FM82 Offroad Teardrop Build
- Thread starter FireMedic82
- Start date
FireMedic82
DIYer
Doing a little toying around with the walls today. Four years later, and she's finally gotten her first wall! Sheesh.
Ignore the clamps. Nothing is mounted permanently yet, so they're just holding everything in position for now.
I really want to use the same wood on the entry way, and run the grain vertically, but even that slight bend turned out to be a super annoying. No amount of kerf cutting would keep it from cracking, so I've come up with plan B.
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Ignore the clamps. Nothing is mounted permanently yet, so they're just holding everything in position for now.
I really want to use the same wood on the entry way, and run the grain vertically, but even that slight bend turned out to be a super annoying. No amount of kerf cutting would keep it from cracking, so I've come up with plan B.
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FireMedic82
DIYer
Thanks!
I think you had a typo there. Do you mean the walls?
If that's what you meant, I have made my wheels tucked into the body a bit, so essentially have fender well tubs on the inside. Instead of having those tubs, like the bed of a truck, I built up from the innermost points. With that, I'm able to benefit from the space for shelving, cabinets, hoses, wires, etc.
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FireMedic82
DIYer
Thanks! That's cool to hear. I really appreciate that. I'm really stoked to get her back up and moving forward. I've got some pretty cool ideas in store. Hopefully they work in my favor. We'll see!
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FireMedic82
DIYer
Little more progress done. The project has peaked my nephew's interest, and he has become my little helper. Got his hands dirty and let him help with getting the cabinet frame started. Using a jigsaw was the safest route for him, but it sure made for some fun joints. 
All is good though.
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All is good though.
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FireMedic82
DIYer
Moving right along. I've reached the point of the build that I have been indecisive about since day 1, the air conditioner location. I've framed enough to start pinpointing my locations to run wiring, so I guess my next move will be running wiring, and pulling the trigger on prepping for the air conditioner.
After hours upon hours of jumping back and forth between interior and exterior, I have decided to go with an exterior setup for my air conditioner. The plan is to have the duct work as streamlined as possible, while still being extended into the cabin anywhere from 3-8 feet(two separate ducts). The ac unit will be easily mounted into place at the rear, just under the frame, and controlling the ac will be done from the inside. I still have some planning to do, but hopefully this pans out like I suspect it will. Only one way to find out.
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After hours upon hours of jumping back and forth between interior and exterior, I have decided to go with an exterior setup for my air conditioner. The plan is to have the duct work as streamlined as possible, while still being extended into the cabin anywhere from 3-8 feet(two separate ducts). The ac unit will be easily mounted into place at the rear, just under the frame, and controlling the ac will be done from the inside. I still have some planning to do, but hopefully this pans out like I suspect it will. Only one way to find out.
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Last edited:
FireMedic82
DIYer
Aaaand a little more. I'm understanding more now why homes appear to be on the road to completion in less than a year, but go to a snail's pace after the framing is thrown up. Progress is progress though. Moving onto the next set of compartments. These next two will house 110 outlets, so wiring will move in after those are complete.
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FireMedic82
DIYer
Bit of a slow go, but hacking away at it pretty steadily. The duct work has been installed, I'll post those pictures and details when I get it tidied up. The lower compartments are nearly complete, and ready to install the power outlets into.
The inner main cabinet is painted and ready to start on the fronts next. Lots of painting, staining, watching paint dry. Pretty stoked to have these parts almost 100% complete. The upper compartments aren't in the picture, but they will look identical, in color, to the lower compartments. The walls are new(I ditched the luan). They have a red oak veneer, and I stained them with a 50/50 mix of Minwax Ebony and Classic grey.
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The inner main cabinet is painted and ready to start on the fronts next. Lots of painting, staining, watching paint dry. Pretty stoked to have these parts almost 100% complete. The upper compartments aren't in the picture, but they will look identical, in color, to the lower compartments. The walls are new(I ditched the luan). They have a red oak veneer, and I stained them with a 50/50 mix of Minwax Ebony and Classic grey.
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FireMedic82
DIYer
Better picture of the wall panels. Not entirely crazy about the color after applying the urethane, and the shine is more than I care for, even with it being a satin finish. The last two pictures are with one of the panels sanded with 400.
Not really a glossy kinda guy, and I'd prefer to see the grain a bit more, so I may go to the matte finish, and if that doesn't suite me, I'll just roll with it stuffed down like it is in the picture.
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Not really a glossy kinda guy, and I'd prefer to see the grain a bit more, so I may go to the matte finish, and if that doesn't suite me, I'll just roll with it stuffed down like it is in the picture.
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FireMedic82
DIYer
Got the lower compartment bottoms stained and ready to mount. I've always liked the appearance of bolts, screws, gears, etc., So I may mount them down with some small, stainless bolts, instead of using an adhesive. Not entirely sure yet.
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FireMedic82
DIYer
Got a decent start on my cabinet front. A couple screwups, but nothing that can't be corrected.
I made the center to be an interchangeable panel, just in case my air conditioner plan is a flop.
And my ol' buddy here, highly unimpressed by the execution speed of today's work.
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