New member poking around...

[_Charles_]

I've been looking for something to be a companion to my "weekend" car. I am/was looking at a 1948 Spartan Manor (25'), but the cost of restoring one is kinda hard to swallow. I don't currently go camping at all, but I would like to. I just need A/C and a comfy bed . I really want to enjoy this with my 5 year old son.

So...thanks to the price point of the Spartan Restore being so high, I have started to look at teardrops. Certain teardrops, like Dougs Rocketear and Damian's 1949 Streamliner Teardrop have me drooling right now.

So I joined to learn what I could. Not sure if I am up to building my own just yet. I'm a IT Consultant, so while I own power tools, I wouldn't call myself proficient.

So anyways...here I am.
and a pic of the "weekend" car...

[mikeschn]

Hi Charles,

Welcome to the forum. Nice weekend car you got there.

Are you in CA or FL? You might want to add your location to your profile.

There's lots of nice teardrop in the Hall of Fame.

Keep us posted on your ideas...

Mike..

[Miriam C.]

to the playground Charles. I am drooling all over my keyboard!

Now if you have to skills to use those power tools at all you are a step ahead of some of us. The thing to do is read a lot. You will eventually find, as I did that you have done a lot of the steps to building. Some might be strange but they are all learnable.

The big trick is to ask question, listen to the answers---some will be good---and to keep the bubble oil level. Take pictures of everything because you never know when you will want to explain a problem or just brag brag brag.

[Anthony J Grant]

Welcome to the fun!
If you restored the car you have the ability, if you bought the car your broke its been nice meeting you! have a nine day!
Just kidding that is a beautiful car, you have to get somthing vintage behind it! Ill be waiting to see what you come up with.

[Nitetimes]

Certain teardrops, like Dougs Rocketear and Damian's 1949 Streamliner Teardrop have me drooling right now.

So anyways...here I am.
and a pic of the "weekend" car...

Nice ride!!!!

You might want to talk to Doug, maybe you could work something out. Stranger things have happened, besides, he might be trying to make some room!!

[John T. Hodgen]

Hey Charles,
Welcome to the forum, I'm sure you'll come up with a PLAN. As far as your weekend ride, all I gotta say is....SWEEEEEEEEEET!!!!!!!! The color is spot on. I know what your nickname is.....Lucky!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Til later by the fire---John T.

[Roly Nelson]

Charles, with that red Caddie, you can't go wrong with a matching teardrop trailer. Tell you what, give Doug Hodder a hollar and tell him that you are interested in one of his magnificent creations and after his enclosed storage areas are finally full, he might consider working with you to get you into releaving him of one of his "aging" teardrops. Who knows, it would be better to have someone really apprecate another's life-long dream, than have it sit in stoage, not ever being used.

On the other hand, parting with a one-of-a-kind, one-off teardrop trailer, might be like cutting one's arm off, even though the monitary price would be insugnificent. Lets see, offer him 50 grand, and you can bicker down from there. (You're welcome, Doug).

Nevertheless, it looks like you are bitten by the dreaded "teardrop trailer bug" and there is no turning back. Either build, buy, restore, or steal, you have got to finally get a teardrop trailer and enjoy it like the rest of us. Now, which will it be, it is up to you..................Good luck.
Roly.

[_Charles_]

Welcome to the fun!
If you restored the car you have the ability, if you bought the car your broke its been nice meeting you! have a nine day!
Just kidding that is a beautiful car, you have to get somthing vintage behind it! Ill be waiting to see what you come up with.

I've done some of the restoration myself, but some was already completed, but I still fall under the "broke" catagory. 2 years ago, I completely rebuilt the 331 V8, and even balanced it, but thanks to cheap "taiwan" made parts (All that was available for certain parts), I've had nothing but troubles...so I am almost finished with an engine conversion that has drained the wallet.

and yes, Doug's Rocketear is for sale. I actually found out, and joined the site to send him a PM. Of course, I have to get the Cadillac out of the shop first... $$$$$. I have a feeling it will be a little while till I am able to recover. That's partially why I have given up my hunt for a Westcraft trollytop or Spartan.

[Sparksalot]

and a pic of the "weekend" car...

Kinda flashy there. Maybe something a little more subtle perhaps.

[Juneaudave]

Your car is sure beautiful Charles...It (and you) deserve a nice Tear!

[Senior Ninja]

Hey Charles,
Just imagine the memories you and that five year old son could make building the teardrop together and then camping. That'll be memories to last a life time. You'll both learn so much about tools and each other.
Nothing about the teardrop is insurmountable. When you come to a problem, just log on here and pose your question, you'll receive all the help and encouragement you'll need. I know I did. And I'm a retired English and speech teacher.
Go for it, you'll never regret it.

Steve