Building the "Heart of Gold" - Done 3/9/2014

[RAB64]

Thanks for the feed back. That's what I used today as well, and went on like paint. By the way I really like your build, great job!

[drewh1]

Thanks!

[ukewarrior]

Can you provide a link/source for the black units shown below that you use to close your hatch?
I like them better than the metal draw hasps.
Thanks for sharing this build.

In hindsight, I ended up placing a piece of flat aluminum on the hatch to cover the gap. The aluminum projects beyond the edge of the hatch. I probably would have been okay just placing a seal on it rather than using the double P-seals. I don't have a good picture of the flat other than this one that shows the hatch closed and the rubber latches that I use to keep it closed while in transit.



Take care,
Tom

[drewh1]

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Hey ukwarrior - that photo isn't my teardrop - augie99.

Check out the fish I speared up on the coast this weekend.

[KCStudly]

IIRC Tom (aggie79) got his draw latches from McMaster-Carr; perhaps these.

[drewh1]

wow, it has been awhile since my last post. Guess I have been having too much fun.

I have a set of the original Harbor Freight 12" wheels and tires - Free for anyone who wants them in the SF Bay area.

drew.

[retep]

Drew. Thanks for sharing your build with us. Your build is very inspiring. Thanks again, and you have a great TD. Very very well done.

[drewh1]

Thank you! My pleasure, I couldn't have done it without learning from all the other build journals!

drew.

[drewh1]

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Just back from a two week trip around Oregon: Crater Lake, Smith Rock Climbing, Hood River, Coast with a final night at Jackson Wellsprings in Ashland. Great trip, tear drop and Fj performed flawlessly! I just added the small propane tank and mounting along with a new Partner Steel Stove. Really helped to have more propane for the trip.

[drewh1]

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This years trip was through Nevada and Utah, to Moab. We drove back almost the entire way on dirt roads and did a lot of off-road primitive camping. Had some trouble with the hitch and trailer bottoming out. So I am going to change out my suspension. Going with Timbren 2000# with 4" lift. Will also install a cross-member. I'll post pictures when I get the parts and get started.

[drewh1]

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I am replacing my stock suspension with Trimbren HD 2000. I went with the 4" lift version to get some higher off-road clearance. Removed the old axle and springs. The hardest part so far was cutting away the overlapping wood and aluminum from the frame. Both sides are mounted, now I need to add a cross member. The HF trailer has a cross member, but I want it to be extra supported.

[drewh1]

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Came out well, 18" of clearance with the 14" wheels. I was able to center the wheels in the fenders better. I can get a couple more inches with bigger tires and wheels but for now, i'll live with it.

[bdosborn]

Hows the new axle ride, have you taken it out yet?

Bruce

[drewh1]

Hey Bruce - nice to hear from you. we were in Cozumel diving for a couple of weeks. I have only taken the TD around the block with the new suspension, so I don't have much experience with it yet. We will likely do our annual New Years eve camping trip so I'll have some better feed back then.

Have a great holiday!

[bdosborn]