"BB Chgr" TearDrop

[chgrsteve67]

Ok today I pulled the trigger and bought my trailer.
Harbor Freight had the 1700 lb capacity 4x8 on sale for $299 and with my 15% off coupon I got it out the door for $278

Assembled the trailer and it was a higher off the ground than I thought it would be so the first order of business was to lower the whole thing 2 inches. Trailer was also longer than I really wanted so I cut 12 inches off the back. Also with the shorter trailer I should not have to relocate the rear wheels.

I still have to finish making the trailer hitch for my Charger. I couldn't get the right material for it today so I'll see about getting it during the week.

Before I finalize my design I have to get the ride hight correct so I don't make the tear taller than my Charger.

Found a Aluminum shop today and current price for a 4x8 sheet of aluminum is $45 at the moment. The mirror like aluminum is $190 for a 4x8 sheet

Here are some pics




Trailer lowered but not shortened yet




Trailer shorted 1 foot in the rear


I don't really like all of the bolts in the trailer especially on the top where the floor is going to be attached, also the bolts down the side where the wheels are mounted. I think I'm going to weld most of this trailer together and take the bolts out of it. There are also the pins you can pull so the trailer can tilt, yeah thats gona get welded too.

Don't get me wrong, this is a very good trailer and I love the fact it came in two boxes small enough that I stuffed it in the back of my PT Cruiser. I just can't leave anything alone and love to screw it up my own way. I promise you if nothing else this will be a very entertaining build and one of a kind.

Probably should start a new section called "How not to build a Teardrop"

I also need to figure out how to get a fatter rim and tire to fit.
I'm thinking adapter or spacer with longer studs or cut and stretch the axle.

Steve (where did my gas powered blender go?)

[doug hodder]

Steve..I haven't bought anodized aluminum for a tear, I'm doing epoxy and paint, not much in aluminum skin,...is that Cardo's price? If it is a skin..he can get it to you in thin material, thinking like .032 in a bright anodized. Who knows what the market is doing nowadays anyway.

Nice start, yer blowin' and goin'...PS, what's the scoop on the outboard on the rack in one of your pics? Looks sort of like an old Merc. Didn't mean to change subjects, but it is of interest to me, not a buyer, but it is still interesting.

Good luck on your build...and you might want to attend the Dam Gathering at Lake Shasta the first weekend of May...lots of good ideas and about 65+ trailers, great eats and people. It's a perfect opportunity to check out a lot of profiles, ideas etc... Doug

[chgrsteve67]

Yeah that is Cardo's price on skin.

The outboard motor is just sitting around waiting for a new home.
I don't know the make and model off the top of my head.
That motor is a 45 horse and runs pretty good but does need a good prop.
My Uncle does boat repair on the side and has some boats and boat parts laying around that he got in trades and stuff that no one wanted anymore.

Poked around the net and found the web site for the DG
http://www.teardrops.net/15thDG.html
Thanks!
You going Doug?

[doug hodder]

Yup....I'm there...wouldn't miss it, counting the days for it. It's a good time...I haven't priced any aluminum in a while, other than the stuff on a coil from Fruehauf, (mill finish), but that was a year ago and for Deans tear....like gas...it's gone up in price. He also has lots of other extrusions that may work on your tear, for me since I have to travel so far to get there, it's just around the corner from Allied, so I try to kill 2 birds with one stone. Doug

[satch]

Another place for alum. you might try is Blue Coller Supply on Florin Perkins. They have a big selection on alum and steel supplies.

[chgrsteve67]

Well I didn't technically get any work done on the teardrop.

Tore the bumper off the Charger to begin building the trailer hitch, broke two of the 18 bolts, not bad since they haven't been off the car in 41 years. Got the mounts made and the square tube cut then the Fuel Injection programmer showed up (around 2:30pm) and worked on the car until 6pm, getting the VE tables (fuel mixture) correct took longer than expected.



Got the hitch finished Sunday (With the help of my Uncle - can't take all of the credit). Of course we had to run out of gas then not 5 minutes later wire, lost about 2 hours getting the welder going again. Just primered the hitch for now, thinking about having it powder coated. Still need to wire the plug for the trailer.



Bumper needs straightening and re-chromed.





Hoping to get some plywood to get the tear shape worked out next weekend and the doors disassembled.

Steve

[doug hodder]

Congrats on a clean hitch install!!! Nice job...Doug

[Oregonian]

Great looking charger and trailer hitch. Just remember when you start your TV up in the morning and the trailer is hooked up, the condinsation is going to be all over the front of the trailer and it will get worse. On my Jeep, I put the curved tail pipe extentions on and it made a world of difference. Even if you put those type of tips on just for pulling your tear, it will keep you from having to clean it every time you stop at a gathering.
I don't care what anyone says, your Charger is awsum. I have alway been a Dodge fan somewhat, I have two dodge trucks, a classic ford, and a postal jeep, so I am not prejudice.
Hope to see you at the Dam gathering.
Bruce JSC

[chgrsteve67]

Sorry I don't have any progress to report on the tear drop.

Been working on tearing down the Charger for media blasting, I'm kinda hoping the media blasting takes a bit so I can do some work on the TD.

Here are a few pics of what I have been doing.

[chgrsteve67]

Got my Charger loaded up and off tot he media blaster.


Bye Bye for a few weeks.

Finally got some time to work on the tear drop.
Main shape has been decided, what do you think.



I still have sanding to do on the shape to smooth a few areas out.
I still need to take the trailer down and get it registered.

Going to see this week how much some 1 inch steel square tubing will cost.

Also need to figure out what size and shape fenders are going to go on her.

[toypusher]

Steve,

Nice looking profile!!

You should check with Grant for fenders that fit the 12" wheels. http://www.lilbear.teardrops.net/parts3.html#fenders

[b.bodemer]

That's a great start and like the profile.................

Barb

[Juneaudave]

I think that will look GREAT behind the charger!!!!

[chgrsteve67]

Thanks for the link Kerry.

I need to figure out the wheels, tires and fenders before finalizing the lower part of the trailer.

I was figuring on 15' x 6' (5x4.5) wheels with 225/75R15 tires.
I think I will call Lil Bear and see if the Scamp/Lazy-Bones/early-Cub style fiberglass fenders will fit. I think I like them the best.

I am leaning towards the Allied 60 Smoothies


Anyone running this type combo on a HF trailer?

Comments?

[jp03]

You shorten yours, and I am adding two feet to mine! At least we have a few things in common, camping interest and modifications!