Offroad teardrop

[jonb8]

I've been working on this for awhile and it's ready to come in the garage and start woodwork as soon as the weather changes. I got a one stall garage and don't wanna loose it to this build till winter. I'm gonna pull it behind my wifes DD...

http://i311.photobucket.com/albums/kk468/bainj11/DSCF0694_zpsqtkrybbo.jpg

I built the frame

http://i311.photobucket.com/albums/kk468/bainj11/DSCF0494_zpsnyymj3sl.jpg

Sent it off to paint

http://i311.photobucket.com/albums/kk468/bainj11/DSCF0520_zpsno5gjynv.jpg

Then I finished it off with the same wheel and 35in tire she runs on her xj. I mocked up these side panels from cheap plywood to try and see what shape I want it to be. I do have the trailer wired for lights now and waiting on my vin plate from DMV

http://i311.photobucket.com/albums/kk468/bainj11/12998252_1095865960456088_8877580408796462255_o%20 1_zpsqtlvv2q0.jpg

[mpulse]

Very nice can't wait to see more

[bruggz351]

Very nice can't wait to see more
Me too. [emoji16]
Love a good custom built camper.

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[jonb8]

Thanks, I'm gonna get back on it as soon as I get the Hybrid mocked up and where it will pull in and out of the garage again.

[abebehrmann]

I love it! I really like the way you extended the area behind the fender to make a useful space to set things. I'm trying to plan out something similar myself and I've got a few questions:

1) What size tubing and what axle did you use for the trailer?

2) You going to do the whole camper out of wood/insulation or are you going to do any steel reinforcements?

3) Are you planning on making a back hatch kitchen area like most teardrops?

4) Any plans for electricity/ water?

5) How do you plan to waterproof the bottom of it?

6) Any plans for the outside covering (aluminum, fiberglass, etc)?


-Sorry about all the questions.

[bluedragon436]

Looking good already, look forward to seeing more... and wishing I had fab and welding skills to build something like this myself... maybe one day!!

[jonb8]

I love it! I really like the way you extended the area behind the fender to make a useful space to set things. I'm trying to plan out something similar myself and I've got a few questions:

1) What size tubing and what axle did you use for the trailer?

2) You going to do the whole camper out of wood/insulation or are you going to do any steel reinforcements?

3) Are you planning on making a back hatch kitchen area like most teardrops?

4) Any plans for electricity/ water?

5) How do you plan to waterproof the bottom of it?

6) Any plans for the outside covering (aluminum, fiberglass, etc)?


-Sorry about all the questions.
1. No worry's, I used 2x2 thin wall box, like 062 and I bought a 3500lbs axle I wanted it to be pretty strong.

2. The camper will be all wood, 3/4 birch mostly...

3.Yes it will have a galley in the back, but it will be small do to me doing a 5x8 camper, I need 80" just for the mattress.

4. It will have a water tank and full shore power plus 3000w inverter. I wasn't going as fancy but my wife wants to spend 2 weeks each summer in it so I gotta go all out.

5. The bottom will have 4 coats of spar varnish then get undercoated

6. The outside will get skinned with aluminum

Hope that helped..

[abebehrmann]

1. No worry's, I used 2x2 thin wall box, like 062 and I bought a 3500lbs axle I wanted it to be pretty strong.

2. The camper will be all wood, 3/4 birch mostly...

3.Yes it will have a galley in the back, but it will be small do to me doing a 5x8 camper, I need 80" just for the mattress.

4. It will have a water tank and full shore power plus 3000w inverter. I wasn't going as fancy but my wife wants to spend 2 weeks each summer in it so I gotta go all out.

5. The bottom will have 4 coats of spar varnish then get undercoated

6. The outside will get skinned with aluminum

Hope that helped..

Thanks for the info, I really appreciate it. :thumbsup:

[xjzaped]

Gives me an idea…

(Klaxon starts sounding in the distance )


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[4.3LXJ]

Gives me an idea…

(Klaxon starts sounding in the distance )


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Lightning bolts too? :D

[jonb8]

I've been real busy and haven't had much time for the internet, but here's a few update pics of the teardrop.

https://photos.smugmug.com/My-First-Gallery/i-QGqJ3Sf/0/O/15220152_1310458438996838_5334583431205791478_n.jp g

https://photos.smugmug.com/My-First-Gallery/i-cmn8WtK/0/O/15220257_1310458435663505_5142630854158009868_n.jp g

[xjzaped]

Looking good.

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[4.3LXJ]

Looking good Jon. So is the cage in your hybrid project

[bluedragon436]

Looking good... will look good behind the XJ

[jonb8]

Thanks Guy's and yes 4.3 I updated the Hybrid build with pics.

