Newbie from the gold coutry in California

[ELM]

I've been lurking around here for a few months now. I've been checking out some pretty awesome build treads and have been getting some ideas on what I want for my Teardrop. I've been working with steel for 35 years now so mine is going to have steel framing and I'm aiming for something like a Grumman.
The body is 110" long and I'm using 1" 1/2 X 3/4 X .065 and .095 tubing for the wall framing with 1" 1/2 foam inserts and 1/8" plywood on the inside and outside and then .040 aluminum skin. So it's going to be a steel foamy
I started rolling the steel today and I have the outer hoops formed and the door frame welded in so far.
Any and all advice welcome ! And thanks for all the great info that is here for us.

[AZ_Desert_Rat]

Hi ELM, welcome aboard and I like your ideas in using steel framing... I know wood is fantastic and more than adequate in most cases, but my CTC (The AZ Desert Rat; built for off-road prospecting trips in AZ) is close to that you described...


I would like to get to the CA gold country one of these days and if so, maybe we can share a cold one over a campfire...

Good luck on your build and please post a couple pics of your build...

[Shadow Catcher]

One thing to remember, you are building an aircraft and not a tank, the frame on our tear is 1x1.5X.06 aluminum and is strong enough for me to stand on

[ELM]

One thing to remember, you are building an aircraft and not a tank, the frame on our tear is 1x1.5X.06 aluminum and is strong enough for me to stand on

I know I keep telling myself don't over build it. Thanks

[Shadow Catcher]

ELM
There was one builder who built his tear out of three ply cardboard which he chopper glassed. There were pictures of him standing on it. His comment was it took him a lot of time to sand it down so the glass strands were not poking out.

[AZ_Desert_Rat]

Hi Elm,
Have you checked out the "Skinning Secrets" thread on this Forum ... There may be ideas that will work for you or at least help in defining a plan you like...???
viewforum.php?f=65

[ELM]

Hi Elm,
Have you checked out the "Skinning Secrets" thread on this Forum ... There may be ideas that will work for you or at least help in defining a plan you like...???
viewforum.php?f=65

Yes I have checked out the skinning secrets thread and it helped a lot. At this time I'm going with plywood over my steel and then .040 aluminum skin. Thanks

[AZ_Desert_Rat]

Hi Elm,
Have you checked out the "Skinning Secrets" thread on this Forum ... There may be ideas that will work for you or at least help in defining a plan you like...???
viewforum.php?f=65

Yes I have checked out the skinning secrets thread and it helped a lot. At this time I'm going with plywood over my steel and then .040 aluminum skin. Thanks

I figured you might have checked it out, but thought I would send the link... just in case...

Good luck on the build and I'll watch for your progress...

[ELM]

Hi Elm,
Have you checked out the "Skinning Secrets" thread on this Forum ... There may be ideas that will work for you or at least help in defining a plan you like...???
viewforum.php?f=65

Yes I have checked out the skinning secrets thread and it helped a lot. At this time I'm going with plywood over my steel and then .040 aluminum skin. Thanks

I figured you might have checked it out, but thought I would send the link... just in case...

Good luck on the build and I'll watch for your progress...

Thanks

[AZ_Desert_Rat]

Hey ELM,
Do you do any prospecting in California's famous "Mother Load" country??

I am hoping to get out there before it is closed to recreational prospecting or I get too old to make the trip...

[Redneck Teepee]

Hey ELM,


I am hoping to get out there before it is closed to recreational prospecting or I get too old to make the trip...

It almost is now but here's a bit of info on it


http://www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/fo/folsom/r ... _gold.html

https://www.wildlife.ca.gov/Licensing/S ... ge-Permits

All though panning for gold is FUN!

[ELM]

Hey ELM,
Do you do any prospecting in California's famous "Mother Load" country??

I am hoping to get out there before it is closed to recreational prospecting or I get too old to make the trip...

I have done some gold panning in our creek years ago and I did find some. When I do any digging on our property I do keep an eye out for that shinny stuff.

[AZ_Desert_Rat]

Hi Redneck Teepee,
Thanks for the links... I plan to get out there sometime in 2016 and/or 2017...
The laws are changing quickly, so fast that one needs to check on them often... I am getting to be an old codger and remember the days when you just needed to make sure the land (BLM or Forest) was not claimed, but today, it has changed... I know where there is some good gold, but they decided to make 1000's of acres into a wildlife refuge for the quail that can't live there anyway, AND then... the rent a cops had the place closed off to all visitors!!! It is a shame to see your land and my land closed to recreational prospecting (The use of hand-tools only apply) or even just to enjoy the natural beauty of our land...


Hi Elm,
It is fun to look for and find, of course... Like Tom Massie says, "It is finding the gold, not having the gold..."