Hello
Not sure if I did this already (I know I introduced myself on 'Teardrop Talk' but forgot my login, maybe not here though), anyway my name is Mark and I started building the chasis for my TD last year, then Christmas got in the way and so I've just picked up again.
Turned 50 this year hence the somewhat vaugue introduction.
I also recently got sidetracked fabricating a tow hitch for my tow vehicle whih is my much beloved '55 T'bird. Anyone done that? I suspect that they weren't designed as tow vehicles!
I'm now into some serious wood butchery which is actually going pretty well. The thing is I'm kind of working things out as I go along which isn't everyone's thing but I just can't work to that big planning system, I just deviate and might as well have not bothered planning at all.
My TD is in the style of the Modernaire design which I think is a beautiful shape. I got some fenders through George at 'Teardrop Parts' but will have to widen them as I should have ordered 11" not 9". Fiberglassing is the next skill on the list! Not George's fault but the shipping cost to the UK was horrendous so I can't just order another pair.
I got my paper profiles from Grant at Lil Bear and will soon need door fittings seals and hinges etc.
I need some advice at the moment if anyone can help. My TD has an external width (excluding wheels and fenders) of 56" so I need a 5' wide sheet for the roof. My UK aluminium supplier can supply the width but the minimum thickness for that size is 1.2mm (0.047") I reckon that's on the heavy side. Has anyone worked with this gauge of aluminum? or is it going to be a problem?
Any guidance would be appreciated.
Cheers
Mark