tinman's teardrop build

[tinman52]

Hi all, time to start a build thread....this is my first attempt at a TD, but not the first thing I have built or modified.
My TD is kinda my own design, with most of the ideas for it coming from this great site. It is a 4x8 built as simple and as cheaply as possible.....
The goal is to tow it behind my classic/hot rod. I love road trips.

So I started with some 2" box tube and light angle and whipped up a frame. It is 52"x95". The axle is from A Chrysler minivan(rear).
I chose this axle because it has much better bearings and seals than the cheapie trailer ones, and the price was right. 5x4.5 wheel bolt pattern also.
The springs and shackles are from a model A Ford(2 front springs). I removed some leafs and added poly liner for smoother action. Also installed shocks.
Title and license is pretty simple here in MT, so that is done as well.

[Woodbutcher]

Good luck, and congrats on the build. Enjoy the building process, it's a big part of the fun.

[Az Pete]

lurking


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[Sparksalot]

Nice project truck in the background. Criminy, look at those springs!

[tinman52]

After I got everything welded and ground down where needed, I sand blasted the frame and axle. Epoxy primer and some black enamel was next. After assembly I started on the floor.
Another departure from normal.....I'm using T&G engineered flooring screwed directly to the frame. This stuff is 1/2" plywood with a hardwood veneer. Best part is it was free! The bottom and edges of every board got a liberal coating(s) of "the mix". Then glued and screwed.

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[Atomic77]

Wow. Looking fantastic. I really dig that wood floor.

If there was a "but" the only thing I might say is, I'm so glad I insulated my floor. I actually wasn't going to, but someone here, maybe Tony or Bruce, possibly KC... made an excellent argument in favor of it. And I'm glad I did. In both hot and cold temps...

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[tinman52]

Wow. Looking fantastic. I really dig that wood floor.

If there was a "but" the only thing I might say is, I'm so glad I insulated my floor. I actually wasn't going to, but someone here, maybe Tony or Bruce, possibly KC... made an excellent argument in favor of it. And I'm glad I did. In both hot and cold temps...

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Thanks! I agree on the insulation of the floor.....after I finished the wood I flipped it over and glued/screwed rigid foam board insulation to the bottom. then caulked the edges. Dunno how this will hold up over time, figured it was better than nothing.
Sorry, no pics of this.

[tinman52]

Started playing with side profiles.....using a piece of luan paneling. This will be the wall template.
Finally settled on a shape, but still fiddling with door size/placement.

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[Atomic77]

Wow. Looking fantastic. I really dig that wood floor.

If there was a "but" the only thing I might say is, I'm so glad I insulated my floor. I actually wasn't going to, but someone here, maybe Tony or Bruce, possibly KC... made an excellent argument in favor of it. And I'm glad I did. In both hot and cold temps...

Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk

Thanks! I agree on the insulation of the floor.....after I finished the wood I flipped it over and glued/screwed rigid foam board insulation to the bottom. then caulked the edges. Dunno how this will hold up over time, figured it was better than nothing.
Sorry, no pics of this.

Good move. Mine is a similar fashion. I covered it all with truck bed liner when finished. You could probably use rubberized undercoat too. Will protect it from flipping rocks, etc. Nice work.

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[B-Bop]

Hey Tinman, glad to see you have started a build thread. I have not been on here for a year or so. Good to see you are on your way.

[tinman52]

Building walls.........I'm using 1/2" fir ACX ply for the walls. Added some 1x3 around the doors for structure. Everywhere else gets 3/4 foam insulation.
Inner walls will be some old luan paneling I had, outer will be painted.
Waiting on my fenders......I want to use thru bolts to attach them instead of screws. Then I can finish he walls and move on to the roof.

[swoody126]

one more lurker

got my cuppa and my laptop

let the fun continue

sw

[tinman52]

Update with a couple pics.
I got the walls finished and attached, also got my fenders. They are aluminum ones from Eastern Marine. Good price too, around $50 each. Also painted my wheels.
I may end up painting the paneling on the side walls to break up the woodgrain look a bit.
Now moving on to the roof.....

[Atomic77]

Very nice. Really like those fenders

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[Woodbutcher]

Good work. you will have a fine teardrop when you finish.