question for california garage builders

[Mikeestep]

I'm looking for someone to take interest in building me a tear drop. I dont have a large wallet but willing to gain experience taught by yourself. If anyone likes this offer, Send me a message or email me at [email protected]

[Mikeestep]

all I can say is starting reading and start sawing plywood. a small wallet is bettor served by leaning how.

slow.

Agreed, But without the tools and knowledge, I would like to work along side of someone who knows what they are doing, and can teach me.

[Gage]

Where do you live and how much are you willing to invest in this adventure?

[Mikeestep]

Where do you live and how much are you willing to invest in this adventure?

Im in fresno and I would give it my all. Like I said, I have 1500 and I have a large ability to learn. Im from the younger generation and would love to learn the ins and outs. If someone was interested. I could order the parts and come down on the weekends and some week days.

[Mikeestep]

Where do you live and how much are you willing to invest in this adventure?

your about 2.5 hours from me. I would be more then willing to make the drives.

[Gage]

Im in fresno and I would give it my all. Like I said, I have 1500 and I have a large ability to learn. Im from the younger generation and would love to learn the ins and outs. If someone was interested. I could order the parts and come down on the weekends and some week days.

Take a look at this link (http://www.gages-56.com/Kitproj.html). It's a KIT that I rebuilt for my sister. Because of health reasons I can't do anymore restoring or building. But as you can see on the web page, it's a simple thing to do and I only had $2000 into that project. The only tools I used were hand tools from Harbor Freight (you just need them to last the project). If you have the ability to pick up on things happening and good common sense, you'll have no problem building one. If you have questions, just ask. This is the best place to get good answers.

[DragonFire]

Good luck on your build. These people are amazing..they will help you any way they can, and know from experience that making it yourself is going to be the best, most satisfying way.

You can customize your tear any way you want. The galley can be just as you want it. That's the beauty of making it yourself. It won't be done any time soon, but find out the basics and get started. Little by little, as money and time allow, keep at it. You will end up with a teardrop that is custom fitted to you and your lifestyle.

That being said, I have a 79 Grasshopper I just bought. I have not made my own. But I did a lot of work on my big trailer and it is very rewarding. I will work with someone on the galley of my Grasshopper,if, after I use it, I really do want it reworked. I may just keep it stock, for historical reasons (rare trailer)..

Pick folks' brains here. Decide what you want or don't want. Get a base, an idea and dimensions for the sides, and go. People here have all kinds of build blogs and such. You can start out making a clone of someone else's and add your own touches...someone else's lighting ideas, storage arrangements, etc.

One thing I suggest is looking at the Sunhopper...the hatch is simple. Unless you are really into the teardrop shape, try more straight lines and keep it simple so you don't get overwhelmed. You can always sell your first build and make another one once you have the experience under your belt.

Of course I'm sold on the idea of the tiny dinette in my Grasshopper..a place to SIT if it rains...a fold down table...I love it. I am planning on being at the Dam Gathering at Lake Shasta over Memorial Day, so if you can come up and tent camp, please do, and get an idea of what you want for your build.

Just take it one step at a time and don't get overwhelmed. You have friends here that will help you.

[Mikeestep]

Good luck on your build. These people are amazing..they will help you any way they can, and know from experience that making it yourself is going to be the best, most satisfying way.

You can customize your tear any way you want. The galley can be just as you want it. That's the beauty of making it yourself. It won't be done any time soon, but find out the basics and get started. Little by little, as money and time allow, keep at it. You will end up with a teardrop that is custom fitted to you and your lifestyle.

That being said, I have a 79 Grasshopper I just bought. I have not made my own. But I did a lot of work on my big trailer and it is very rewarding. I will work with someone on the galley of my Grasshopper,if, after I use it, I really do want it reworked. I may just keep it stock, for historical reasons (rare trailer)..

Pick folks' brains here. Decide what you want or don't want. Get a base, an idea and dimensions for the sides, and go. People here have all kinds of build blogs and such. You can start out making a clone of someone else's and add your own touches...someone else's lighting ideas, storage arrangements, etc.

One thing I suggest is looking at the Sunhopper...the hatch is simple. Unless you are really into the teardrop shape, try more straight lines and keep it simple so you don't get overwhelmed. You can always sell your first build and make another one once you have the experience under your belt.

Of course I'm sold on the idea of the tiny dinette in my Grasshopper..a place to SIT if it rains...a fold down table...I love it. I am planning on being at the Dam Gathering at Lake Shasta over Memorial Day, so if you can come up and tent camp, please do, and get an idea of what you want for your build.

Just take it one step at a time and don't get overwhelmed. You have friends here that will help you.

Thanks for the words. I really am over whelming myself. Im thinking about heading to harbor freight tomorrow and buying a trailer. Buying some wood sometime next week. A few new power tools. And digging in.

[3822sean]

thats what i did just get your trailer buy some plywood and 1x2's and go for it, i was overwelmed at first ,just take your time you really dont need a lot of tools,,,dont know ask a question you will get answers and have fun with it

[Larry C]

Im in fresno and I would give it my all. Like I said, I have 1500 and I have a large ability to learn. Im from the younger generation and would love to learn the ins and outs. If someone was interested. I could order the parts and come down on the weekends and some week days.

Take a look at this link (http://www.gages-56.com/Kitproj.html). It's a KIT that I rebuilt for my sister. Because of health reasons I can't do anymore restoring or building. But as you can see on the web page, it's a simple thing to do and I only had $2000 into that project. The only tools I used were hand tools from Harbor Freight (you just need them to last the project). If you have the ability to pick up on things happening and good common sense, you'll have no problem building one. If you have questions, just ask. This is the best place to get good answers.

Hey Gage,
All I can say is wow!! I studied your Kit rebuild. You are a true craftsman!
One thing especially caught my eye, using Formica for the inner ceiling. I see you didn't glue it to all the spars, and just let it float. Did that work out in the long run, or would you do it differently now? Did the Formica sag or warp with temperature changes or over time? Also, did you glue the edges to the side walls?

Thanks for sharing your re-build, it reads like an instruction manual...

Larry C

[Midget]

Mikeestep,

We're up in Squaw Valley, east of you. We've built our trailer from scratch and have 3 under restoration. If there's anything you need that we can help you with, let us know.

Bob