[jonb8]

Did some cabinet mockup in the Galley and test fit my doors that finally showed up today...


https://photos.smugmug.com/My-First-Gallery/i-H92kkF8/0/O/15317947_10205848311087088_4728842144658749454_n.j pg

https://photos.smugmug.com/My-First-Gallery/i-pLbJtXb/0/O/15267568_1314888535220495_1332587220722028545_n.jp g

https://photos.smugmug.com/My-First-Gallery/i-x5MdLXh/0/O/15317973_1314888531887162_8542440810418554919_n.jp g

[jonb8]

Got the front radius done this evening...

https://photos.smugmug.com/My-First-Gallery/i-wVf8htF/0/O/15380619_1321011354608213_6206947312067557426_n.jp g

[jonb8]

Got it hooked up and outside so I could clean up my sawdust mess...and the galley hatch is glued and screwed...

https://photos.smugmug.com/My-First-Gallery/i-6GJDx7r/0/O/15284800_1324356664273682_4294553907407024537_n.jp g

https://photos.smugmug.com/My-First-Gallery/i-ZVCnhwS/0/O/15380461_1330457746996907_2350024511967922468_n.jp g

[XJ Wheeler]

You nailed the height perfectly!

Sent via messenger pigeon. I talk, he types.

[jonb8]

Yea I kind of cheated on the height , I built a full scale mockup trailer and sides out of an old trailer I had. It gave me something to measure off of...LOL

http://i311.photobucket.com/albums/kk468/bainj11/DSCF0395_zpsv8bfobzz.jpg

[jonb8]

Got alittle more done, finished up the hatch

https://photos.smugmug.com/My-First-Gallery/i-k6D4P6H/0/O/15590473_1341156962593652_8895620145957165500_n.jp g


Got the A/C / Heater box mocked in and started blocking for the vents.

https://photos.smugmug.com/My-First-Gallery/i-hVTztZF/0/O/15590400_1341157012593647_3646474008869413724_n.jp g


Got the roof pulled off and skinned

https://photos.smugmug.com/My-First-Gallery/i-BpqjZQx/0/O/15401101_1336000413109307_6172428119940698046_n.jp g


Test fit and played with all the settings on the fantastic fan

https://photos.smugmug.com/My-First-Gallery/i-rRLZnRH/0/O/15578885_1339297292779619_5467140717645166580_n.jp g

https://photos.smugmug.com/My-First-Gallery/i-LnTwCnn/0/O/15541488_1339291166113565_966747186313024064_n.jpg

[4.3LXJ]

Looking real nice Jon :thumbsup:

[Mudderoy]

Will you be doing insulation? Expandable foam?

[jonb8]

Gonna use 1 inch foam like I did in the floor, with this heater I won't have to worry about getting cold. The cabins only 30 square feet...LOL

[Mudderoy]

Gonna use 1 inch foam like I did in the floor, with this heater I won't have to worry about getting cold. The cabins only 30 square feet...LOL

Ahhh okay I missed the floor foam. I was just thinking about those times when Murphy's law is on full blast and everything goes wrong.

Did you mention how much the parts are costing. I shouldn't ask, I don't have any place to keep one of these, but boy it would sure be fun to build one.

[jonb8]

I'm almost to the fun part, were I'm sure I can actually build this thing.... I've never built a camper before, and never seen one in person so I'm building this thing on nothing but drawings on a peice of paper and what I can read on the old interwebs..

[xjzaped]

I'm almost to the fun part, were I'm sure I can actually build this thing.... I've never built a camper before, and never seen one in person so I'm building this thing on nothing but drawings on a peice of paper and what I can read on the old interwebs..



I've never looked at living quarters construction before. Interesting though. I have several trailer projects that are upcoming in the distant future which will involve living quarters (not for humans though).


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[jonb8]

I've been getting alittle more done on the teardrop...

https://photos.smugmug.com/My-First-Gallery/i-c7SndRk/0/O/15894576_1379320842110597_4422189114302084032_n.jp g

https://photos.smugmug.com/My-First-Gallery/i-Kwbfkhb/0/O/15822673_1370926179616730_1586478737240158680_n.jp g

[bluedragon436]

Man that thing is looking great, Jon!! If I didn't have the little one, I'd love to give a go @ building something like that one day... maybe once the little one gets older and moves out of the house.... +/- 18 years.. lol Guess that gives me plenty of time to learn fabrication and welding skills

[jonb8]

Just substitute the inside cabinets for a bed that runs across and elevated like the shelf in mine.. Perfect size for little ones. Like this one..

https://photos.smugmug.com/My-First-Gallery/i-n8D9mS6/0/O/3964b09236511f20f41bdceb91a37590.jpg

[bluedragon436]

Have thought about that.. guess we'll see how she does or how she enjoys camping in the first place... before I spend the time/money to build something..

