My scratch built expedition style trailer build up thread - Page 17

AxleIke · 02-25-08, 11:27 PM

Drew, you forgot the most important part:

Given the right tools, the 6 holes that took you 4 hours, only really take 2 minutes.

Good to have friends named UB, eh?

calsum2 · 02-25-08, 11:35 PM

How was the lunch.......Man I want to ditch my cnd101 and build me one of these before you put a patent on this thing......Sweeeeeet. Hope you are as proud of your works as we are jelous.......

usmcruiser · 02-26-08, 01:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by REZARF

I am still deciding how to attach the rack. My options are:

1. Weld them to the sheet (warping might be an issue though, that close to the edge). Paint could get tricky as well, as the lid and rack will be different colors.

2. Create a "bottom" by welding some 1" strap to the bases of the little rack spacer thingy (technical term

) and bolting them through the lid.

3. Weld little "L"s onto the inside of several legs and bolt it down that way.

Whatta' ya thinks?

Rezarf <><

In my opinion (opinions are like assholes. Everyone has one and they all stink.) you should weld it down and really take your time welding being sure not to over heat it and warp it. I very much prefer the clean look of a weld over that of bolts and rivets.

AxleIke · 02-26-08, 03:25 PM

He is welding it. It looks really good.

TJDIV · 02-26-08, 10:10 PM

Sexy.

REZARF · 02-27-08, 05:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by photogod

What made you decide to put the sheet on the inside of the square tube? Just curious.

I liked the look of that from the begining, so that is what I stayed with. Just an aesthetic thing to me.

Quote:

Originally Posted by sseaman

IMPRESSIVE, looking good

Thanks bud.

Quote:

Originally Posted by AxleIke

Drew, you forgot the most important part:

Given the right tools, the 6 holes that took you 4 hours, only really take 2 minutes.

Good to have friends named UB, eh?

Uncle Ben has bailed me out more than once now!

Thanks Kevin! and you too Isaac!

Quote:

Originally Posted by calsum2

How was the lunch.......Man I want to ditch my cnd101 and build me one of these before you put a patent on this thing......Sweeeeeet. Hope you are as proud of your works as we are jelous.......

Yeah, it has been fun, but I am feeling CM08 breathing down my neck, I appreciate the kind words, I am proud of it... and dying to use it!

AxleIke · 02-28-08, 10:04 PM

I didn't do anything except mess the holes up the first time. I wouldn't thank me for that...

I did provide excellent company while botching your trailer though... LOL

Acadia · 03-02-08, 08:01 PM

rezarf, how is the trailer coming along?

sseaman · 03-03-08, 09:04 AM

Any progress this weekend?

REZARF · 03-03-08, 11:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Acadia

rezarf, how is the trailer coming along?

Quote:

Originally Posted by sseaman

Any progress this weekend?

Been out of town for a full week. Blizzards in Eastern Colorado put us in a day later than expected... about a half hour ago we got in. :(

We are safe and we saw lots of carnage on the roads... worst stuff I have ever seen and it was SCARY!

Gonna try to make progress during the evenings now.

sseaman · 03-03-08, 01:13 PM

Glad you made it safely

REZARF · 03-03-08, 10:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sseaman

Glad you made it safely

Thanks mate!

Well, I have decided I am going to try to knock out a few hours every day/evening till this thing is done. I welded the lid frame up and ground it smooth tonight and also fitted the sheet metal for the lid and ground off the galvanized coating where I will be welding.

No real pics, maybe some when there is something to show for it.

REZARF · 03-04-08, 12:43 PM

Knocked out the welding on the lid frame last night. I have to add to gussetts then I can weld the sheet on top of it. Should have it close to finished tonight.

I have a question though. I talked about it before, but I have to make a call now. I have 8 thats right, 8, yakima 1A towers in the garage, to mount my RTT with. I am trying to decide if I should weld in an "L" and create a rain gutter on the lid to mount these to or go another route.

They make little prefabbed mounts but the cost about a gazillion bucks each. And I don't think I have the time I need for a fully custom rack. Think the "L" bracket woud be too heavy? I am going to use 3/4" .125" thick material to make the rain gutter.

Thanks, you guys have kept me moving on this, and I appreciate all the insight and opinions... most of the time.

