Show us your "traditional" TEARDROP CAMPER...

[Junkyard Dog 32]

I'm thinkin about building one, and would like to see some ideas. Any little "trick" doo-dads, that you don't see everyday?

Way too much $$$ flies out the window every year staying in some fancy hotel, that's run by A-rabs.
Besides, I wanna sleep with TUCK at BTT50's http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

...THAT didn't come out right.


JOEhttp://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

[kustumizer]

Heres a crappy pic of a camper my friend brad barrows built by scratch and tows around with him! Nate

[InPrimer]

check on the RRT look under members(Sumner) under 1FATGMC, he's got a few sites there

[atch]

jd,

Here's one website I have marked: http://www.teardrops.net/links01.html

i've googled this subject in the past and came up with more info than one person can digest.

[CherryBlossom]

but Atch - you want a SCOTTY remember?
http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

[tommy]

I had a 1940's factory tear drop back in the 70's. They're fine for a couple of guys. Not too much fun for a young family. In a Scotty you can stand up and pull your pants on. That's a big plus over a tear drop.

[Junkyard Dog 32]

Thanks guys...Great stuff!!!

JOEhttp://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

[dondanno]

Heres the one I had in the classifieds...Danny

[Tuck]

hahahaha... I hope u guys camp this year... the campsite RULES. We wana bring a pop-up instead of my tent with air conditioning and micro fridge.

theres NO ROOM in my tent except for jolene so you better be planning on buying a damn camper

ive been working on a guy to buy a old 40's teardrop from california. Its super cool... and old... and has a patina... its perfect. But this guy wants to tear it apart and make plans and make a new one... i tried to explain that you can buy plans but... some people... damn

tuck

[Krylon Kid]

I check out egay and came up with plans for tear drop trailers from the 40's for $9.95 (buy now) plus $2.50 shipping. Don't know if this would be something you'd want or not. Tear Drop Trailer Plans on Ebay. (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=6032&item=24535700 33)

[wingnutz]

I had a 47 Grunman Teardrop..., never seen one since...! But check out these cool sites...! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

http://home.indy.rr.com/teardropper/new_time.html

http://www.teardrops.net/mystery/

http://www.desertteardrops.com/

[cleatus]

[ QUOTE ]
In a Scotty you can stand up and pull your pants on. That's a big plus over a tear drop.

[/ QUOTE ]

Can someone provide more info on the "Scotty"?

Are they rare / still available / what?

I just went and looked at a 1951 Crown 15' semi-tear drop / polished aluminum - really cool looking and still all original, but a little too far gone and I have too many projects going to rehab it right now.

[atch]

CB,

Yes, I want a Scotty; but if I don't find one I might build one similar to my friend's 40's all aluminum teardrop. That's right, NO WOOD. All aluminum aircraft construction with rivets. This thing's 50 - 60 years old and doesn't need to be restored 'cause there never was any wood in it to rot. His children are grown/gone now, but when they were small the 4 of them drug that thing all over the U.S. behind a model A sedan. For me (single; just one person to occupy it) a teardrop would work fine and tow pretty easy. But if I find a Scotty I'd like that even better.

[rdstr31]

MAN! I've wanted a teardrop for a long time. I did some research online also, so you should be able to find just about any style you can think of. According to a couple of those sites, you'd probably want to stay away from one you hafta restore, because just about everything's shot (plywood, alum., etc.); then again, they probably just want to sell you a $60 set of plans.... http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

[Eyeball]

Here is one I picked up a few years ago with big plans to fix it up. almost all the wood has been replaced but it needs to be skinned. It has a masonite skin on it now.

Your today for only $500 bucks or trade.

[dusty]

Are you on broadband or fast dial up? I have some pics of my build up I will email to you.

[Junkyard Dog 32]

Me? Dial-up.
Actually, I'm so far back in the woods, I think it's 1880's telegraph lines. You're welcome to send 'em, though. Thanks.
I'm at norweld@cheqnet.net

I had NO idea there was such a "cult following" for these. That's pretty cool. Bought or built, I'm definately gonna have one this summer.

Thanks guys, and keep 'em comin'


JOEhttp://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

[tootallrodder]

Here is mine. It is a 1946-48 Modernistic but these were also sold as Cub's, and Modernair's. For more pictures check out this web site.http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/TearJerkers/?yguid=103690344

[sawzall]

this is my scotty.. behind my 40 ford.. in hackberry, AZ summer 2003

scottys were made from mid 50's through mid 80's they were built in irwin, pa. somewhere in OK.. and at a plant in GA.

mine is a 15 foot from 1969.. several other members of the sowhat crew have them as well..

[4t64rd]

I did the logo for this guy:
Tiny Tears (http://www.tinytears.cc/)
He claims to have flipped one of his over and not sustained any damages. I don't think he builds them, just sells plans.

[4t64rd]

Not a teardrop, more of a marshmallow. This is our '78 Burro, the same Co. made the U-haul campers that look similar. This one has the big, round taillights.

