New build in Maine started

[sschevel]

Ok it is likely a few may have noticed my other post but perhaps better to start here.

I picked up a heavy duty HF trailer for $319.

Having a 2000# axle with 5 bolt hub made a good choice on the HF trailer as it came with the same 5 bolt rims in a 12 inch rim keeping the trailer lower to the ground.

I started on the trailer and did like the short tongue so I moved the mount forward 6 inches.



I will also add a small 3/4 inch square tube from the hitch back to the second cross member and plan to use it to additionally run my wire harness back. Welded in will add additional tongue support to the A frame.

Next step was to widen the spring supports out to 5 foot and I cut the angle iron at 5 foot and then it was a tight fit and likely should have been 5 foot and 1/4 inch but it welded up just fine.
I put the axle above the spring as the axle had the slight arch, and cut the notches in the spring support.



So much more to plan out and calculate as the build goes. I checked on some 1/2 inch plywood with a finished side at 30 bucks a sheet and thinking I need 4 sheets (2 bottom 5X9 and 2 side 4X10) will do it and with a nice spar urethane finish will look good......

[aggie79]

Sschevel,

I know it feels good to get started and you've got a great foundation going.

Keep in mind these things are a lot of work. Don't get impatient if takes longer than you think. (I'm approaching year #2.)

BTW, does you signature mean you have an Chevelle SS as a tow vehicle and what is your first name?

Tom

[SkipperSue]

Coming up on year 4 for me! Getting close though.

[teardrop_focus]

Don't get impatient if takes longer than you think.

Always good to be reminded of this.

I am always better off when I remember the phrase, "Teardrop Time". It is beneficial too when I attempt to apply the philosophy to my daily life... /zen





SS, you've made a good start! Welcome to T&TTT.

[YuGun]

Hello,
Ä°t is 319 dolar and a complate trailer. We say a bit expensive then priceless. Ä°t is wonderful start. Good luck!

[down under tech]

Hello and Welcome: I am using the same HF trailer frame on my Cubby build. I didn't like the hitch configuration either. You can check out what I did to mine, in my blog and photo album. Good luck on your build and post lots of pictures, too. What is your name and where are you located in Maine?

http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?t=35314

[sschevel]

Hello group!

I only wish I had an old SS Chevelle, the one from HS days is long gone, but good catch, most people do not understand that.

I am in Durham Maine just outside of Freeport.

Name here is Guy

I see what you have done with the tongue and it looks nice! I moved mine out the 6 inches as I want to build the Grumman and that puts 12 inches of tear up and out over the tongue. This reduces the space and I am going 5 wide so it also reduces possible turn radius. Looking over the A frame tongue I could only allow myself the 6 inch move.

Tonight I finished the welds from the 5 foot extension to the spring holders and cut off the little C channels that originally went over the A frame tongue so I could move them outward and weld them back.

Still having some concern about the axle travel and posted the question in the trailer forum. No helpful answers yet. With the new axle above the springs I have an unloaded travel of less than 2 inches. Course my enclosed trailer only has 2 inches of travel but that is not fair as that trailer while empty is holding the weight of the trailer. On this tear build, the 2 inch travel is completely "unloaded".

At this point I am going to skip the concern about it and build on. The next step is to center the 4 foot frame onto the 5 foot axle frame and weld some short tabs. For now I will not fix the axle frame to the trailer frame until I finish and load the tear, that way I can move the axle around to get the tongue weight I want.

I read the forums and saw a post where someone listed some windows for the doors, I quick check on Ebay and I found the same windows about 30 bucks cheaper and so a set is on the way now!

Thanks for the help so far and if someone could tell me how much space from the top of their axle to the frame I would appreciate it!

[sschevel]

Here is the tongue beefed up just a bit.




Now waiting for that "C" so I can lengthen the frame to 9 feet. I bolted it together at 8 feet and put it up on the axle group and it was not very stable, so I pulled it back off and turned to painting the red box to black.

Next step is to get over and purchase some sheets of plywood and cut out a floor 5X9, and the profile.
Since the square tube addition to the tongue I am thinking of running the wires down that and building a drop box for the battery, charger, inverter, and shore power cord.

[sschevel]

Here is the axle "group"



It is starting off good so far.
Fan is in the shop, windows for the doors are in the mail.
I have located a inverter that was offered to me a few months back.
I have a 12 V power supply ready.

Purchased my "Fathers day" gift on clearance. A nice craftsman 10 inch table saw. I hate my delta 10 inch and would not give it to an enemy and while working with my father in law, he has this saw. We made several shadow boxes and this saw was wonderful with a sliding miter section!

[sschevel]

Well I put new spring seats on the axle, tough weld to get smooth and penetrate both items! Anyway moved the axle under the springs!
Picked up the plywood and now trying to imagine where the doors go!

Guy

[sschevel]

Ok, to catch everyone up.

I've completed the frame and it stands at 4X9.
I have the axle setup just clamped on but sitting right between the 35 and 40 percent. Only would have to drill and bolt or weld it in place.

Cut and put together a 5X9 3/4 inch plywood floor.

Built a drop box that is 34 width across trailer, 22 deep front to back, and 9 inches compartment depth. The plan here is to mount battery, inverter, charger.

Put on straps to make up the small space between the floor and cross members.

Next steps;
Weld a "U" to support the bottom of the box.
Put on the asphalt undercoat and start building upward!

I need to locate the galley hinge and a set of latches somewhere. Any suggestions?

[aggie79]

Sounds like you are moving along quite well Guy. (You just need to post some more pictures.)

BTW, I once owned a 1970 Buick Skylark GS with the 455 c.i. Stage I engine and Muncie 4-speed. Those were the days.

Tom

[deceiver]

Hey, Maine here too.. Southern Maine, Acton. Where you at?

[sschevel]

Your about 70 miles away. I am here in Durham, just outside Freeport! Heck if you feel like lending a hand on my build, I'd love to trade some thoughts, secretes, and ideas sometime.

As for my build here are a few photos.

Showing the axle setup under the frame. If you look close you can see the 1 foot added between the pair of 4 foot boxes of the original frame. The current placement of the axle is set right in the middle of 35 and 40 percent. The bolts on the frame currently restrict the axle setup from moving to the rear at this point so I am thinking to leave it right where it is.


I have glued up the plywood


Built the box


Painted it with fiber roof tar stuff


Now to find some help to flip the floor to make the work bench for making the sides.

[starleen2]

Your about 70 miles away. I am here in Durham, just outside Freeport! Heck if you feel like lending a hand on my build, I'd love to trade some thoughts, secretes, and ideas sometime.

. . . Now to find some help to flip the floor to make the work bench for making the sides.

deceiver - get on over there so we can get some picts