The Big Weekend Day 2
![147722](http://tnttt.com/gallery/image.php?mode=thumbnail&image_id=147722)
So there's that gap. While looking at it, I realized I needed to cut out a section of the hinge side attached to the trailer where it crossed the sides. The aluminum was too long and was impinging on the sides. The dremel handled this well--I was trying not to cut too much, so it was up and down a couple of times as I got the right amount removed.
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I was having trouble getting the SS screws in. The clutch on both cordless drills kept engaging well before the screws were set. I know they are soft so I'm trying to be careful and not twist the heads off. But, if I make the pilot hole too large or too long, I won't get max holding power. You know, the classic soft screw dilemma. Had the same thing with brass screws.
Anyway, I decided I needed a drill with more torque. So it's off to my favorite store again.
![147725](http://tnttt.com/gallery/image.php?mode=thumbnail&image_id=147725)
Got a good price on the porter cable drill. And dang it, it did the same thing. Clutch engaged, same as the cordless drills. What in the world is going on here?
![147726](http://tnttt.com/gallery/image.php?mode=thumbnail&image_id=147726)
Fortunately this morning I brought a pondering chair with me. After using it a while I decided to change the driver bit. Amazingly, this worked. I went from a 1.5" long bit to a 6" bit, and for some reason the clutch stopped engaging and the screws started going in. I did twist one head off, but I was putting too many screws in anyway so I decided that was an acceptable level of spoilage.
![147728](http://tnttt.com/gallery/image.php?mode=thumbnail&image_id=147728)
I got the hinge halves attached to the hatch and the trailer. Now I needed to thread the hinge onto the trailer. My son in law came out to help, but it was obvious we didn't have enough oomph to get there. Just then 2 unlucky aprtment denizens--each with huge biceps--drove up. We got it 80% on and it just stopped. So we pulled it off, and since it's a camper there was no WD40 but there was liquid soap. An excellent lubricant. Zip it's on!
After that it was easy. Edge trim on the side-roof joint.
![147730](http://tnttt.com/gallery/image.php?mode=thumbnail&image_id=147730)
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Then re-purposed floor trim to cover up nasty joint workmanship.
![147733](http://tnttt.com/gallery/image.php?mode=thumbnail&image_id=147733)
![147731](http://tnttt.com/gallery/image.php?mode=thumbnail&image_id=147731)
![147730](http://tnttt.com/gallery/image.php?mode=thumbnail&image_id=147730)
![147729](http://tnttt.com/gallery/image.php?mode=thumbnail&image_id=147729)
I am very pleased with the results. This is what I saw in my head a year ago!
Vintage Technologies sent me a little paper bag full of SS screws. When all this work was done I had three left.
![147732](http://tnttt.com/gallery/image.php?mode=thumbnail&image_id=147732)
Here's my workspace--quite a difference from the space I used to build this thing. But, I am grateful to have it. It's only 15 miles from my house and I'm getting to see my daughter each time I come over. I offered to let her make a cut with the dremel today, but it was quickly obvious that was not in her comfort zone.
![147736](http://tnttt.com/gallery/image.php?mode=thumbnail&image_id=147736)
loomanum trim is dirty.
![147738](http://tnttt.com/gallery/image.php?mode=thumbnail&image_id=147738)
It has been a long day--started 10 am, it's now 5 pm, no lunch, time for, you guessed it, sweet tea.
![147739](http://tnttt.com/gallery/image.php?mode=thumbnail&image_id=147739)
Left to do: I need 18' feet of the plastic strip that covers the screws, and I need to caulk and add a few pieces of weatherstripping. Hey if I do everything today, there would be nothing left for tomorrow!