Good morning

[Steve N]

Lovely to find you all! I've been building cars and motorcycles since I can remember so I think this teardrop is going to be a a great project for me and my bride Janet. What got us started was my last unit reunion, I fought in Vietnam, we decided to hold our next one in Lebanon, Maine. The other side of the world from Idaho! Originally we were going to camp our way across the states but got to talking about building a teardrop for the trip. Thus - here we are!

I'm a born and raised Idahoan who left for the Marines in 1962. In 65 I went into Vietnam with the 9th Marines and spent 14 months getting a quality tan and enjoying the visits with the local people. In 67 I came back home and bought to Harleys for $50, a 49 and a 51, and built a custom bike that I rode for several years. I still own a custom Harley I built and have no real idea how many I've built over the years for me and my wife. I also bought a 66 Chevelle and immediately tore it apart, ya gotta see what makes them work right? and from there on I've owned a slew of custom cars. None of them show quality but all of them ran real well and were fun to drive. So building is not an issue for me.

I've built a couple of trailers for boats mover the years as projects and still have one I've rebuilt from boat trailer to motorcycle trailer to trash hauler in its current configuration. 30 years + and it hasn't broke yet! My brother built a teardrop a few years ago to pull behind his hot rod for car shows that were overnighters and has really enjoyed it. He built frame and all, but then again he and I both figure no one is going to build it like we want it so it's important to build it ourselves.

I've live in Idaho my entire life as have my parents, grandparents, and now kids and grandkids. Three generations of us have graduated from the same high school so we're pretty set in where we're from and every place else is to visit. After nearly 70 years here I still find parts of the state that I go, "Wow - where in the heck is this spot and how did I miss it?" And we are avid campers. Tent, trailer, or just a motel for a shower. Freedom of the road.

I've been a machinist, electrician, gunsmith, welder, ditch hand, farmer, rancher, packer and guide, social worker, and a bunch of other jobs to numerous to mention. When Jan and I married I told her that she would never be bored - so far so good! Oh yeah I also did 3 years in the army as a grunt. Got broke and the only real skill I had was how to make the bad guys pay the ultimate price for opposing us.

I was medically retired by the veteran's Administration when my injuries from Vietnam overwhelmed my abilities to work. But God bless them as they managed to help me keep working for the majority of my life. Now it's a pension and social security. But lots of time and lots of projects keep me out of mischief for the most part. Feel free to ask me any questions as I'm a social gadfly, according to my wife, and love to BS with other like minded folks. So there it is - be well you all and I'll see you here on occasion.

Oh yeah - I am the admin on a forum for my Vietnam unit and enjoy most forums I've been on over the years.

Steve N

[PKCSPT]

Welcome, sounds like building teardrop should be right up your alley. Can't wait to see how you do.

I thank you for your service. My dad was also a Vietnam vet, Air Force.

[tony.latham]

Steve:

Here's my build video from the east-central Idaho: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2I8uM_U54p4 The buzz-worm was an an uninvited shop visitor during the project.

I've been teardropping since 2004. 'Built my 5x10 last summer and sold my factory 4x10. Just finishing a 4x8 for my sister. On both, I used techniques gleaned from Steve Fredrick's teardrop Shop Manual: http://www.campingclassics.com/shopman05.html It saves a lot of time laying awake at night thinking a problem through.

'Preciate your service. I'd probably have been there but for the lottery: #318.

Tony

[TENNJIM]

Welcome! It is always good to have more teardrop and TTT interest from this region of the country. Good luck and fun on your build.

Jim B / Utah

[Vedette]

Welcome neighbour!
We are not too far away over here in B.C.
Good Luck with your build!
Good Roads
Brian & Sandi

[martymcfly]

What part of Idaho are you from?

[Steve N]

I live South of Nampa - towards Melba a bit. Originally from Boise/Kuna area but have lived in South Western Idaho my whole life -

Be well
Steve

Thanks for the warm welcome all - and I'm darned glad you had a high lottery number - Vietnam was about as much fun as Kidney stones.