I'm 6'2" and can stand up in the center, and it has a double bed in the rear half. Keeps the rain out, the 5000BTU A/C more than compensates for no insulation, even in FL and my 4 banger S-10 pulls it easy.

[CherryBlossom]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
In a Scotty you can stand up and pull your pants on. That's a big plus over a tear drop.

[/ QUOTE ]

Can someone provide more info on the "Scotty"?

Are they rare / still available / what?



[/ QUOTE ]
Here's the link to my scotty....in progress...going slow now that it's winter...
http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=UBB1&Number=179740&fpart=& PHPSESSID=

Also...if you go to the scotty yahoo group they know their stuff. http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/serro_scotty_camper_enthusiasts/

I personally haven't found THAT much information online regarding scottys... There is one website that has great pictures of restoring one. Watch ebay - one or two go up for auction just about every month.

[CherryBlossom]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=50063&item=2453960 617

here's one on ebay.

[CherryBlossom]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=50063&item=2454107 312


this one they have advertised as "airstream LIKE teardrop trailer". I'm pretty positive it's a Scotty. LOL It's a silverside, which are more valuable than the others.

[fordnutz]

Old blue, our 47 ford with my son's 47 kit camper. Nutz

[fordnutz]

old blue and our 70's beachcomber. 1400 # and 15 feet long. Tows like a dream.

[warpigg]

here's my old one...

trailor (http://ebaumsworld.com/trailorjump.html)

[cabriolethiboy]

The early Hot Rod Mechanix by Tex Smith had plans for them in one of the first few issues. If I can find the time I will look it up. Can't show pictures though, I don't have a scanner.

[Nads]

fordnutz, I have the same exacy '47 KIT. I bought mine years ago for $650. I love it so much I conceived my 2nd kid in that thing at Daytona. It's now christened The Babymaker.
I lost all my pictures due to my computer crashing otherwise I'd post some.

Pick up that book Ready To Roll, it's truly awesome, but quite expensive.

[Jethro]

Not a teardrop but a 72 Boler. Super light and big enough inside for me to sleep(I'm 6'3")

[Roothawg]

I'm guessing that people must have been smaller "in the day" cause you ain't getting my big ass in that teardrop.

[Junkyard Dog 32]

That little one that FORDNUTZ posted is just about what I was thinkin of.
I'm planning on pulling it behind my deuce, which is only around 2,000 lbs. with antiquated brakes. I don't want to have to think about it being back there.
I just want a place to sleep for a few hours. The rest of the time I'll be drinkin' moonshine and throwin' water on streetrods. Besides, RYANS car is really loud early in the morning. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif... http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Thanks everyone for all the info...
These things are cool. I've wanted one ever since Donald Duck went bouncin' down the road in his. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

JOEhttp://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

[Nappy]

Got rid of my crappy little camper, but this type was always one of my faves- 1955 kom-pac trailer boat, the top came off the camper and was a boat. Always thought it'd be cool to find an old boat and build a camper like this around it. Then I woke up and realized I'll never finish my current projects...
http://www.geocities.com/fiberglasscamperforum_2/1955_Kom-pac_trailer_boat/4.JPG

Also, Shasta made a pretty cool little camper that had silver 'wings' on the back. Couldn't easily find a pic that I could scab, however.

Just some different ideas for your project. Good luck.

[swissmike]

junkyarddog, check out the website desertteardrops.com as mentioned above. They have complete plans for the "Kit" teardrop trailer. They are $60 but contain full size templates and instructions. (Not that it takes a brain surgeon to build one of those things, but it makes it easier)
I have been doing some research lately and found that I want to try and get the plans from this site. Anybody familiar with tose guys?

I would like to pull the teardrop with my A roadster on duece rails. Anybody have experienced pulling a 650lbs trailer with such a lightweight vehicle?

Nads turned me on to a cool book on the subject of vintage trailers. It's called "Ready to Roll" and worth getting if you're toying with the idea of building something and need some inspiration.

[Gr8ballsofir]

Swiss mike desertteardrops.com is SoCheap here on the board... maybe he'll give you a Hamby discount...

[swissmike]

gr8ballsofire, thanks for the info. I just went ahead and ordered the plans. It said on the website to allow 6-8 weeks for delivery in light of the events of september 11. WTF? Did he switch to pony express to send stuff out?
Cool website, though.

[carnut68]

Hey Joe, does Tuck know you want too sleep with him...lol... http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

[Junkyard Dog 32]

Yeah, but we've talked it over and decided it would probably ruin our friendship. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[KCMongo]

My 81 Scamp Camper (Behind the Black 53). Sunday morning on a float trip I woke up with my head in a puddle in the bottom of my tent and said never again! Tuesday I went and looked at the trailer the lines match my favorite trucks so I bought it. When the truck on the right gets paint someday it will be painted ot match.
http://www.chevygmcofkc.org/Gallery/data/500/1DCP_1149.jpg
I slept on the ground for 25 years, now I can't belive I didn't buy one sooner.
MONGO

[Toqwik]

There is a rv dealer here near me, they are selling new trailers that resemble the teardrop trailers. Look kinda cool from the road, but not stopped to look at em, sure they aren't cheap....To

[Nads]

Does anybody know what the hell kinda wheels those are on the old KIT campers?
They're 16" with six lugs. The axles stick out so far I can't imagine how you would put hub caps on them The wheels do have tangs for hub caps though. I'd love to put some caps on mine.

