Torpedo - build complete

[Irmo Atomics]

I fit the hatch on today and yes, we have clearance, Clarence.

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(So how exactly did I close the hatch and still manage to get that picture?)

[logman7777]

self timer on your digital camera??? LOL

[logman7777]

Nice OCC reference too..

[Irmo Atomics]

No Houdini here, I slid up inside the spot for the A/C. I'm still working on a removable panel for that spot; at least I won't need the A/C for a while.

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Next major step is to build the cabin doors. I have all the parts to do it, I've just been putting it off.
Now that it's football season, the weekends are less productive. I still plan on having this unit done by mid November.

[logman7777]

Looking Good!

[Irmo Atomics]

So I have the skin on and the hatch and roof vent installed

And I used the same hinge set-up for the doors

I got some small windows off of Ebay, cleaned them up and put a piece of stained glass in them. They'll be for ventilation because the round windows will be fixed.
I managed to spend a whole day cutting, grinding, drilling, bending, welding, painting some tail light brackets that will never be noticed once they're installed

(I tried to make them like little teardrops) and here's what they look like on the Torpedo.

I'm almost street legal, just need to install the round windows, finish the aluminum trim, and figure out some hatch supports.

[KCStudly]

That shape is really looking good with the alum skin on. Nice work!

[Irmo Atomics]

Thanks, KC - it's finally coming together. I put the wheels on yesterday to get it up to ride height so that I could get the hatch supports figured out. Instead of working on the supports, I got distracted and ended up weighing the camper. Since all I have left to finish are the round windows, some alum trim and the hatch supports, I figure the weights are within 10 pounds of the final empty weight.
Total Length tail light to trailer hitch: 140"
Body Height: 52" with 16" of ground clearance to the frame gets me a total height of 68"
Width: 76"
Weight on axles: 800 pounds
Weight on hitch ball: 70 pounds, so I'm a little light on tongue weight, but I've got a plan for that... aluminum suitcases to haul my supplies in:

I'll clean them up and make a tongue mount for them. So my overall empty weight should come in about 900 pounds, not bad considering the trailer frame weighed 220# by itself.

[droid_ca]

Wow that is a good weight congratulations the suitcases are a good idea

[Irmo Atomics]

It turns out that you can build a teardrop on a budget.

I spent $550 on my frame. That included the cost of the donor popup trailer, extra steel, new hubs, wheels and tires, and a rebuilt suspension.
I spent $700 on the framing and interior finishes. I used 3/4” foam insulation… that should be plenty since I’ll be leaving a window/vent open.
I spent $150 on the electrical. It isn’t very elaborate – AC only – but it’s safe and efficient. One 20 amp main breaker and 2 - 15 amp circuits going to GFCI outlets that protect the galley feed and the cabin feed. I bought a small air conditioner and I got a dorm fridge at a yard sale for $20.
I spent $1000 on the exterior finish. All of my aluminum seams lap over each other and are sealed and trimmed. Every screw hole got a dab of sealant before the screw was installed. Rot won’t be an issue.

So my 6 wide by 9 long (not including tongue) teardrop came in at $2400 and weighs 900 pounds… thrifty, light weight and water tight.

Thanks for the inspiration

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[eaglesdare]

that is really nice!

[LarryJ]

I like it - all newer components but very retro.

Well done!



LRJ

[Shadow Catcher]

Looks great and thinks for the interior shots.

[Junkboy999]

Love the pastel colors and the retro look as well..

Let us all know how it does on it first trip.

[DMcCam]

Very nicely done, gotta love the deco lines!!! You'll be turning heads everywhere!

All the best,

Dave