[4.3LXJ]

Just take her James. They like it. My oldest slept on the ground under the stars with us. Slept even better than a baby :D

[bluedragon436]

Just take her James. They like it. My oldest slept on the ground under the stars with us. Slept even better than a baby :D

Oh I plan on taking her as much as I can, that is for sure... Just hoping she will actually enjoy it, not have to drag her along..

[4.3LXJ]

We started mine at 5 months

[jonb8]

https://photos.smugmug.com/My-First-Gallery/i-45dfdM9/0/O/15976937_1385656951476986_7262764857956087318_n%20 %281%29.jpg

[4.3LXJ]

Somebody should be a cabinet maker

[jonb8]

Thanks 4.3 xj, I got some stain and poly on the galley cabinets and got the interior cabinets done.....DONE....... LOL


https://photos.smugmug.com/My-First-Gallery/i-cG7Zwhj/0/O/15894844_1387829764593038_2707729527062230421_n.jp g

https://photos.smugmug.com/My-First-Gallery/i-gsNHzxL/0/O/16105712_1387829881259693_4312101966022187071_n.jp g

[jonb8]

I wish this teadrop was done, I really would like to get back to Jeepin...:xj-yellow:

[denverd1]

what's next?

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[bluedragon436]

https://photos.smugmug.com/My-First-Gallery/i-45dfdM9/0/O/15976937_1385656951476986_7262764857956087318_n%20 %281%29.jpg

Looking real good.. Which Power Center unit did you use on your build??

[jonb8]

I have to finish the 4x4 grand am, lots of welding left to do on it and I'm gonna build a J10. I need a new DD truck and I'm not gonna spend 10g for a wore out pile so I'm gonna build me a truck...It doesn't look like much but the cab is solid and the rest I'm gonna build...

https://photos.smugmug.com/My-First-Gallery/i-LPXKqT5/0/O/13151850_1110833132292704_2477569389948596875_n.jp g

[jonb8]

Inteli-Power 4000 Series, I got it from Frank at Vintage Technology....

[bluedragon436]

I have to finish the 4x4 grand am, lots of welding left to do on it and I'm gonna build a J10. I need a new DD truck and I'm not gonna spend 10g for a wore out pile so I'm gonna build me a truck...It doesn't look like much but the cab is solid and the rest I'm gonna build...

https://photos.smugmug.com/My-First-Gallery/i-LPXKqT5/0/O/13151850_1110833132292704_2477569389948596875_n.jp g

Looks like it'll be a nice truck to build up... Wish I had known more about FSJ's a few years back... had a co-worker that had a cobbled together quad cab FSJ.. wish I had gotten it, repaired the cooled part, and done a build up on it.. would have worked nicely with the little one, especially if I could make it a trail rig too...


Inteli-Power 4000 Series, I got it from Frank at Vintage Technology....

Nice.. Think that was the one I was looking at, when I was going to upgrade/rebuild the pop-up I have.. but now I'm debating if I'm going to find a small (roughly 16ft) travel trailer to rebuild/upgrade.. or attempt to build my own offroad teardrop... certainly going to have to do some learning and research before I take on that one though...

[jonb8]

The interior and galley is finally all finished and I'm putting the roof on, I'll be 100% done with all the wood today... :bacondance:

https://photos.smugmug.com/My-First-Gallery/i-s37GsWF/0/L/16003029_1393619297347418_5395123842855084915_n-L.jpg

https://photos.smugmug.com/My-First-Gallery/i-jnrF4zj/0/O/16114715_1393619404014074_8534952572091470196_n.jp g

[jonb8]

65 degree's here in WV yesterday so I took the day off and me and my son Clayton got in the woods for some much deserved fun.. Here's a pic of Clayton running his first trail at 14.... He did great kids got skills....

https://photos.smugmug.com/My-First-Gallery/i-CS2gNJR/0/O/16114832_1397038963672118_8229263498182002842_n.jp g


Didn't get many pics of the day but here's a few..

https://photos.smugmug.com/My-First-Gallery/i-QhpBznH/0/O/16195562_1397872540255427_3636266871327567479_n.jp g

https://photos.smugmug.com/My-First-Gallery/i-nVP45pQ/0/O/16142350_1397872570255424_3429372183042277420_n.jp g

https://photos.smugmug.com/My-First-Gallery/i-Kf4vH8S/0/O/16266144_1397872486922099_2483956718842960969_n.jp g

https://photos.smugmug.com/My-First-Gallery/i-TxkFFFk/0/O/16114849_1397872493588765_825392795985662868_n.jpg

https://photos.smugmug.com/My-First-Gallery/i-hSwFBn5/0/O/16143158_1316212018414850_9169439609684753178_n.jp g

https://photos.smugmug.com/My-First-Gallery/i-wVcXmf3/0/O/16142968_1397039277005420_194632012959160770_n.jpg

https://photos.smugmug.com/My-First-Gallery/i-P8qQrb7/0/O/16114705_1316211385081580_1185891044400097370_n.jp g

[4.3LXJ]

Those cabinets look nicer than the ones in my house. Don't show my wife, she will be jealous. Going to call that last waterfall "Eagle's Nest"?

