Replacing frame sheet in Dana Design Terraplane

[Charles Jennings]

Yeah I know this is not a UL pack, but…

The frame sheets from two of my son's Old Dana Design Terraplanes are cracked (1992 vintage).

I would like to replace them with HDPE plastic sheeting.

What thickness should I purchase?

[Michael Duke]

Is it possible to measure the size of the current sheet?

[Charles Jennings]

Yes, but where it is an entirely different plastic, and therefore different structural properties, I thought the thickness might be different that would produce similar bending characteristics.

[Michael Duke]

Ah I understand. I have never seen a terraplane in person, so I am not sure how they are set up.

[Michael Fogarty]

I have 3 DD Terraplanes. If you don't have the means to sew the stay sleeve onto the new frame-sheet, I would be willing to do it for the cost of shipping for you. My machine can sew through the plastic. I've already experimented with sewing through .062 (1/16") UHMW nylon, with good results. I was thinking that the plastic from a roll-up Deer Drag sled might be thick enough for the frame-sheet on a Terraplane. Seems like they are fairly thin, less than a 1/6" of an inch. One large drag sled would probably be enough to make 2 frame-sheets. (available at Cabelas)

[Charles Jennings]

Many thanks for the offer!

I have a seamstress that has several industrial sewing machines, so I think I'm good. Will get some 1/16" HDPE and give it a shot.

[Dale Wambaugh]

Would kydex work? It can be molded after warming with a heat gun. If the old piece is shaped, you could use it for a mold.

[Charles Jennings]

I am thinking that kydex would be too stiff as a replacement for a Terraplane frame sheet. The original frame sheet is somewhat pliable and is shaped by the aluminum stay. There are two composite rods that are sewn into the fabric on each side of the frame sheet that provides stiffness. Seems to me that HDPE would probably be the best replacement.

[Jeff Hollis]

Have you thought of contacting Dana Gleason at Mystery Racnch, founder of Dana Design? He is still making similar packs and selling direct to the public. He could probably get you the right stuff. Make sure whatever material you use can hold up under cold temperatures.

[Charles Jennings]

Yes, I contacted Mystery Ranch and they were not able to help me. I also contacted Marmot, and they do not have any frame sheets left.

Actually I am excited about rebuilding the frame sheet myself. It will be a fun project.

I bought another 20 year old Terraplane on EBay in almost new condition, only used once, for $152.50. Darned if it also didn't have a small crack in the frame sheet as well. I had heard that Dana had switched to a different material in later models.

I found a source for HDPE, and my hired seamstress thinks she can sew through it in order to install the stay sleeve.

[Michael Duke]

Can you post a picture of the frame system? I'm interested to see how it is set up. I think there may be a few different ways to rebuild it.

[Michael Fogarty]

Not sure if you know the importance of this, but on any of the inside frame sheet cuts, make sure you drill out the corners so they are a radius and not a sharp inside corner cut. Otherwise this is a break point for further cracks. Radius cut corners will be stronger too.

[Charles Jennings]

Excellent suggestion. I knew it, but definitely needed and appreciate the reminder. I am picking the HDPE up tomorrow in Ogden and will cut it to size on a bandsaw. Looking at the original frame sheet, it possibly would have stayed intact if DD had rounded the inside corners a little more.

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