Where or When Jr. --Paint & New Tow Vehicle--update 5/17/15

[pete42]

Have you looked at swapping sink and stove?

[myoung]

Have you looked at swapping sink and stove?

Yup. And, I will again once the cabinets are fully framed.

[myoung]

Yesterday and today, I framed the settees. Didn't get started until later in the mornings because the temps have been unseasonably low lately.

This is the long side of the L-shaped settee.


This is the short side along the back wall and adjacent to the closet.


Both sides are topped with half-inch plywood.


There is a lip of one half inch between the rear plywood and the side plywood surfaces. This will accommodate the gaucho-style extension of the side settee to make bed of about 39 inches in width once extended. The base of the extension is another piece of half-inch plywood that simply slides over the side section.


Lastly, here is a photo showing the side cabinetry. I haven't decided how many drawers to place here but I have decided to forego doors on the two side openings and will insert a couple of open shelves for folded clothing in these spots.

[myoung]

I don't have a table saw or a router table so making rabbets or grooves for creating drawers would be a bit complicated and time consuming with my tools. So, to simplify the process, I purchased draw sides from Rockler. The sides along with 5 mm Luan bottoms and pine or poplar fronts should allow me to build the four side cabinet drawers and the large drawer over the fridge with minimal effort. I may start those tomorrow.

[S. Heisley]

Low temps in AZ... Thanks for the update, Mike. It's lookin' good!

[myoung]

On Friday, I received the linear actuator that will be used to raise the pop top. Today, I fiddled with the positioning in order to determine how to frame the roof. Sounds like a simple problem, but actually it is somewhat complicated by the fact that the hinge on the rear of the pop top and the bottom of the actuator on the front wall are not in the same plane.

The anchor position on the front wall is lower than the hinge so, as the actuator rises up, the angle gets more vertical which means that the body of the actuator moves forward. I planned on this but didn't know for sure how much it would move so I couldn't frame the roof until I saw the contraption in action.

I'll just make a slot for the actuator in the roof to accommodate the 4-5 inches that is moves fore and aft. I'll probably seal it with a rubber boot of some kind. TBD.

Here is the top of the actuator attached to the front of the pop top.


Here is the actuator in the down position showing its anchor position on the wall. The total travel of the push rod is 18 inches. It moves slowly but is way, way cool.


Sorry that I wasn't able to take a photo of the roof in the up position. My helpful helper and I were fully engaged in holding the pieces together so no hands were free for photography.

[droid_ca]

thats looking really good I like the use of the actuator
where did you get it??

[myoung]

thats looking really good I like the use of the actuator
where did you get it??

I purchased it on line from Firgelli Automations:
http://www.firgelliauto.com/

[myoung]

Yesterday, after several attempts to position the linear actuator, we established what seems to be the best fore and aft location of the opening for the pop top. Now, it's time to frame the roof.

All day today was spent framing up the roof and opening.


In the front, I left a slot in which the actuator will travel. I'll line the sides with some rubbery material later to make a smooth and tight-fitting slot.


There is an inner lip around the opening to which I will attach the pop up fabric and screening. All the fine sawdust is a result of routing the edges of the lip top and bottom. Shown here is the aft end of the opening doubled to accommodate the hinges.

After looking around and on-line for a 4-foot stainless steel piano hinge, I decided that all the available hinges were far too thin and insubstantial. So, instead I purchased two oil-rubbed bronze 4-inch door hinges. These should be hefty enough to carry the load and provide a good anchor for the pop-up top.


The lip will be 1-5/16 inches above the roof once the 5 mm Luan is added.

[myoung]

If it's a rock pile, I must be skinning something. In this instance, it is the inside of the roof. I'll trim the edges later this afternoon once the glue has set.



Now, I'm ready to bring in some expert help for wiring, plumbing, and anything else that requires experience and collaboration to get the job done right. My Father will come from Boston on Thursday and we can begin installing the various systems. Should be fun.

[aggie79]

Mike,

Your build is proceeding at an amazing pace. Thank you for posting pictures of your progress.

Nice use of the pavers. I am assuming that they are extras and that you didn't pull up part of your driveway for your build.

Take care,
Tom

[Cliffmeister2000]

Mike, I might need to invite myself over! I'd love to meet your dad!

[myoung]

Mike, I might need to invite myself over! I'd love to meet your dad!

You're welcome anytime, Cliff. The door is always open, but don't let the HOA Patrol know because we have rules against leaving doors open.

[myoung]

Nice use of the pavers. I am assuming that they are extras and that you didn't pull up part of your driveway for your build.

Desperate needs require desperate measures.


Just kidding.

[myoung]

With a little help from my Father who arrived this afternoon from Boston, we have placed the final piece of the sides in place. The upper front portion that slopes backward at a 22 degree angle is screwed and glued in place.


Tomorrow, we will put the fixed portion of the roof in place and perhaps position the hinges for the pop top.