New build started in Colorado

[Gerdo]

CC
I notice by your Avatar that you live in Colorado. Where in Co do you live? It is a big state.

[ccdell]

I managed to make a big box store run and pick up most (if not all) of the lumber for framing the walls yesterday. Today, I started on the framing beginning at the front of the TD. Progress was steady but slow. I have, in my head, already started the "Next time I build one" list in my head. Today's addition to the list: Draw the framing on 3/4 plywood and cut it out with the jigsaw. Making all of these little pieces, and later, screwing them all together is going to take a lot longer. Well, that's teardrop time I guess.



The frame is not as thick as it looks. I am cutting the pieces for both sides as I go and they are stacked one on top of the other in the picture.

3D by the end of the month???


Gerdo, I am down south in Colorado Springs.

[George T.]

Hi Scott.

Unfortunately, I have not located another RV salvage yard in our area. Don't hesitate to check our auto salvage yards. Every once in a while...

I am just south of you in Florence, CO. Are you planning on joining us at The Last Gasp gathering at the end of September? Just down the road from you in Canon City. If not for the weekend, come down for a day. There will be a potluck supper on Saturday night.

There will enough ideas to get you totally confused! And talk about "second" ideas rambling around your head while you work towards completing your first....

George T.

Last Gasp of Summer Gathering

When:
September 27th, 28th, 29th &30th 2007

Where:
Royal Gorge Campground Canon City, CO

For those that have GPS units, the coordinates for the campground are
N 38° 27.916 W 105° 17.510

This campground is City owned, therefore, no cost, it is PRIMITIVE!
There are 2 Pit toilets and no water. This is a “true” camping experience in our tears… There is plenty of room for tents for non-teardrop owners. There is a KOA about 4 miles away for those who need cabins, or amenities. We will have to bring in firewood; there are fire pits and hopefully, depending on the weather, NO fire ban. There are 2 pavilions with 2 concrete tables in each. Additional tables can be put up outside of the pavilions. Bring your chairs too!

It will be cool to cold at night, bring extra blankets, heaters or what you may need to have a comfortable night! Stores are few and far between and prices a little higher than in town. Stock up…

Map to Royal Gorge:
http://www.royalgorgebridge.com/Directions.aspx

Follow the signs from Highway 50 towards The Royal Gorge Bridge & Park. Once past Buckskin Joes, the road will climb through some tight curves. You will encounter a tight hairpin curve that climbs to the left. After the curve, at the top of the hill, you will see a picnic area to your left, THIS IS NOT IT!

A little further on your left will be a dirt road. Take it and follow signs to the campground. We will have some sort of markers with red/white/blue streamers installed to help you find your way. The road is passable for two-wheel drive, however, may have some ruts. Watch for signs and be prepared for an awesome “Colorado style” camping experience!
We’ll do a pot luck supper Saturday night and I know a few guys are already packing up their dutch ovens… Come up, let’s have some fun!
There are some amazing things to see and do in the area, The Royal Gorge, the Arkansas River, hiking, biking, white water rafting and for more info: http://www.canoncitychamber.com

For a satellite view of the site: http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&q=royal+gorge+bridge&ie=UTF8&sll=37.062500,-95.677068&sspn=23.875000,57.630033&cid=37062500,-95677068,16315786063756104049&li=lmd&t=h&z=16&ll=38.464762,-105.292572&spn=0.007073,0.013111&om=1

[NutmegJoe]

Gerdo, I am down south in Colorado Springs.

CC - I'm the Springs too (Powers/Dublin) ... if you need anything or want to come take a look at my tear, just let me know!

See you at the Gorge!

[VW Mark]

how difficult is it to relocate the axel on these prefab trailers such as the one you are using? what is involved?

[ccdell]

George,
I went out to A1 Salvage here in the springs, and I pulled an aftermarket sunroof out of minivan that should work. While I was there, I also pulled out a nice custom window from a conversion van. But, after looking at it a bit I decided that the window had to much of a curve o be used in the doors. To bad too, because there were 6 identical windows with sliders and screens.

I am planning on, at least, dropping by The Last Gasp gathering, but I doubt I will camp until I get the Tear built (it's a long story). But I would like to check out what everyone else has done with their builds.

Shelly,
Wow, I didn’t realize you were so close. I am just off Powers near Barnes. I was just looking at your album, your tear really came out nice! It was a real tossup for me on which profile I was going to use, and I was all set to go with the Benroy. But in the end, I decided to try the Grumman2. I just hope I didn’t get in over my head. I had it in my mind to paint the exterior with the Uniflex, but I sure do like the looks of the wood sides on your build and others.

VW Mark
On the trailer that I am using (HF 1740), moving the axle back was just a matter of moving the carrier back to where I wanted it and drilling a few new holes. Then I used the bolts that came with the trailer and bolted it in place.

I also placed the axle on top of the springs to make the trailer ride a bit lower. This was a bit more involved as I had to take out the bolts holding the springs together (one on each set of leafs) and flip it over. Then I used a grinder to notch the carrier so the axel would have the same travel as before. Finally, I bolted the axel in its new location on top of the springs using the U-bolts and plates supplied with the trailer. NOTE: I did have to replace the locking nuts as they had been used before, and I didn’t want them to come undone from the vibration.

This thread has a lot more detail on moving the axle for this type of trailer.