This toy was purchased in August of 1999. Please consider this your invitation from me, to follow it, as I restore it to better than it's former glory! I restored it to pull behind the Effie, matching the colors and wheels as close as I could

Please note: Since this webpage was created, the Teardrop was completed, used, showed off and now it's sold! The truck was sold, too, however, not to the same person. I've moved on to new toys, but kept the pages up to share the information and little tips I learned along the way.

This Teardrop was built from a kit bought from Popular Mechanics in 1947. As you can see, it had seen a lot of our country. In fact, it had been to states that I haven't! When I replace the aluminum, I plan on keeping this section, and perhaps displaying it some way or another! Any ideas? I'm open to suggestions!

These had to go! I removed them all (saving the original hardware, of course)and designed a new set-up that will have drawers, an operable sink and a propane stove. Since the original wood was Philipine Mahogany, that's what I plan to replace them with. Once these were removed, I scrubbed all the inside wood with oxalyic acid - what a difference! The wood that lined the interior was filthy and stained; it's now almost as good as new!

The immediate project involves removing the axle because it is frozen! If it cannot be broken free, it will have to be replaced. That has to be done before I can buy tires and rims to match the F-100. . . and that has to be done before I can put new fenders on!. . . and of course, all of that has to be done before the new wood goes in, so I won't put any holes in that installing the fenders!!!

The original stove was still with the Teardrop when I bought it. If the tubing didn't leak, I'd probably re-install it, but I don't need any propane leaks! Those are porcelain handles you see! I think I'll go ahead and refinish it and keep it for display, not for use. It's like a blonde ~ you know, pretty and decorative ~ not too functional!

The wood under the hinge was tweaked due to wood warping, so naturally it was out of alignment. When the aluminum is replaced, so will the hinge! The aluminum was pieced, has holes in it and is stained. This will be replaced after the wood is in. Thank goodness, my son-in-law has aircraft experience! He will help with the aluminum and fenders.