5X10 teardrop

[grr8]

Here's where I am at...
It is WAY more gratifying now that I have made progress. I passed hurdles that I was quite threatened by. Earlier on, I was wondering if I could actually do this. But I forged ahead, and here's where I am at... Hope you enjoy the documentation. Thanks for everyone's help on this great board. Cheers! Glen

Ready for Okoume skins

IMG_6527.jpg (17.66 KiB) Viewed 744 times

[grr8]

Also,

1/8" okoume clamped onto birch core panel

IMG_6498.jpg (12.7 KiB) Viewed 738 times

[grr8]

As well,

marking structural layout

IMG_6479.jpg (14.39 KiB) Viewed 737 times

[grr8]

Again,

[grr8]

Finally, the frame itself...
This was the biggest hurdle - right at the outset! Because I had never welded before. So after a lot of late nights on youtube I decided to give it a go...
In the end, the frame is better than I hoped it could be. It is perfectly square and the alignment is true. Also the Timbrens give a really plush ride - I carried all the wood at once and hauled it up north for a 3 hour ride. I figured it would be a similar approximate weight to when it is all built and ready to roll. I could feel it of course, but not much at all. It was a good test! The e brakes are not even hooked up.
Thats all for now. I hope it is interesting...
More to come (unless it gets really cold up north where I am building in an uninsulated garage)
Next steps are to finish the wall skins, and varathane the interior portions - indoors.
The ceiling and floors are to follow.

Cheers,
Glen

[grr8]

[youtube]https://youtu.be/688oMWRtHSA[/youtube]
walls are in place - gives me a terrific feel for where it is heading.
-Glen
https://youtu.be/688oMWRtHSA

[grr8]

[youtube]https://youtu.be/9t3FmCVsrAE[/youtube]
https://youtu.be/9t3FmCVsrAE

If you wait till the end you will see the windows I will be installing.
-Glen

[Mikel46516]

Nice design. Build is looking good. Can you tell us more about your windows?

[grr8]

Thank you.
The windows were from China. I ordered from Alibaba. I struggled with finding these until I started looking into the Chinese market. Even there, there is limited options if you want larger than 8inch.
Let me know if there are some specific concerns you have regarding fitment.
The large one for the door does not have bug screen so I will be adapting that into the build.
The smaller ones were the biggest size available. So it’s a bit of a mishmash but it will be fine. The trim ring was another issue. It doesn’t bolt together with the window - the bolt holes don’t line up so I had to devise a procedure for installation.

I want to consider how to match all three finishes. The door window is cast aluminum and the other two trim rings are chromed. Any ideas??
I doubt a spray can is appropriate. And the aluminum window opens and faces outward - so, no trim ring. It would be complicated to chrome it?

Thanks
Glen

[tony.latham]

I want to consider how to match all three finishes.

If you can take them apart, you might consider a powder coating company.

Tony

[Bama5150]

I'm watching this with great interest. My frame design is similar to yours, so good to see others trying it. I like the lower profile inline approach. My only difference really is that I have the 3 tongue pieces solid all the way back to the second crossmember. Looking forward to your progress.

[grr8]

Your frame has an advantage by extending the tongue pieces further back but I went with the understanding that a good weld is stronger than the steel. Either way I doubt there will be an issue. And yes, it was all about the lower profile - the Timbrens suspension arm is also designed to suit the low profile. I am pulling with a car, so it is actually perfect.
And thanks Tony - I will look into taking it apart and finding a powder coater. Can you match chrome with powder coating?
I had the drawers made in 1/8"th aluminum - ready for pickup. They are 76inches long. The next thing is the bed frame. I am going to drill out over a hundred 3inch holes in the 3/4" plywood to reduce weight. Call me crazy, - I bought two forstner bits - may even need to sharpen them to get it finished. Did I screw up buying a high quality environmental foam because I was told is resistant to mold and mildew? That sounded important to me. I think I overpaid, but if I can sleep comfortably for years to come I will be a happy camper.

[tony.latham]

Can you match chrome with powder coating?

I don't think you can expect a chrome finish with powder coating. You'd have to pick a color and have all your windows powder coated to match. It's a colored powder that is sprayed on and then baked.

Tony

[Nanny54]

Finally, the frame itself...
This was the biggest hurdle - right at the outset! Because I had never welded before. So after a lot of late nights on youtube I decided to give it a go...
In the end, the frame is better than I hoped it could be. It is perfectly square and the alignment is true. Also the Timbrens give a really plush ride - I carried all the wood at once and hauled it up north for a 3 hour ride. I figured it would be a similar approximate weight to when it is all built and ready to roll. I could feel it of course, but not much at all. It was a good test! The e brakes are not even hooked up.
Thats all for now. I hope it is interesting...
More to come (unless it gets really cold up north where I am building in an uninsulated garage)
Next steps are to finish the wall skins, and varathane the interior portions - indoors.
The ceiling and floors are to follow.

Cheers,
Glen

This is nice!

[JasenC]

There are some chrome paints out there. I've seen vids of it done with a spray gun by a shop and there is one or two rattle can systems out there that are amazing.

You can also doing a powder coat black chrome at home. Ran across it on a jeep forum years ago.

I'll see if I can find the links


Found them.

Also what about a wrap, check out Vvivid vinyl. that would be the least expensive route.

Killer Chrome rattle can https://alsacorp.com/product/killer-chrome/

Powder coat blk chrome http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f9/oh-yea-baby-once-you-go-black-742659/#post6915961

Hydrochrome video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A6kypid0XG0