A little (more) progress...Finished? Update 7/9

[HandyAtLeast]

Really like your build. The profile is great. Good idea for getting the skin from a sign builder. Might I ask if you got a reasonable deal on that? I'm thinking now about stepping next door to the sign company and asking a few questions.
Also, did you make the chassis? It looks perfect. Seems like someone could make a living making chassis' for sale just like yours.

[DMcCam]

Hi Justin, You are doing a great job on you tear! Excellent cabinetry, design and execution! I love your chassis, it looks a lot like mine only even more minimalist! Thanks for the tip about looking into sign companies for the aluminum too.

All the best,

Dave

[jdaan]

Thanks for the nice comments. The design is pretty derivative, really. The profile is the Ultralight profile found in the design library above. The galley design is greatly inspired by the "Retro Traveler" galley design as seen in the Sundance catalog a few years ago. Returning from a tent camping trip on the Olympic Peninsula where we were completely rained out (and sleeping in the back of a VW Golf) and finding this pic a few days later is what started this whole teardrop thing for us.



Here's the thread from when I was designing the frame:
http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?t=22913&highlight=

Good idea for getting the skin from a sign builder. Might I ask if you got a reasonable deal on that? I'm thinking now about stepping next door to the sign company and asking a few questions.

Reasonable is tough to say. The prize of the polished aluminum was about 50% more than mill finish, but I figured it would save me upkeep down the road and always look nice. I spent $157/sheet for four sheets of 4x10. It was more than I needed, but 4x10 was the only size they had. The company I got it through was Sun Supply Inc. in Portland, though they have a location in Seattle and a few other cities. They supply material for sign companies.

Justin

[jdaan]

Haven't had the chance to do a lot lately, but did get the outer plywood skin on. Now time for the dreaded hatch and doors...



Justin

[jdaan]

Worked on the hatch this weekend. It's nearly finished, just need to install the latch hardware and inner skin. Here's a few pics:





I still need to cut away a little from the sides for the gasket. I also need to build a second hatch for the bottom. I'm still having a tough time envisioning how the two will come together at the counter. It needs to be waterproof, look good with just the top hatch open, and good with both closed. I think if I just keep building, the answer will become clear. We'll see.

Justin

[DMcCam]

Hi Justin, I just love the curves of your teardrop! When I saw how perfectly your hatch fits it brought a big smile to my face. Thank you for sharing.

Dave

[jdaan]

Finally got some work done this weekend. Decided it was time to tackle aluminum. I was pretty nervous, and with good reason. This was the most nerve-racking part so far. A lot of little mistakes were made, but it's on and it looks ok. Put a fender on temporarily to see what it would look like.





Justin

[CliffinGA]

Wow looking very nice Justin, just love the look with those fenders on.

Cliff

[2bits]

That is a great looking teardrop! I see you have aluminum on the area below the counter top. I was going to suggest a hinge om the bottom, but it looks like you're found your solution for that. what did you end up with?

Again, great looking build!!!

[jdaan]

It's been a long time, and not much progress. Too cold to work in the garage. However, I did take it out on it's first test drive a few months ago. Exterior needs a little more trim and a few lights, interior still needs a bit of finishing, need to build a tongue box, and a few other things, but it's getting close. Pulls beautifully.


I ended up ditching the second hatch below the counter. Too much engineering. Instead, I made the panels in the frame and panel wall at the end of the bed removable, allowing me to access the electrical below the counter from the inside. Not sure why I didn't think of that from the beginning.

Justin

[Oldragbaggers]

I really love this teardrop. You have done a fantastic job. And I really like your solution to the hatch. Can you access the space under the galley counter from the outside or is this "footroom" on the inside only?

The profile is cute as can be and the fenders look perfect. Very very nice.

[rand_98201]

I really like how youre TD lines look and how its coming out as far as finished product.Looks classic and timeless.

[aggie79]

Justin,

I agree with what everyone else has said. Your teardrop is gorgeous! What a great match of the profile and fenders.

Keep up the good work!

Take care,
Tom

[S. Heisley]

Justin, you created a very beautiful teardrop! Be proud of yourself and pat yourself on the back for me.

[Benhamtroll]

It looks incredible! Nice to see another McMinnville resident here.