[jonb8]

Never built a set of cabinets in my life but like all things I do I spent alot of time on you tube. Then there's alway's a mockup out of cheap material before I nail it down... The last trail we did was called Lower J. I didn't run it, by the time those two guy's finally got out it was almost dark. I need to have my stickie's on to run that trail anyway...

[4.3LXJ]

It doesn't look like a trail I would run with a daily driver no matter how capable. Kinda bothers me sometimes when someone tries the impossible and blocks the trail for the rest of the day, or two

[Mudderoy]

This is a fun post.

[jonb8]

Both those rigs are on tons with 43 stickies, that trail is probably one of the hardest trails on the East Coast. I've ran everything at Harlan, Gore Va, Telico, Roush Creek and Ivy and that's the only trail out of all of them that I've never even attempted.. It's an ugly stretch of road....LOL

[4.3LXJ]

That is a rather loose definition of "road" :D

[jonb8]

Here's Nick on the entrance, and it's like that the whole way to the top.... I bought a set of BFG comp stickies, when I finally get them mounted I'm gonna make a run at Lower J. I still don't think 39's are enough tire to get up it, but I'm gonna give it one hell of a shot....:D

[jonb8]

Here's Nick on the entrance, and it's like that the whole way to the top.... I bought a set of BFG comp stickies, when I finally get them mounted I'm gonna make a run at Lower J. I still don't think 39's are enough tire to get up it, but I'm gonna give it one hell of a shot....:D

https://photos.smugmug.com/My-First-Gallery/i-hSwFBn5/0/O/16143158_1316212018414850_9169439609684753178_n.jp g

[denverd1]

Here's Nick on the entrance, and it's like that the whole way to the top.... I bought a set of BFG comp stickies, when I finally get them mounted I'm gonna make a run at Lower J. I still don't think 39's are enough tire to get up it, but I'm gonna give it one hell of a shot....:D

https://photos.smugmug.com/My-First-Gallery/i-hSwFBn5/0/O/16143158_1316212018414850_9169439609684753178_n.jp g

hell yea!!

[denverd1]

Here's Nick on the entrance, and it's like that the whole way to the top.... I bought a set of BFG comp stickies, when I finally get them mounted I'm gonna make a run at Lower J. I still don't think 39's are enough tire to get up it, but I'm gonna give it one hell of a shot....:D

https://photos.smugmug.com/My-First-Gallery/i-hSwFBn5/0/O/16143158_1316212018414850_9169439609684753178_n.jp g

hell yea!! more skinny pedal!!! then your tires stand up from the centrifugal force and it feels like you're on 43s!!!! woo hoo!! :bacondance: :bacondance:

[jonb8]

Hitting the home stretch, it'll be nice to take a break and quit working all day then on this thing till 11 oclock every night....

https://photos.smugmug.com/My-First-Gallery/i-mC8gPvp/0/XL/16178512_1404574822918532_5367580248312288028_o-XL.jpg

[Mudderoy]

Hitting the home stretch, it'll be nice to take a break and quit working all day then on this thing till 11 oclock every night....

https://photos.smugmug.com/My-First-Gallery/i-mC8gPvp/0/XL/16178512_1404574822918532_5367580248312288028_o-XL.jpg

Is this a kit?

[jonb8]

No I built it all from the ground up, No plans just pictures and about of year of reading everything there is to read on the internet...I love researching builds it gives me something to do. I don't sit around idle very well...makes me twitchy..LOL

[4.3LXJ]

Looking very nice Jon

[Mudderoy]

No I built it all from the ground up, No plans just pictures and about of year of reading everything there is to read on the internet...I love researching builds it gives me something to do. I don't sit around idle very well...makes me twitchy..LOL

Have you already gone over the metal you're attaching? I'd like to know what it is, how you cut it out, etc... It looks so precise it looks like it's part of a kit.

[jonb8]

Believe it or not this is .040 mil finish aluminum that I bought at Wabash truck center in Columbus OH. They sell it by the foot off of a 102 in roll, it's for the roofs of semi box trailers. I gave 13 dollars a foot for it and rolled it out and cut it all by hand with a regular pair of metal snips.. Alot of work I thought my hand was gonna fall off...