Also SwissyBoy, if you're gonna build a camper I suggest you use parallel lead springs as opposed to the torsion bar suspension I have on mine. That torsion bar's stiff as heel.

[swissmike]

Nads, is yours a dropped axle or a straight axle? What's wrong with a torsion axle. That's what they recommend on the website for the plans I'm getting.

[Jdee]

Here is a pic a a scotty blocking my garage ...
My Partners
Gotta get rid of those dumb paws and get some aqua paint.
or nobodys gonna pull it away http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mad.gif
Jdee http://woodgraining.com/photos/scotty2.jpg

[Twisted Okie]

Heres a picture of a teardrop that belongs to a friend of mine. He totally rebuilt it from ground up. It has the original propane tank, gas burner and ice box. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

[Junkyard Dog 32]

Yeah... That's what I want.
That's the perfect size. What... about 8' long and 4' wide.
DUSTY suggested a "slot" in the rear kitchen area where the mattress can slid out.
I love the fenders on that one too TWISTED OKIE.
I'll have to DP-90 mine to match the car. That'll look cool against the aluminum.

I soooo gotta build one!!!


JOEhttp://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

[cheap-n-dirty]

here my 48 kit when we were coming back from the redwoods in 1998 to idaho. they pull real good to at least 100.

[ford350]

Hi guys,
I am from Wisconsin and I have a Original 1946 Kit Camper Company tear drop camper.
I pull it with my 1941 Ford Sedan Delivery street rod. Been all over the country the lat 2 years with this set up. Sure beats the price of the host hotels on those rod runs.
I have been on several Street Rodder magazine rod runs to Texas, CA, CO, NY, KY, TN and more.
Great fun!!
ALTHO, I need help with the Original Torsion Bar axle system. The busings in the torsion bar tube seem to be wearing out and causing the tire and wheel to have too much play and leaning in to the camper at the top.
Any one have any suggestions?
Don

[ford350]

They are early Chevrolet truck wheels. 6 X 5 1/2 1947-53.
Don

[GMC BUBBA]

Hi guys,
I am from Wisconsin and I have a Original 1946 Kit Camper Company tear drop camper.
I pull it with my 1941 Ford Sedan Delivery street rod. Been all over the country the lat 2 years with this set up. Sure beats the price of the host hotels on those rod runs.
I have been on several Street Rodder magazine rod runs to Texas, CA, CO, NY, KY, TN and more.
Great fun!!
ALTHO, I need help with the Original Torsion Bar axle system. The busings in the torsion bar tube seem to be wearing out and causing the tire and wheel to have too much play and leaning in to the camper at the top.
Any one have any suggestions?
Don

I own and use a orginal Kit camper as well as build a replica unit as well. My orginal trailer did what yours is doing, i ( took some time) replaced all my orginal axle grease zerts and finally got some grease in the tubes and out the bushings , never hit the sides again....
www.bubbastrailerpark.com (http://www.bubbastrailerpark.com)

Hope it helps...:D

[GMC BUBBA]

Glad to see this old thread opened again. Check out our www.bubbastrailerpark.com (http://www.bubbastrailerpark.com) site...

[Metaltwister]

Traditional,I think Not. A Teardrop, well kinda?
But it is a 1947 built by the Aluminum trailer Co. in Glendale ca. I built the porthole windows, wings, skirts and rear wood deck. The plan is to pull it with the COE some day.:eek:

http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g23/metaltwister/40%20Ford%20Coe%20and%2047%20travel%20trailer/Picture007-2.jpg

http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g23/metaltwister/40%20Ford%20Coe%20and%2047%20travel%20trailer/Picture001-1.jpg

http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g23/metaltwister/40%20Ford%20Coe%20and%2047%20travel%20trailer/CIMG0001.jpg

[Devonrod]

Here is one I built a few years back in England, larger than most, all aluminium on a 1/2" sq tube frame.


http://usera.ImageCave.com/DaveLowe/img023-copy.jpg


http://usera.ImageCave.com/DaveLowe/img026-copy.jpg


http://usera.ImageCave.com/DaveLowe/img024-copy.jpg


http://usera.ImageCave.com/DaveLowe/img025-copy.jpg

the rear bumper is an English Ford model 62, very like a 36 Ford one.
the wings are 48 Austin pickup. Art Deco interior, I sold it to Dooster hotrods in the UK, unfinished.

[FalconMan]

I bought a new one last year from a company in Wisconsin called Camp-Inn. It fully loaded with air and a tv.

Doug

IMG_3777_a.JPG (http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=525256&stc=1&d=1225568608)