my teardrop's roof. VHB will definitely keep the aluminum tight to the plywood. The only problem is it is not forgiving. Once adhered, it is permanent. There's no taking it up and repositioning.

I've heard of others using outside carpet mastic. It "sticks" but is not a permanent bond.

If you want to experiment, I have some extra VHB tape. PM me and I can bring it over.

Tom

[wlivesey]

Thanks for the VHB tape offer, Tom. I eventually decided that the riveted approach was best for me.

I got a lot done over the long Thanksgiving weekend. I managed to reinstall the leading edge trim, complete the front of the trailer, and finish about 85% of the shore side and about 25% of the curb side.

I really need to clean my garage.

[aggie79]

The for the VHB tape offer, Tom. I eventually decided that the riveted approach was best for me.

I got a lot done over the long Thanksgiving weekend. I managed to reinstall the leading edge trim, complete the front of the trailer, and finish about 85% of the shore side and about 25% of the curb side.

I really need to clean my garage.

Looking great Bill! The riveted look really goes with the lines of the trailer.

I'm glad someone got something done over the holiday.

[wlivesey]

Looking great Bill! The riveted look really goes with the lines of the trailer.

I'm glad someone got something done over the holiday.

Thanks, Tom. I'm really happy with how it's turning out. I have to admit though, it was kind of scary shooting the first couple of screws through the skin. There's no looking back now!