Woohoo! The fun begins!

[jmtk]

I have officially entered the domain of teardrop builder! My plywood was delivered last Tuesday and that night I made my husband help me carry a sidewall sheet up to the living room. He must love me, he also volunteered to do bedtime for our 5-year old (even though it was my turn) so that I could draw out the profile. The pencil line was hard to see so I digitally added a red line so you can get the idea. The Grant crank-out window and door latch are positioned, too. Use your imagination here - the dart board represents the wheel:


Today was snowy and cold, a perfect day to cut out the profile. Here it is, and our tow vehicle is anxiously waiting in the background:


Here are both sides cut out, including the doors. I'm using 1/8" skins inside and out over 3/4" framing and insulation. The skins are so floppy right now that I kept them clamped to a piece of 3/4" plywood to prevent them snapping by the door cuts. Sorry it's not a better angle for the picture - it was still snowing!


Now I need to go buy some framing wood and pink foam insulation! Can you tell I'm having fun so far?

Jeanette

[rampage]

Wow!, you're really getting a good start on this.

[madjack]

...way to go girl(woman, lady) as the commercial sez..."just doit" (ya hear that rampage)
madjack

[tupelosue]

WOW!! i'm so impressed at you Jeannette!

Let the good times roll!

I'm also impressed at how you made the digital red line. you are quite a talented gal.

sue

[rooster]

By the picture you can tell she must have been born Alaska! You have a good start and a nice place to work.

Jim,

[PaulC]

Way to go Jeannette. All of the Ladies on this board are so amazing. Great to see.
Cheers
Paul

[mikeschn]

Wow Jeanette,

You're off to a really good start. Keep the photos coming. Hopefully it stops snowing and warms up soon.

Mike...

[Sonetpro]

Great Job. Looks like you're having a blast.

[sHoootR]

Keep up the GOOOOOOOOD work
Way to go

[Classic Finn]

All right....

Way to go..... Looking real good...

Classic Finn

[oklahomajewel]

Jeanette !!! YOU GO GIRL !!!

I'm planning on cutting out sides today, but it looks like you're ahead of me! Any trailer/floor yet? Guess not since the car's in the garage.
But keep going...... let's race !! It's the TEARDROP WINTER OLYMPICS!!!
hahahaa

Good work gir'friend!!! Julie

[Hardin Valley Magic]

Lookin' good. Keep it going!

[oklahomajewel]

INSULATION!!! I have 1/4 " bc grade plywood for my exterior walls, and got the 3/4" insulation but made sure to get the more stiff, harder stuff for the walls so it will help with rigidity. I can't remember till I get out to the 'barn' but it is not the pink or blue stuff, but the stuff with a foil like skin on it. About $9 a sheet.

I am towing with a 2001 Honda Accord, what is your tow veh? I can only tow 1000# so trying to keep things light!

Julie

[Ira]

You win the prize for great photos--and something tells me it's just going to get better!

I have one question for you though:

When you said 1/8" skins, do you mean that your plywood sides that you cut there are 1/8", or that you're adding 1/8" skins to that ply?

The reason I bring this up is that 1/8" is awfully thin to use by itself for the side walls. I think the Kuffle plans called for 3/8." Just want to make sure everything goes cool for you.

[Georgeandpat]

Jeanette, I like the rigid insulation as well. Easy to cut to size and I think a higher insulating value for the same thickness. I never thought about its contribution to firming up the sides but I suppose it does help along with the framing. It is amazing to see the floppy sides transform into rigid lightweight walls after framing, insulating, and skinning. Kudos for getting started! George.