[bluedragon436]

That's awesome.. I wouldn't have through about tracking down Semi box trailer roofing for something like this... but would work awesomely.. Are you going to be running the same style corner trim for the joints like a standard camper uses??

[jonb8]

Yes, I'm working on that now....Uhhhhgggg I'm am so tired of stressing everything I cut in fear of forgetting/messing something up....I have to keep telling myself I'll get years of stress relieving camping out of it..

[Mudderoy]

Yes, I'm working on that now....Uhhhhgggg I'm am so tired of stressing everything I cut in fear of forgetting/messing something up....I have to keep telling myself I'll get years of stress relieving camping out of it..

At least from the pictures you have what looks to be factory made item. I was looking at a post on Facebook of someone doing something simular to this but theirs was way down the nice-o-meter from what you have here.

People will be pestering you to sell them this one or build them one.

[jonb8]

It's bad already, everyone I know wants one but money is alway's a problem. I couldn't have payed for someone to build mine, there's hundreds of hours involved. I have talked to the wife about building another one but not for sale but to rent out to are friends and family.. Noone needs a camper but a couple times a year.

[bluedragon436]

It's bad already, everyone I know wants one but money is alway's a problem. I couldn't have payed for someone to build mine, there's hundreds of hours involved. I have talked to the wife about building another one but not for sale but to rent out to are friends and family.. Noone needs a camper but a couple times a year.

If you had to add it all up.... how much do you think roughly you have into the build, minus time?? There is a guy up in PA, that builds these things, and he says they sell like hot cakes.. so at some locations.. the demand is there... I guess if you were looking to build some to sell, what would you be looking at selling them for?? I think the only negative thing other than taking away from family.. would be taking away from camping time in your own rig building others... but if nothing else by the time you build a few, you'll have more skills and better designs/ideas... and then you can take the newest one and sell of the current one... lol

[jonb8]

It's hard to tell on price because I had to buy alot of tools I didn't have. I spent a small fortune on clamps....but with no one to hold stuff for me I had to. I haven't set down and pulled the receipts out and broke it all down yet. I'm over 3,500 and under 5,000 but still have things to buy. I did buy the best of everything and put a/c and heat in, plus new 35in tires and wheels. I don't think I'll sell any just don't think I'm good enough with these to guarantee no leaks and all that. The service work would kill me I think and with renting them I service them anyway....Win Win

[jonb8]

Coming to the end of this one, nothing left but fenders...My son and his Dog even slept in it last night....Guess he couldn't wait...

https://photos.smugmug.com/My-First-Gallery/i-vLH3KWP/0/O/16473292_1409777339064947_3831095108210768220_n.jp g

https://photos.smugmug.com/My-First-Gallery/i-VMnbrKh/0/O/16299475_10206293724502145_6236106019817366488_n.j pg

https://photos.smugmug.com/My-First-Gallery/i-7R2pBFx/0/O/16425879_1409995362376478_1110421041918856763_n.jp g

[oderdene]

Looks fantastic, really nice
how heavy it will be when fully loaded?

@Tapatalk ;-)

[jonb8]

I wanted to keep it under 1200 lbs but I'm sure it'll be heavier then that. I'm now hoping to be under 1400 but won't know till I get it on the scales.

[4.3LXJ]

Very nice Jon

[bluedragon436]

It's hard to tell on price because I had to buy alot of tools I didn't have. I spent a small fortune on clamps....but with no one to hold stuff for me I had to. I haven't set down and pulled the receipts out and broke it all down yet. I'm over 3,500 and under 5,000 but still have things to buy. I did buy the best of everything and put a/c and heat in, plus new 35in tires and wheels. I don't think I'll sell any just don't think I'm good enough with these to guarantee no leaks and all that. The service work would kill me I think and with renting them I service them anyway....Win Win

I'm sure you cold find quite a few folks, especially Jeepers, that wouldn't mind picking one up... kind of an as is thing.. Heck, I'd take it and have no problems laying down some beads of sealant in the joints, to make them more sealed and not have to worry about them leaking.. I like the way that one turned out... and as odd as it seems to me, some folks that build these things, charge an arm and a leg for them... and I'm sure they don't build them nearly as nice/well as you did.. nor do they care if they leak I'm sure... that's why I haven't bought one.. I've been looking at them more and more.. but not real sure how well one would work for my GF and little one.. Might have to see if I could find a place local to me to rent one, so I can try one out for a weekend..

[jonb8]

In my research thats the first thing I learned. They say to rent one before you buy or build. Your either gonna love it or hate the small sleeping area. I couldn't find any place to rent one so I've built one now and don't even know if I'll like it or not...Oh well that's why I made it brushed aluminum so it will match anyone's jeep...LOL I've built jeeps for years and now I got a waiting list on people wanting to buy a jeep off me. Problem is when I started building and selling jeeps they went off to people I don't know or know me. Now people buy a jeep off me and they show up in my driveway 4 years later and the guy's complaining that a light on it doesn't work...... It's like people think they get a lifetime warranty... It's just a big can of worms...

