Learning to build a 5x8 square drop

[DesertApprentice]

some small progress, started on exterior skins:



I bought a 1/16 aluminum diamond sheet. I intend to wrap around the bottom of the entire body with 12" diamond plate, since it's thin 1/16, it's for cosmetics only. I still haven't figured out the best method to attach the plate. I'm thinking of double sided high bond tape, so I can avoid drilling holes. Any suggestions?

Thanks a lot!

[Onajourney]

PL3 and done.

[DesertApprentice]

PL3 and done.

Thank you!

[DesertApprentice]

Getting close now

skin dry fit:


My Great Pyrenees doesn't know how she can fit in, i have no answer either. We didn't have her when I started the build My challenge is we already have a Irish Setter. We'll see ...


hatch build




I got a question about the trim, when screwing the bottom trim to the ply, do i also screw in the aluminum skin or should I cut ~1/2 inch off the bottom of the aluminum, so bottom edge will sit on the screws and the alum skin can float, instead of pinned to the ply? I suppose it makes more sense to screw the aluminum in, but I see people doing both ways. Any theories?

trim-1.jpg (55.08 KiB) Viewed 708 times

Thanks in advance!

[DesertApprentice]

I pulled the teardrop out of the garage for the first time yesterday. There is leaks
My hatch door has leaks, i'm working on the seal now.
However, both doors from Vintage technology leak like crazy. I noticed the rubber seal has big gaps, the seal doesn't hug the glass, i can nearly stick my fingers into the gaps, The weeping hole doesn't help much, the gaps are so big, water just pours in,
looks like I'm not alone: viewtopic.php?f=21&t=75018&p=1294549&hilit=vintage+door+leak#p1294549
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=42DEQB1ORzw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxKTDV4WLwQ
In the last video, he "fixed" it by adding a barrier inside the door. But I think that blocks the window screen. Any other suggestions? I'm so disappointed, two doors cost a grand, such poor quality.
Thanks!

door-leak-1.jpg (105.52 KiB) Viewed 629 times

door-leak.jpg (91.65 KiB) Viewed 629 times

[DesertApprentice]

Finally, camping in the teardrop over the memorial day weekend
Thank you everyone for your help!
Especially, Tony (tony.latham), thank you so much for all of your help along the way. It has been a great and fun learning experience for me!

1st-camping-1.jpg (100.42 KiB) Viewed 590 times