Northwestern Build - Updated 7/4/2010 - Done!

[Wig]

I didn't even pay that much attention. that is what those are.all the body men I know swear that the best ones are the huchins brand.this is what they look like new if you ever want one.they even make a orbital one.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/HUTCHINS-2000-HUSTLER-Straightline-AIR-FILE-SANDER-PSA_W0QQitemZ200312508771QQcmdZViewItem

[wlivesey]

I didn't even pay that much attention. that is what those are.all the body men I know swear that the best ones are the huchins brand.this is what they look like new if you ever want one.they even make a orbital one.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/HUTCHINS-2000-HUSTLER-Straightline-AIR-FILE-SANDER-PSA_W0QQitemZ200312508771QQcmdZViewItem

I don't know, wig... Those things looked like a lot of work. Not nearly as fun as making saw dust... I'm gonna leave those to the pros... Thanks for the info though...

[mikeschn]

Very nice, Bill! Ranks 10 out of 10 on the cool factor scale.

I guess you got this done "under cover" before the HOA enforcers came around.

Have you decided how you are going to finish the exterior?

Tom

Thanks Tom! You know, I'd rather ask for forgiveness than permission.

As for the exterior finish... yeah, I've made up my mind.

This I want to see!!!

I really want to see how you trim out the aluminum in the area where the hatch meets the sidewall. You know, that 3/4" wide shelf...

Mike...

[wlivesey]

This I want to see!!!

I really want to see how you trim out the aluminum in the area where the hatch meets the sidewall. You know, that 3/4" wide shelf...

Mike...

You're not the only one wondering how I'm going to do that. Suggestions are welcome...

[mikeschn]

This I want to see!!!

I really want to see how you trim out the aluminum in the area where the hatch meets the sidewall. You know, that 3/4" wide shelf...

Mike...

You're not the only one wondering how I'm going to do that. Suggestions are welcome...

What I suggested to Gary was that the shelf be painted with epoxy paint. Then put aluminum on the side, and put your aluminum angle over that... I would rabbit the edge for the angle...

Here's a quick sketch thru the shelf area...



Mike...

[wlivesey]

This I want to see!!!

I really want to see how you trim out the aluminum in the area where the hatch meets the sidewall. You know, that 3/4" wide shelf...

Mike...

You're not the only one wondering how I'm going to do that. Suggestions are welcome...

What I suggested to Gary was that the shelf be painted with epoxy paint. Then put aluminum on the side, and put your aluminum angle over that... I would rabbit the edge for the angle...

Here's a quick sketch thru the shelf area...



Mike...

I'm hoping to get Aluminum above the shelf as well. That could be difficult and will require more trim work.

[WesGrimes]

PM me if you need an extra set of hands holding that aluminum up. I could use the experience

[wlivesey]

PM me if you need an extra set of hands holding that aluminum up. I could use the experience

Thanks for the offer! Be careful though, I just might take you up on it. I got to say, .040 aluminum is a much thicker than I imagined. It seems like it might be tough to cut and trim.

[RAYVILLIAN]

I'm not fast on the cad like Mike. So no pics .

If you had access to a siding break . cut and break the bottom side to the inside of the step than the same on the top out to almost the edge than seal the heck out of it when you put it on. You'll have some places where you'll have to use sealer to cove seams, like at the top of the hatch at the hinge and it won't be easy but should work. Good Luck

Gary

[mikeschn]

You could also break the top piece where it meets the shelf, and then cover that joint with the angle. You'd want to use real thin angle though...



Mike...

P.S. It would look similar to this I would think!

[starleen2]

Len19070 Posted this about making your own aluminum siding. The pdf does include links on constuction a Brake to form aluminum. I used 10 foot long 2x2 angle to form the bends necessary for the weekenderII

http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?t=28198&highlight=making+aluminum+siding

[wlivesey]

We installed plywood on the hatch sides, shore side, and rear of the Northwestern. Not as much as we would have liked but it's coming along. I've got to get my hands on some 5x plywood before we can finish. I'll post some more progress pictures in the next couple of days.

I made a simple router guide to cut out the wheel wells. It attaches to the bottom of the router on one end, slips over the axle on the other end, and cuts a 15 inch radius. I might decide to enlarge the wheel well later on if there isn't enough clearance for big bumps. At some point I'm also going to make fender flares to cover the half of the tire that's sticking out the side so a larger wheel well opening wouldn't be visible then anyway.

[S. Heisley]

That router guide was exceptionally clever!
I'm enjoying watching your build!

[wlivesey]

That router guide was exceptionally clever!
I'm enjoying watching your build!

Thanks, Sharon! I couldn't think of another way to do it. I'm pretty happy with how it worked out.

[Juneaudave]

That router guide was exceptionally clever!
I'm enjoying watching your build!

+1 That's using the old noodle!!!