another semi-noob from PA

[1940sHousewife]

Hi all,
I logged on about 9 months ago when I first started thinking about building, but then things got put on hold for a long time. Now I'm finally in the beginning stages of my build and I CAN'T WAIT to get it done!! I love all the topics - I've already altered my plans because of some posts. Lots of good tips. I'm fortunate the I live pretty close to Rich from Butler - he's my teardrop guru!

At any rate, the reason I'm building is because I've always wanted to take a few trips out west and see whats going on out there - big mountains and big trees. Since my choc. lab Clancy will be my sole traveling partner, I thought a teardrop would be a great choice instead of crappy hotels and tents. Oh, and because I think I was a very happy 1940's housewife in a past life, so I think a nice little retro tear is just the ticket!

Thanks for all the great tips! Patti

[toypusher]

Welcome, Patti!!!

You have my condolences for living close to Rich!!!

Just kidding!! Hope you have a fast and very enjoyable build. Be sure and post some pics!!!

[1940sHousewife]

Thanks! Rich has been wonderful - very helpful and knowledgeable. I've been taking lots of pics but right now I just have the floor built and the sides cut out. I'm working on sanding and epoxying the sides. I'm going to paint the sides to match my car and use aluminum for the roof. I'm hoping it comes out good!

[BillandMarijo]

Patty,
Welcome. This is a great forum. Lots of helpful Info and just real nice people. We are Newbies ourselves. We live in Altoona. Have you joined the TearJerkers. Go to some Gathering even for a day visit and check out the beautiful Tears. Get some good ideas.
Good Luck on your build,
Marijo

[toypusher]

What profile are you using??

[1940sHousewife]

I'll have to join the Tearjerkers, then! I would love to come to a gathering to see how everyone else built theirs.

As for what profile I'm using, are you asking what shape? I took the regular 4x8 plans/shape and altered them so the trailer is 5x10 instead. I just cut the template right above the door at the flat part and slide it over 2 feet.

[BillandMarijo]

Patty,
Join the Tearjerkers, theres a gathering next weekend at Knoebel Park Campground weekend of September 19th. And Liberty Bell Fall Foliage in New Jersey at Parvin State Park October 10-11-12. We havent been to a gathering yet but planned on going to the Fall foliage one. Got a family obligation that weekend we are trying to get out of. Hope they arent reading this post. Lol.
Good Luck to you.
Marijo

[1940sHousewife]

I'm telling!
I wish I could go next weekend but I have a 3 day seminar going on that I'm helping to run, and then of course the Oct weekend I got suckered into doing a ride-a-thon for charity. Damn! I really want to come see a whole campground full of teardrops.

[BillandMarijo]

Patty,
Dont worry, you get to one probably the same time well get to one. In the spring. Im sure your Tear will be done by then. We just got our Sponge (Thats what we named her) painted yesterday. I cant wait to make a gathering. Hope to meet you at one.
Marijo and Bill

[1940sHousewife]

Why did you name her 'sponge'? Because of all the money it sucks up?? That would be a good name for mine, then, too. Hope to see you soon!
Patti

[BillandMarijo]

Patty,
Ahhh very observant weedhopper. Yes thats why we named her "The Sponge" its never ending. lol. But ever since I saw the show RV Crazy I had to have one. We retire next year and God I hope shes finished by then.
You gotta name your Tear.

Marijo
Ever wanna Teardrop chat PM us.

[1940sHousewife]

I've been trying to think of a good name for her, but haven't been too creative yet. I want to add it to the side when I paint it. I'm going to do some research into 40's style graphics. I'm a graphic designer, so I've always been fascinated with the older vintage ads.

[alffink]

If you like the 40's style, how about a play on the WWII aircraft, nose art with your tear rather than a pin-up

Just a thought

[1940sHousewife]

I was thinking the same thing, but instead of a typical pinup girl, go with a 1940's-looking housewife in heals and apron or something similar. Kitchy, but not to silly. I need to come up with a good name for her, too, and do some retro lettering.

[alffink]

I Like It!