Floor & Lights on teardrop

[RollyDog]

I am finishing off a teardrop that someone else started a few years ago. I am sealing the underneath edges but can anyone suggest the best product for painting on the exposed plywood floor underneath. (black underbody spray ?)

Also I want to change the standard rear lights to something more retro if such is readily available.
I am also finishing my Hillman Hunter Safari wagon (painted in Mazda Astina Yellow) The camper will go the same colour and both have matching black minilight wheels and white wall tyres so should look good and I hope them to be on the road by March. Any advice to help me finish the teardrop is greatly appreciated. I look forward to weekends away alot more when the project is finished.
Rod G
Strathpine - Brisbane

[veedubnut]

Hi Rod,

Sounds like a nice looking combination you're building.

I used Ormonoid (brushable bitumen) under mine it has sealed it well... I also used a waterproof membrane paint before but, I'm not sure what it was as my father did that.

The lights you'll have to check out ebay and the swap meets

Cheers

Greg

[RollyDog]

Thanks Greg,
I have an OZTENT which I hope to adapt to the teardrop. The idea is to know the distance of the Oztent awning so that I can quickly erect the tent oposite the camper and attach the awning so that I have the teardrop for sleeping, awning for sitting area and oztent for storage and getting changed etc. The oztent fits inside the teardrop so it should work well. A few other editions include a Hillman radio for mounting in the back of the teardrop and I have extended the drawbar so I can mount a bicycle rack. I am thinking about a roof vent of some kind so will have a look at the caravan and RV shops.
RG

[cornishlass]

Hi Rod

Don't know if this link if of any use:

teardrop.blogicalthoughts.com/

If you scroll down the page about two thirds he has a section on using LED lights on his teardrop, both internally and externally. Not altogether retro, but a good read anyway

Cornish Lass

[paulc1952car]

Rod, I do the same as Veedubnut on the ones that I build. I also seal around the chassis with Sikaflex sealant. I hate the idea of moisture getting in between and just sitting there.
I have used LED lights for all trailer lights, stop/tail, indicator and Number plate.
Interior lights are RV style round mini fluros, not necessarily retro(sorry Retro) but do a fantastic job.
I, also, use an Oztent whenever we are camped for any length of time. Works superbly and, after pricing getting annexes made, is actually a cheaper alternative.
Cheers
Paul

[RollyDog]

Thanks all. I had a look today at the rear and am considering fitting Hillman Hunter sedan tail lights which would add to the character. I have commenced historic racing in a Sunbeam Rapier fastback so the oztent gets used for those weekends mainly but like you say. Examine the cost of an annexe and you have a quick and more versatile answer with the oztent attached to the camper. I hope to finish prepping it for paint this weekend.
Rod

[Koala]

Hi, I am just about to complete my teardrop and intend to use the round lights that are used on many of the old BMC or Leyland products like minis, Jaguars etc. for indicators or stop/tail lights. They come in the correct colours and can still be purchased new if you can find a dealer locally.
For the floor I am using a painted on sealer/undercoat followed by waterproof membrane liked used for shower enclosures and a layer of sikaflex where the ply mounts to the chassis.

Would like to see some photos.

Ken

[paulc1952car]

Rod, just asuggestion here, why not have a look at the Landrover tail-lights. Not the current model Disco, something like the Defender.
Cheers
Paul

[RollyDog]

Thanks for the tip about Landrover lights. I have a friend with a defender so will chase him up to have a look. The floor is sealed and I checked some wheels on the weekend. My black 13 inch minilites with white wall tyres - no problems but the Bathurst Globe 14 inch need a spacer which is no problem. Just have to trim the excess goo from the sealing, sand the sides a bit and it gets painted so photos are only a few weeks away.

Rod G.

[santa28a]

Hi Rod,
Sounds like a little ripper combo with the ol' safari wagon
Hope you have it finished to join us at Bribie on 2nd/ 3rd March It would be great to see you and your rig there to join in the weekend of fun
Cheers,
Santa

[RollyDog]

The teardrop will be finished but the list on the wagon keeps getting longer. I have a rootes Group Day at Drevdson Park, Wynnum on the last Sunday of February and would like to get the wagon there but it looks like my Sunbeam rapier will be the only thing going.
I had a look at a Defender yesterday and have ordered some tail lights for the teardrop as they have the retro look but modern bulb idea. It it worth putting some cover over the front of the van to protect the bodywork from any rocks or other muck that may get thrown up?
Rod G.

[RollyDog]

Santa
Can you email me direct the details on the Bribie weekend. [e-mail]. Whilst the wagon won't be finished I am desperately hoping the seat backs for a yellow Sunbeam Rapier Fastback I imported from NZ will arrive and I can quickly compliance the car. It is basically a Hillman Hunter 2 door so a wagon tow bar will fit and whilst I can't make it for the weekend I could make a trip there with the teardrop for a few hours to meet a few people from the group. As the Rapier will be up for sale it will be a good chance to give it a run as it has sat around for a while.
Rod G.

[santa28a]

Hi Rod
Email sent with contact details for the Caravan park,
Cheers,
Steve.