just remembered this thread...still workin on the project?

 

Alright, I'm working on the truck again. The back area of the truck is pretty much done. I'm still debating a ladder or the fold-out steps to get to the roof rack. The rear window is an eBay special.

The rear bumper is a 2x6 rectangle with a 1/4" wall thickness. It's not easy to cut, but I doubt it will bend easliy. More to come.

 

Another view. I have a little more welding, and detailing. The final prep (grinding-filler) for paint will most likely be done all at one time.

 

nice i was wondering how this was coming along myself.

 

I needed to extend the frame rails even though I actually shortened the truck about 5". I picked up some 2x3 rectangle (1/4" wall). I then drove the new sections as far up into the original frame rails as possible. They are just tacked in place in the photos. I'll weld them solid when I drop the fuel tank.

(the horizontal piece sticking out is one of the rear fuel tank mounts; not yet trimmed off.

 

I kept the "cage" I built around the tank, but I trashed the original mounts I made. I must have been in a daze when I designed the first ones. The new mounts are MUCH cleaner and will be more easily adjusted if needed. Bolts will be vertical at the vise grips. The brackets are made of 1/8" plate.

(again, the joints are just tack-welded in place)

 

Here is a crappy pic looking down on the rear bumper. The 3/4" inner bumper support actually goes thru the entire bumper and becomes the shackle mounting eye. The outer bumper bracket is 1/4" plate. I'll drill thru both brackets and the frame rail, and sandwich it all together.

 

I added a 3/4" square tube to the back of the plate. This prevents it from being twisted, and then sliding the can over it to steal it. The threaded rods are mounted on hinges to allow for up/down movement needed to load the can onto carrier.

 

I ordered one of my new tires so I could build my spare carrier. This is from High-Tec Retreads. 31x10.5x15 cost just $64.

 

First off, great looking buildup. Can't wait for the finished product.

100 bucks for a retreaded 285/75/R16!! Is there your first goaround with re-treads? Any info about them?

 

I have NEVER read a negative comment on the web (and I looked hard) about High-Tec. Most claim that they even require less weight to balance than new tires of the same size. I ordered the "regular" for a spare (or two), and I'll get the "Green Diamond" for the four tires I drive regularly to help out in the ice. I don't normally rotate my spare.

Roy

 

How does a re-tread compare in wear to a new tire. Does the rubber compound wear down faster or is it about the same? Im thinking about buying a pair for my 4runner now actually. Gonna read around on them a little more before though.

 

I think a few folks on Pirate use them for rock-crawling. I would assume they wear at the same rate as conventional tires.

 

And I thought that this build has gone stale. There's still life left!

Good to see you back at it.

 

Great build. I look forward to more progress. How about some pics of that Mercedes diesel sitting in the engine bay?

 

I removed the engine from the bay to "loan" the engine hoist back to the owner. The engine in his S10 died. I've decided to finish as much as I can on the body/chassis, and then I'll go back to the motor.

Roy

 

Anything new going on with this build Roy?
I'm still interested in how you are stuffing that Mercedes Diesel into the yota.

 

Very interesting posts, looks good, can't wait to see the finished product.

 

Lots of changes inside. I just wasn't happy with the rear interior design, so I gutted everything I did inside, and started over.

It now seats three (while driving) and five when parked/BS'ing. It still sleeps 2 and 3/4 people. It now has two ten-gallon water tanks. The whole thing is MUCH better designed inside. I should be painting the interior inner-structure within a week or so. Then, assembly can begin on the interior.

I'm STILL waiting for my transfer case adapter from OTT. They said 7-10 days. It's been a month!

I'll post new pics shortly.

Roy

 

Thanks can't wait to see the new pics...
maybe OTT works on mediterainean time...
hope the part shows up soon, when it does can you post a pic of it prior to install? thanks