[bluedragon436]

In my research thats the first thing I learned. They say to rent one before you buy or build. Your either gonna love it or hate the small sleeping area. I couldn't find any place to rent one so I've built one now and don't even know if I'll like it or not...Oh well that's why I made it brushed aluminum so it will match anyone's jeep...LOL I've built jeeps for years and now I got a waiting list on people wanting to buy a jeep off me. Problem is when I started building and selling jeeps they went off to people I don't know or know me. Now people buy a jeep off me and they show up in my driveway 4 years later and the guy's complaining that a light on it doesn't work...... It's like people think they get a lifetime warranty... It's just a big can of worms...

Yeah, not sure if there is a local place that rents them or not...I know there is a RV place or two that has the professional built versions for sale.. but not sure if they rent or not... Like I said before... I think for me and my GF... the teardrop would work fine... not for sure with the little one or not, how that'd work... think that's the biggest reason why I'd like to rent one... if I can find a place... As far as the lifetime warranty.. I think that is funny.. cause it's not at all surprising that people are like that... think that's the reason why if I ever manage to learn myself how to do any kind of fab/welding... that I'd not enjoy building rigs.. is people thinking they can go out and demolish them and then come back and expect you to fix em, like it's your fault they have any kind of wear/tear or issues...

[XJ Wheeler]

Jon, that's beautiful! Fine work sir!

Sent via messenger pigeon. I talk, he types.

[jonb8]

Thanks Guy's, I got it outside and got some pics today. Funny how much smaller it got when I got it out of my tiny garage,,,

https://photos.smugmug.com/My-First-Gallery/i-vSpKXxh/0/O/16299496_1411009165608431_1117289939240624045_n.jp g

https://photos.smugmug.com/My-First-Gallery/i-H52vtXL/0/O/16508203_1411009192275095_425176505019302080_n.jpg

https://photos.smugmug.com/My-First-Gallery/i-Z72mGpk/0/O/16425883_10206301321732071_8123929963587694530_n.j pg

https://photos.smugmug.com/My-First-Gallery/i-XzgjLbc/0/O/16425944_10206301321692070_3165703238212137726_n.j pg

[bluedragon436]

That's awesome... Looks good, and sits at the perfect height below it and it's max height... should pull nicely behind the XJ..

[jonb8]

Since the teardrop is down to tinker stuff I'm starting to get in gear my next project. It's a 2015 JK that was salvaged after a dash fire, it was only on the road for a few months before it was totalled. It's all cleaned up and since I've finally found a set of Rubicon axles I'm gonna get started on it soon. I've already bought core support, fenders, hood, grill, lights, soft top and all the stock springs, shocks and trackbars off a guy that lifted his.

https://photos.smugmug.com/My-First-Gallery/i-nsrhmbN/0/XL/15304094_329427997438911_90124580889902821_o-XL.jpg



Here's a pic of a 2011 JK I picked up for all the plastic, rubber stuff, dash, column, seats, heater box, brake and fuel stuff... lots to do on this one...LOL

https://photos.smugmug.com/My-First-Gallery/i-sqRQLZh/0/XL/14691297_305858403129204_2699632269784596208_o-XL.jpg

[xjzaped]

Since the teardrop is down to tinker stuff I'm starting to get in gear my next project. It's a 2015 JK that was salvaged after a dash fire, it was only on the road for a few months before it was totalled. It's all cleaned up and since I've finally found a set of Rubicon axles I'm gonna get started on it soon. I've already bought core support, fenders, hood, grill, lights, soft top and all the stock springs, shocks and trackbars off a guy that lifted his.



https://photos.smugmug.com/My-First-Gallery/i-nsrhmbN/0/XL/15304094_329427997438911_90124580889902821_o-XL.jpg







Here's a pic of a 2011 JK I picked up for all the plastic, rubber stuff, dash, column, seats, heater box, brake and fuel stuff... lots to do on this one...LOL



https://photos.smugmug.com/My-First-Gallery/i-sqRQLZh/0/XL/14691297_305858403129204_2699632269784596208_o-XL.jpg



Como se dice 4BT?


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[jonb8]

Probably stay to my roots and swap in a 4.0/Aw4 and 231 with a chopped down 96 harness to run the engine and trans.. Why mess with what works...

[bluedragon436]

HEMI powa!!!! or diesel swap!! But yeah, I think the 4.0 will be nice reliable powertrain to give the JK new lease on life... I almost bought a JKU a few months back that had some fire damage, nothing to clear it completely like that one, but one to need some work.. Look forward to seeing the 4.0 JK build up..

