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Comment: November 9th 2003 - Clamped in place on the top prior to gluing on hardboard.
Finished mounting and will run beaded fender welting around outside to dress it up before tightening.

November 8th 2003 - A template was used for the plywood hatch ribs. Pairs will be glued together for each side. When the template is moved in to cut next rib it rough's in the backside of the previous one as it is cut off.

November 9th 2003 - Detail of how the top is locked into the side ribs with glue and screws.

November 9th 2003 - Frame with 1/8 board that will be glued, nailed & screwed into place.

November 8th 2003 - Clamping hatch frame in place prior to attaching the hardboard. 1/2 clearance was divided evenly on each side. Note: The bottom bulkhead isn't installed allowing access to remove the clamps when finished.
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November 9th 2003 - Temporarly removed floor mounting bolt and used hole to clamp bottom of hatch in place prior to skinning with hard board. Note: The bottom bulkhead isn't installed yet which will give access to remove clamps once the skin is installed.

With hatch clamped in position 1/8 hardboard was glued and tacked with a brad nailer. At the bottom edge it was screwed to the stringer. After skinning with aluminum the top side will have the hinge mounted on top.

Alright!!! It's starting to look like a real teardrop, not much unlike the one my father bought in the late 1940's. It also served as an extra bedroom which was mine for a few years which was more fun than sleeping in the house. California weather is made for year round teardroping.

January 18th 2004 - Installed these old style hatch props and they have only 9 travel. Mounting was critical as they had zero clearance (inset) when closed.

A piece of poplar was glued and screwed onto the outside rib to have something solid to mount the prop. After fitting it was taken apart to insulate & skin the inside of the hatch.
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Album last updated on Jul 28, 2008 - 12:44 PM
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