"The X-II" 5-Wide Convertible Teardrop

[absolutsnwbrdr]

Sadly I haven't been able to go in about 10 years.

I ended up with pneumonia back then and ever since I've had to deal with recurring bronchitis

I can't be outside in sub-freezing weather for much more than 15-20 minutes at a time. And even at that no more than a couple of times in a day or else I can't breath.

I really wanted to hit Blue Knob a couple of weekends ago when the temps were in the 40s but, unfortunately, I didn't have the time to go.

After all this time I'm not even sure I'd remember how.

I'd love to get to Wisp and check out that mountain coaster they have. That would be a blast in the winter!

Sorry to hear about the pneumonia! I'm sure thats gotta be rough! Snowboardings just like riding a bike... I'm sure you could pick it right back up!




A couple goodies have arrived!! Got enough snaps for two convertible tops...



And my stereo got to my office about 20 minutes ago

[TJinPgh]

well, you gotta keep in mind that I wasn't all that great at it to begin with, lol

I wasn't exactly a kid when I started.

Can't wait to see the X-II with the top on. Should look a lot more complete at that point.

[absolutsnwbrdr]

I hadn't originally planned to install a stereo system into the teardrop so tonight I had to do some improvisation. I decided that I wanted the head unit in the galley for two reasons: security, and I'm outside more than I'm inside. Next I had to decide where to put it. It was deeper than the small compartment in the upper galley so It couldnt go there. Didn't really want it underneath that small shelf because of the way the door opens. Didnt want it just plopped in the back corner of the galley, because I would inherently have something in front of it ever time I wanted to use it.

I ended up making an elongated box that would place the head unit towards the front of the galley counter. The back part of the box became a small storage compartment with a hinged lid. And although it looks like it takes up counter space, the top is obviously flat and can still be used. It'll get a few coats of paint since the wood probably wouldn't look the best just stained.

[toypusher]

Nice!

Is it going to get enough air in that small space?? Might you need some vent holes?

[absolutsnwbrdr]

Good point Kerry. The head unit itself has the vents in the back of the unit, which is open to the storage compartment, but a couple holes in the box itself would probably be a good idea. Maybe I could drill a couple holes through my galley shelf and let it vent underneath. That way I wouldn't have to worry about "dressing up" vents on the side or front of the box.

If I were to drill a couple 1" dia holes in the front (just underneath the faceplate) would you have any suggestions how to make them not just look like holes?

[toypusher]

Good point Kerry. The head unit itself has the vents in the back of the unit, which is open to the storage compartment, but a couple holes in the box itself would probably be a good idea. Maybe I could drill a couple holes through my galley shelf and let it vent underneath. That way I wouldn't have to worry about "dressing up" vents on the side or front of the box.

If I were to drill a couple 1" dia holes in the front (just underneath the faceplate) would you have any suggestions how to make them not just look like holes?

You should be able to find small round vent covers. Might have to go online for for that, but I am sure you could find some. Different colors and also should find chrome. I have not looked but will do a quick search.

Try here for starters: https://ventmastersstore.com/shop/small ... NAodJEa3Sw

[absolutsnwbrdr]

Try here for starters: https://ventmastersstore.com/shop/small ... NAodJEa3Sw

JACKPOT!!

[grizz]

Zach, I continue to enjoy this build.

Our 2nd build has ground to a halt as Hannah may move to Australia, so it may not happen now.

In the mean time I keep busy with other stuff.

[absolutsnwbrdr]

Thanks Rian! This one has a few more bells and whistles than the first, but I'll still have the Saltire you sent me flying high!

Don't give up on building a second! It was a lot of fun watching the Grizz-Pod get built! Keep up the other hobbies too... notice you've picked up a few recently.

[KCStudly]

Re: the vent for the radio. My first thought was to route a slot and put some coarse mesh stainless steel screen behind the opening. Would look a little more custom and provide a lot more venting area than the little round plug vents.

It's all good. I like your solution for mainatining counter space while keeping the radio accessible. Nice work!

[absolutsnwbrdr]

Thanks KC. These are the plug that I ordered.... they have the mesh like you mentioned. Should look pretty decent when its finished.



Got a lot done this weekend! Finally got the exterior paint finished! Took my friend and I a few hours to get everything taped off.









Also got the interior painted a light tan color...



Speaker panels for the interior



Once the exterior paint was dry we slowly peeled away the tape. Some parts will need touched up, but overall it turned out great!









Last thing that we worked on was the stereo. Mounted the speakers in the galley and ran all the necessary wiring. The speaker panels on the interior still need attached, but we put them in place just to see how its going to look - don't mind the pink/purple glow from the LED strips





So tired. Will probably start working on the snaps and finish up some of the interior this week.

[Martiangod]

Looking good
Definatly better than an all blue back end.

Your getting close...

[droid_ca]

That is looking Frigin Sweet

[parnold]

The paint looks awesome Zach!

[toypusher]

Looking great!

Just think how much more you could have gotten done if you had not wasted most of Saturday morning!!!