[jonb8]

Might be a maybe, the guy that's selling the Rubi axles isn't wanting to sell them to me now he's wanting to buy the JK and build it since he has all the stuff that came off of his JK....He has alot of money so he may be the new owner of this project, I'm making him sweat for alittle bit and if doesn't buy it then "Oh Well".....LOL

[bluedragon436]

That might be a quick change of events/plans... Quick flip!!

[xjzaped]

Probably stay to my roots and swap in a 4.0/Aw4 and 231 with a chopped down 96 harness to run the engine and trans.. Why mess with what works...



A mechanically controlled 4BT vastly simplifies the electrical…especially if you're into pulling your own harnessing.


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[bluedragon436]

A mechanically controlled 4BT vastly simplifies the electrical…especially if you're into pulling your own harnessing.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Yeah... wish I had the knowledge/money to be able to do a mechanical 4BT swap on my XJ... They do have a bit of weight.. but are awesome power wise, especially for crawling over obstacles... maybe one day..

[xjzaped]

Yeah... wish I had the knowledge/money to be able to do a mechanical 4BT swap on my XJ... They do have a bit of weight.. but are awesome power wise, especially for crawling over obstacles... maybe one day..



I don't think a B3.9 will fit (too tall). A B3.3 may but those are even more rare (think Bobcat skid steers) and are only EFI. Never tried to swap one. But we know a B3.9 will fit in a TJ so it should fit in a JK.


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[bluedragon436]

I don't think a B3.9 will fit (too tall). A B3.3 may but those are even more rare (think Bobcat skid steers) and are only EFI. Never tried to swap one. But we know a B3.9 will fit in a TJ so it should fit in a JK.


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I know of a few folks that are running 4BT's in their XJ's, TJ's and JK's..... They are awesome engines... but are heavy... I know Cummins is releasing (or has semi-recently released) an engine that will be a ready to swap in engine... unfortunately it will be released for the Wranglers like everything else, cause none of the big industry folks want to think about us lowly XJ's...

[jonb8]

I'm just too old to get into the diesel game, so I'll just stick to what I've been working on for the last 20 years. :D

[4.3LXJ]

You were going to flip this anyway weren't you Jon?

[jonb8]

Yea, even if I just get it painted and assembled back to a Jk with no drivetrain. I'll be able to dump it easy on someone wanting to build a crawler. I have no desire to drive a new JK..... How boring is that...LOL

[4.3LXJ]

I hear ya. If you flip stuff, it needs to be as cheap as possible. Conversions unless you have done a dozen of them always take time and money and sometimes are a nightmare

[bluedragon436]

Yea, even if I just get it painted and assembled back to a Jk with no drivetrain. I'll be able to dump it easy on someone wanting to build a crawler. I have no desire to drive a new JK..... How boring is that...LOL

You can build it to be a JK, with the heart of an XJ and the legs of a Rubicon... so... it wouldn't be just a plain old boring JK!! LOL

[jonb8]

Yea axles are starting to become a problem I think..Dude is ho humming on me and a can't seem to find another stock set for under 5 grand.. I don't mind paying that for Rubi stuff but not open diffs and 321 gears...LOL Might look into a HP ford D44 and a 9 inch.. If I use the harness out of the xj and the regular brake distribution box off the xj I can do away with ABS and the wheel speed sensors. I can mod the cluster to get rid of the lights and run after market guages for everything except speedo... That might be a trick...

[Mudderoy]

I'll just leave this here...

http://wayalife.com/photos/_data/i/upload/2016/11/01/20161101235136-d3998f7f-me.jpg

[bluedragon436]

Yea axles are starting to become a problem I think..Dude is ho humming on me and a can't seem to find another stock set for under 5 grand.. I don't mind paying that for Rubi stuff but not open diffs and 321 gears...LOL Might look into a HP ford D44 and a 9 inch.. If I use the harness out of the xj and the regular brake distribution box off the xj I can do away with ABS and the wheel speed sensors. I can mod the cluster to get rid of the lights and run after market guages for everything except speedo... That might be a trick...

Do you know if TJ axles would work for a JK fitment?? Might be a slightly easier to find and acquire option for the axles..

I'll just leave this here...

http://wayalife.com/photos/_data/i/upload/2016/11/01/20161101235136-d3998f7f-me.jpg

Love that thing.. Greg did an awesome job on that build... not like any of his other builds...

[4.3LXJ]

Yea axles are starting to become a problem I think..Dude is ho humming on me and a can't seem to find another stock set for under 5 grand.. I don't mind paying that for Rubi stuff but not open diffs and 321 gears...LOL Might look into a HP ford D44 and a 9 inch.. If I use the harness out of the xj and the regular brake distribution box off the xj I can do away with ABS and the wheel speed sensors. I can mod the cluster to get rid of the lights and run after market guages for everything except speedo... That might be a trick...

