FM82 Offroad Teardrop Build

[FireMedic82]

Nope! :/ This will be done shadetree style fingers crossed!

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[silvrzuki77]

My interior sleeping area is 50"x74" using a futon mattress.

 

[FireMedic82]

Well, my shadetree jig was a flop. The tubing bent, but also twisted. Tried a hydraulic bender that just kinks it. Now to check with a local metal worker to see if they will heat it and make the bends for me.



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[dcollier32]

I'm assumeing you are using square tubing? But a true metal shop should have a mandrel bender. It stretches the metal as it is bent, so there isnt any creases in it...

 

[FireMedic82]

Well hopefully this guy will have the goods to do it. Without a torch to heat it...I think I've been defeated on this one.

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[skersfan]

If all else fails, you can lay the metal flat, and make cuts at about 3/4 inch and slowly bend to what you want. then make a L under it to solidfy it. tack weld each cut. That area is normaly not under stress. I still think a dune buggy shop should have the bender, you may have to by the dye for 1 inch square. Normally costs about 150.00 for it. I had Poison Spyder do my last bows for my rear door. Any jeep accessory businesses located in Florida?

 

[FireMedic82]

I have a question for those that have "been there done that". How much cabin ventilation do I really need? Is an RV roof vent necessary for a teardrop? Or would I be just fine with a vent that measures ~4"x12"? Trying to conserve roof space...

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[FireMedic82]

Oh yeah, I did check with the one of the buggy guys and he has his brother do his work for him. Haven't been able to talk with his brother yet. I did think about cutting it. It may be the same thing you're talking about. What I was thinking about was making relief cuts down the length of the tube and weld them back in after I get the shape I need.

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[dcollier32]

I would at least try that route first before paying someone to do it. You wanna conserve money right?

 

[FireMedic82]

Absolutely. Most of all though is...I have a hard time with not doing it myself. Even if it takes screwing up 4 or uhhh 40 times or so lol.

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[dcollier32]

I hear ya... I do the same thing. Some times I don't know when to quit.

 

[Way Down South]

Got my siding in today! I sure hope this bends like the picture shows lol.



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Hi, if this is the stuff that is aluminium on both sides and a poly core you can also score and snap your straight lines. Say you want to cut it to length put a straight edge across the sheet, score once with a box cutter, flip and snap it up. Then run the box cutter on the other side and off it comes.

 

[FireMedic82]

Yes it is. That's good to know that I won't have to break out a saw every time I need to make a cut.

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[dcollier32]

How much was that sheet? Also, where did you get it? I might need to know, incase I decide to build another trailer

 

[FireMedic82]

Actually, I lucked up and got it at a wholesale price locally from a friend who owns a sign/vinyl shop. I gave $55 per sheet. I looked it up online and couldn't seem to find anyone that I could get it from.
I take that back. I think I did find one place, but it was in the $200.00+ range per sheet...IF you buy 5 or less :/

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