New Teardrop Builder Looking For Parts

[Toyworks]

Hi Everyone. I just started building a my first Teardrop last year, but got injured and had an operation. That put my project on the back burner, but as soon as my doctor releases me to work agin, I'll be getting back on it. This is where I am with it now. Cabinets mostly done but need to make doors. I need to run electrical, plumbing, install lights and all that yet.
The next thing I'll be doing is building my doors and Galley lid.

I am ready to order my aluminum skin for roof and sides, but not sure what gauge to get. 16 18 20 24 ? Any recommendations?

On the Galley lid, should I use the latch on both sides with the linkage rods, or just the center single latch?

I saw these small Teardrop windows the other day, and wondered if anyone on here knows where to buy them. I need to purchase the door windows (Sliders) also.


Kitchen Galley Storage...... Hmmmm What to do.

[Woodbutcher]

I remember those in the old 70's Shaggin wagons, (custom vans) to the younger readers. You might try some local salvage yards for old vans. There are round ones available. I found mine on Ebay.

[Vedette]

Do your sliding doors open thru to the inside storage? Could be handy for loading or that midnight cracker snack.
Good Roads
Brian

[halfdome, Danny]

I am ready to order my aluminum skin for roof and sides, but not sure what gauge to get. 16 18 20 24 ? Any recommendations?

On the Galley lid, should I use the latch on both sides with the linkage rods, or just the center single latch?

Welcome to the forum Toyworks.
.032 is the thinnest I'd go with aluminum and for example I use .040.
You can get some of your parts at reasonable prices from
Grant Whipp a longstanding member of this forum and the teardrop community.
Personally I'd go with the single lock in the center and avoid all the hassle of the linkage rod set up.
It would be a good idea to have a handle back there to lift the lid as I've seen loose lock handles from using them as a lifting aid.
Danny

[Vedette]

Hi Danny
What is happening in the Pacific Northwest these days?
Brian

[halfdome, Danny]

Hi Danny
What is happening in the Pacific Northwest these days?
Brian

Sunny & warm today, took the 55 Belair out for a cruise.
Waiting for spring and camping.
Danny

[grant whipp]

Hi, Toyworks!

Welcome! to the Forum!

Like Danny said, .040" is the minimum recommended for the roof, .032" minimum for the sides (I use .040" all around).

Regarding the galley lid latching ... sometimes the rods have a bit of a hard time lining up with the slots/holes/whatever that they need to catch onto, especially with varying humidity situations. A much simpler way is to use a pair of Draw-type Latches (one on each side of the lid, as close to the bottom as possible) to hold the lid shut (and, because they'r adjustable, they do a great job of pulling the lid in tight if you get a little "spring-back" in the hatch), and then mount a single gate handle near the bottom middle of the lid to lift from.

Danny is also right that I can supply you with a variety of windows (thanks for the plug, Danny ... ...!), and I can also supply you with the door and galley lid latches, galley lid hinge, moldings, lights, and more. Cruise my site - http://www.LilBear.teardrops.net - and let me know if there is anything I can help you with.

Good Luck on your project, and as always ...

CHEERS!

[Toyworks]

Boy, thanks all of you for good advice. I think I will use .40 all around on the Aluminum too. Can you post a pic of the draw type latches as I'm not sure what they look like? I'll check out the site. Would be nice to get all my stuff in one place. There are some decent deals on Ebay, but they rip you off on the shipping big time.

By the way, how do you subscribe to the forum so I get email notices?

[Toyworks]

Do your sliding doors open thru to the inside storage? Could be handy for loading or that midnight cracker snack.
Good Roads
Brian

Yes, you can reach though from either side. I want to be able to grab coffee, snacks and such through the storage area.

[AlgoDan]

Hello Toyworks, A great place for trailer parts is e-trailer great prices and great shipping rates also. Good luck and keep us posted

Boy, thanks all of you for good advice. I think I will use .40 all around on the Aluminum too. Can you post a pic of the draw type latches as I'm not sure what they look like? I'll check out the site. Would be nice to get all my stuff in one place. There are some decent deals on Ebay, but they rip you off on the shipping big time.

By the way, how do you subscribe to the forum so I get email notices?

[halfdome, Danny]

By the way, how do you subscribe to the forum so I get email notices?

Go to the top left of this page and click on user control Panel located just above the title of this thread.
Wait for it to load & look for board preferences. Check the appropriate box to receive email notifications.
Danny

[Toyworks]

Thanks Danny
Am I doing this right on the deck lid? If I ad 1'4" skin now, it should come flush. Not sure how most others do it.

[Toyworks]

Hi, Toyworks!

Welcome! to the Forum!

Like Danny said, .040" is the minimum recommended for the roof, .032" minimum for the sides (I use .040" all around).

Regarding the galley lid latching ... sometimes the rods have a bit of a hard time lining up with the slots/holes/whatever that they need to catch onto, especially with varying humidity situations. A much simpler way is to use a pair of Draw-type Latches (one on each side of the lid, as close to the bottom as possible) to hold the lid shut (and, because they'r adjustable, they do a great job of pulling the lid in tight if you get a little "spring-back" in the hatch), and then mount a single gate handle near the bottom middle of the lid to lift from.

Danny is also right that I can supply you with a variety of windows (thanks for the plug, Danny ... ...!), and I can also supply you with the door and galley lid latches, galley lid hinge, moldings, lights, and more. Cruise my site - http://www.LilBear.teardrops.net - and let me know if there is anything I can help you with.
Did you get my PM on the stuff I need?
Good Luck on your project, and as always ...

CHEERS!

[Toyworks]

Hi, Toyworks!

Welcome! to the Forum!

Like Danny said, .040" is the minimum recommended for the roof, .032" minimum for the sides (I use .040" all around).

Regarding the galley lid latching ... sometimes the rods have a bit of a hard time lining up with the slots/holes/whatever that they need to catch onto, especially with varying humidity situations. A much simpler way is to use a pair of Draw-type Latches (one on each side of the lid, as close to the bottom as possible) to hold the lid shut (and, because they'r adjustable, they do a great job of pulling the lid in tight if you get a little "spring-back" in the hatch), and then mount a single gate handle near the bottom middle of the lid to lift from.

Danny is also right that I can supply you with a variety of windows (thanks for the plug, Danny ... ...!), and I can also supply you with the door and galley lid latches, galley lid hinge, moldings, lights, and more. Cruise my site - http://www.LilBear.teardrops.net - and let me know if there is anything I can help you with.



Good Luck on your project, and as always ...

CHEERS!

[size=150]Hi Grant
Did you get the PM with the list of stuff I need?[/size]

[Gage]

Thanks Danny
Am I doing this right on the deck lid? If I ad 1'4" skin now, it should come flush. Not sure how most others do it.

If you haven't provided a 1/4" gap on each side of your hatch to the walls, your going to have problems closing it in the future. Just the way I see it.