The Astroliner

[Atomic77]

Not a lot of details really... Just a a lot of time sitting at a laptop with Carrie designing. I'm lucky to have someone that can write the program. I have a friend with a water jet that cut them out of an 1/8" piece of T-6 aluminum. I wanted custom badging to add to the uniqueness of the build and give it a professional, factory look. One thing about new campers...you just don't see metal emblems like you did back in the day. Now it's plastic or vinyl...

[dales133]

Verry true .
They loof fantastic.
Theres a waterjet cutting place just down the road i use a fair bit
,id actualy considered doing something similar myself

[Atomic77]

Thanks guys. They literally took hours to design and minutes to cut but now that I have them I say if you have availability to make them, do it! Very worth it. Looking forward to seeing what you guys come up with...

[KCStudly]

I have more of a blue print style of block lettering in mind, but I suppose that comes from years of trying to make sure people can read my drawings and specs very clearly. Call it a lack of creativity. Karl and I discussed it some today and what (mostly our own personal) limitation the new mill has (I'll post a pic of it over on my build shortly).

The effort you put in has really paid off. Those emblems are perfect for your build!

[Atomic77]

Thank you KC. Seems like the bulk of the time spent on the project isn't necessarily the build. Getting all the pieces correct so they all make a whole takes a lot of dreaming and scheming...

[supra8311]

Hi Michael,

Great thread. I want to build a canned ham camper with similar construction. In retrospect would you attached the Filon to the sides with the Bender's red glue?

Andre

[Atomic77]

Good question Andre... On one hand I want to say yes, because if done properly, spraying the glue is pretty easy once you get the hang of it. You have to follow the directions to the "T" but still, easy enough with a middle level of difficulty. On the other hand... Bagging the walls and using epoxy is an interesting thing. Basically every tiny bit of wood in the wall is encapsulated in plastic. (Epoxy). It really is moisture proof. Red glue just attaches the Filon to the Luan...Epoxy completely seals it up forever. So I guess to answer your question... For this particular project, something I plan to keep and hopefully pass down someday... I think epoxy is by far the best choice. If I could have successfully bagged the roof I would have done it there as well.

[Atomic77]

As I gear up to go to San Diego for the last race of the season, I'm finding myself going through build withdraws. This past weekend was one of the first I've had at home all summer and I really needed some camper time. Unfortunately the Astroliner is in storage until the season is over. So I decided to do some work on the emblems. I had pairs made with the waterjet, and I keep picturing those old school pot metal emblems they put on cars in the 60's. That "drop-shadow" look. So I bonded two pieces together with jb weld, sanded, and painted the background black and mixed some sparkle with urethane on the foreground. They now have a 3-D look and a UV protected finish that will last for years. I think it really puts the taillights and the emblems in the same time zone... Hopefully you can enlarge the pictures for detail.

[OP827]

Nice and cool looking emblems Michael! They will look exceptionally well on your trailer
Oleg

[Atomic77]

Thanks Oleg

[dales133]

Verry nice mste.
They realy do look like early charger,impala ect shadow badges

[KCStudly]

Great technique! Awesome looking!

[Atomic77]

Thanks Dale and KC... Wish I could do more but trying to be patient.

[daveesl77]

The name and lights are so frigging cool! I love it! I have told so many people about your build and wow is it amazing!

dave

[Atomic77]

Thanks Dave... Hopefully I'll be able to give that 60's muscle car feel to it...