Another Vardo (bow top)

[SaGR]

I've been meaning to post but hadn't gotten around to it until now.

We started building a vardo using Tim Lemke's design. http://www.amvardo.com/caravan/

I've already made a few changes, I've extended the runners to 20" over the door end to form a "porch" roof. I extended the sides and ledges to make a small seat/shelf that was not on the plan but is more in keeping with traditional vardos.

I have pics of the bottom flipped over and being painted but can't find them right now. The bottom is painted a green color from DutchBoy called Jalapeno. We will paint the ends the same green and accent with a walnut stained trim. Over time we'll add some embellishments like the gypsies would've had on it.

Today we'll be cutting the door opening and then installing glue blocks and taking measurements for the bed box.

Anywho - photo's (more soon):










We covered it with a drop cloth just to get a rough idea of what it looks like.

[planovet]

That is cool! I've thought about a vardo ever since I watched Steve build his. Maybe I need to start thinking about #2

[S. Heisley]

I love it already! Thanks for sharing. I can hardly wait to see more!

[Ageless]

Love the 1 x 12 pine for the box! Stain that baby and finish; sweet!!

[Steve_Cox]

SaGR,

I too like the looks of the 1X12 pine. So, what kind of frame will it have?

That is cool! I've thought about a vardo ever since I watched Steve build his. Maybe I need to start thinking about #2

And, I've been thinking about another tear drop

[Alfred]

Man oh man! Too cool! I must have some of the Gypsy about me (although I am told I am Irish), because I love the vardo's and I cannot hardly wait to see your progress on the build!

AL in Asheville

[SaGR]

Thanks folks!

We got the horizontal pieces in, glued and screwed today. Had to cut down all the blocks, sand, pre-drill...

Steve - I assume (ass-u-me) you mean the trailer. Ideally it'll be an angle iron 4' x 8' trailer. Worse case it'll be the bolt-together type.

The 1x12's are already stained on the inside as is the oak floor (3/4" ply but a premium grade from the big box store). I used Minwax Colonial Oak, it will get 2 or 3 coats of poly when we're ready.

Next week we'll be installing the vertical bows and building out the bed frame.

A few more pics in the morning, I have to get them off the camera.

[SaGR]

A mix of images.

We didn’t get any of the regular glue blocks but we did get a couple of the embossed one above the door on the inside. These blocks will be hand painted to fill the flowers. We'll also grab some of the 2" flowers and hand paint them as well, these will cover the screws on the remaining visible glue blocks on the inside.

All the glue blocks and spars are in place, screwed and glued. Next week it’s the vertical bows.

Here's a few, some out of order of the build but it was to show it getting it's paint, the glue blocks above the door (and window) and the king posts going in.

I know someone will ask, the king posts and all other stained elements that are glued and screwed receive no stain on the glue surface. I was reading about some stains interfering with adhesion of the glue so I opted to skip staining the glue side.

[bobhenry]

I see the teardrop is still in the background is Paul gonna adopt it ?

Bob & Vickie Henry

P.S. Tell him we said hi !

[SaGR]

Adopt it? Hell, he bought it!

He actually got quite a bit done this summer. Sides are up and stained. Floor is finished, spars are in, galley is also cut and stained. Doors were just cut out and hinges put it.

They just snowbirded out of town last week. He'll pick it up in the spring, he's only got a few weeks of work left on it.

[SaGR]

I meant to add, if you're building off a trailer like we are - placing the body on moving dollies rocks! As long as they're level for building sake, you can just glide the thing around as needed. Great for bad backs.

[pigcooker]

Rick

Very nice looking build, can't wait to see it finished.
I bet having a huge barn to build in makes life easier too.
Doug

[mikeschn]

How does a Vardo look getting towed down the road? Anyone got a pic? Steve Cox? Anyone else?

Mike...

[SaGR]

Backwards of the originals (this plan anyway)...



Hmm, his website is down.

The original Vardo's (bowtops and open lots) were pulled (by horses) with the door facing forwards. The "American" Vardo is mounted on the trailer backwards, that is to say that the entry door is on the back of the trailer.

Some builders of Tim's design have placed the door forward and have a folding "porch" that covers the hitch. I did look at that as an option but since I extended the roof line to ~18" over the door I decided to go with the original design of Tim's since it would be like towing a parachute with all the overhang.

[SaGR]

Very nice looking build, can't wait to see it finished.
I bet having a huge barn to build in makes life easier too.

Oh hell yes! It sure beats building in a single car garage!