Yeah, that Rubi stuff is real expensive. they have to pay down their credit cards for the custom D60s

[bluedragon436]

Yeah, that Rubi stuff is real expensive. they have to pay down their credit cards for the custom D60s

Yeah.. I wish I knew someone who wasn't all about trying to take people to the bank to pay for their mods/upgrades... so that I could snag a good deal on a Rubicon transfer case and/or axles.. Don't get me wrong... I'd love a set of Wontons under my XJ... but definitely can't afford that (maybe/hopefully one day)!!

[jonb8]

The TJ axles are like the xj and 61in wms to wms, the Jk is 65 wms to wms. I think I could get the front to work because it's close and narrow, but the rear frame it too wide for the skinny axle. Looks like I gotta use a 65 in axle for the rear coils to not hit the brakes. Ive heard that guy is gonna sell the kit to make the xj hybrid but I havent got into it, I have to much new sheetmetal already bought...

[4.3LXJ]

You could always go the ford 9"/D44 route. Those should still be semi affordable. Gonna take some fabricating though. Won't be real quick

[jonb8]

I've got a 65in ford HP dana 44 but I'm not sure i can get the wheel out far enough to cover the lockout hub. We have to stay under the flares in WV... I quess they do sell a real wide flare for the JK... I could put them under there and if I don't like them I could sell them to a JK guy wanting to upgrade..

[4.3LXJ]

You coiuld get fancy with swapping out older Jeep or Scout hubs and spindles, but it wouldn't be worth it.

[jonb8]

This one is going back on the back burner, I really don't know which way to take this project. So when I don't know what to do I "Dont Do Nothin" LOL it's cheaper that way... Honestly I might build another teardrop but with small tires and 4 wide. I have so much material left over and If I'm ever gonna build another one it probably should be now.. Then I'll see if I can make any money on them.

[jonb8]

I made a deal on the Rubi axles, along with the control arms, springs, steering, trackbars and stock wheels and tires. It'll be a few weeks till he get the stuff out, he's waiting on his ultimate 70's to come in. Good thing about this stuff is it has under 9,000 miles on all of it and it's all road miles/.// Couldn't pass up the deal so this project will move along this spring so no more money for toy's...

[bluedragon436]

This one is going back on the back burner, I really don't know which way to take this project. So when I don't know what to do I "Dont Do Nothin" LOL it's cheaper that way... Honestly I might build another teardrop but with small tires and 4 wide. I have so much material left over and If I'm ever gonna build another one it probably should be now.. Then I'll see if I can make any money on them.

I think you'd be able to make some money on them... whether you were going to build them to sell or rent out... and if you were going to do it for selling.. I'd say going with a smaller tire might be fine, but have the option for the buyer to go to larger later if they so choose.. like if I was to buy one, I'd pick one up with smaller tires, so long as I could later go to a larger tire, maybe even a 33 to match the rig's tires, making a spare for either easier... not to mention having a bit more clearance underneath for any small trail trips with the trailer..


I made a deal on the Rubi axles, along with the control arms, springs, steering, trackbars and stock wheels and tires. It'll be a few weeks till he get the stuff out, he's waiting on his ultimate 70's to come in. Good thing about this stuff is it has under 9,000 miles on all of it and it's all road miles/.// Couldn't pass up the deal so this project will move along this spring so no more money for toy's...

Sounds like you might have plenty of time while waiting for the axles and such... to build up that next teardrop... while everything learned from the first is fresh in your head!!

[jonb8]

I was gonna build another one real quick with all the extra material I had from the first build. I have a set amount of cash that I roll over and over, so I'll have to wait for the Jk to sell to build another one. Plus I wanna wait till I get local feedback on this one.

[jonb8]

Got to go camping in the teardrop last weekend, we spent 2 nights in Hocking Hills OH at old man's cave... No problems and we had plenty of room inside, slept like a Holiday inn...LOL Here's some pics...

https://photos.smugmug.com/My-First-Gallery/i-TNGp5jc/0/O/16806907_10206412508151662_7862569614083235971_n.j pg

https://photos.smugmug.com/My-First-Gallery/i-2TtNnf4/0/O/16649531_10206412502991533_1681960772048061541_n.j pg

https://photos.smugmug.com/My-First-Gallery/i-gsFwhcs/0/O/16832380_10206412506031609_988723001940863469_n.jp g

https://photos.smugmug.com/My-First-Gallery/i-zqZLdNw/0/O/16730551_10206412249345192_8248672526910902147_n.j pg

[bluedragon436]

Looks like a great time... and a very nice meal!!