Luke111 · 03-04-08, 06:08 PM

Why not fab a rack just like the one on the front box, with two extra cross bars to support the tent. So when your not hauling your tent, you would have and extra tie down area. I havn't chimed in for some time, this is one sweet build.

Lou

REZARF · 03-04-08, 10:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Luke111

Why not fab a rack just like the one on the front box, with two extra cross bars to support the tent. So when your not hauling your tent, you would have and extra tie down area. I haven't chimed in for some time, this is one sweet build.

Lou

Thanks Lou- fab time and weight are both issues. Another custom rack would add more steel to an already overbuilt trailer. Where I can add just a few pieces of sheet metal to make the clamps I have fit. Time is getting shorter as I approach CM08!

Thanks!

REZARF · 03-04-08, 10:28 PM

Well, I got the lid roughed out tonight.

Last night I knocked out the welds on the lid frame, it was an easy job but it takes time to make it look right and be strong and be square.

I am using a De Walt flap disk and must say it is lasting and lasting... well worth the extra coin IMHO.

Then I had to grind off the galvanized coating on my lid sheet metal. No biggie, I busted out the Rapid Strip tool from northern and it made quick work of it. FWIW, I laid the tube frame over the sheet and traced the outline of the tubing onto the sheet so I knew what to remove.

Then I had to square the tubing up to the sheet. No biggie but this is how it went down...

REZARF · 03-04-08, 10:33 PM

Then I measured off my weld marks so they would be nice and even when I am done. After all that was done and I rechecked it about a zillion times I clamped down the back end and worked my way forwards. I used a clamp about every 4-6 inches and worked from the center out, then started to move in about 2ft sections forward, alternating sides as not to warp the sheet metal. I made heavy tack-welds to make sure it stayed put.

After it was all tacked up, it was time to flip it over and see how it would actually look. I am getting stoked as I see the body come together and, my sides are going to be picked up tomorrow!

REZARF · 03-04-08, 10:35 PM

One more for the peanut gallery... you know who you are!

It is amazing how quick the sheet adds weight, I now know why guys tube their cruisers out!

I am going to start the stitch welds tomorrow if I have time between work and heading to our Rising Sun meeting. More as I get it done...

slimbuddha · 03-06-08, 01:33 PM

I've been watching this thread for quite a while, and I am mighty impressed. In the next couple years I hope to follow in your fine footsteps. I would recommend one thing to make this really legendary. Reading through the forum is fine, but to really see the build up, I nominate a page dedicated to the build process, with some commentary and the such specific to the major steps.

Sno bored · 03-06-08, 03:58 PM

Looking good Drew. I've been watching this build, but haven't posted up yet. I hope to see it out on the trails soon.

Brian in Oregon · 03-06-08, 07:56 PM

Nice job!

Keep this up and we'll soon have a new discussion board - Hard Core Trailer Tech!

REZARF · 03-07-08, 11:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slimbuddha

I've been watching this thread for quite a while, and I am mighty impressed. In the next couple years I hope to follow in your fine footsteps. I would recommend one thing to make this really legendary. Reading through the forum is fine, but to really see the build up, I nominate a page dedicated to the build process, with some commentary and the such specific to the major steps.

Thanks man, I have thought about it, but don't have the skills. If I have a helper, I would be all over it!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sno bored

Looking good Drew. I've been watching this build, but haven't posted up yet. I hope to see it out on the trails soon.

Kevin, good to see you at the meeting bud... you lurker!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian in Oregon

Nice job!

Keep this up and we'll soon have a new discussion board - Hard Core Trailer Tech!

HA HA! That is funny. We'll see how "hardcore" it is when I get it on the trail... or at least the road for that matter.

Drew

cruiserdan · 03-07-08, 11:59 AM

May 1 approacheth.

You best not dawdle.................

REZARF · 03-07-08, 02:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cruiserdan

May 1 approacheth.

You best not dawdle.................

You going to be there Dan? I am in the campsite next to Romer, be sure to come say hi and give the trailer a look over in person!

02-25-08, 11:35 PM	#482
calsum2 Rookie no more:) Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Wilmington, DE Posts: 208	How was the lunch.......Man I want to ditch my cnd101 and build me one of these before you put a patent on this thing......Sweeeeeet. Hope you are as proud of your works as we are jelous....... __________________ h

02-26-08, 10:10 PM	#485
TJDIV IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Upper Michigan Posts: 1,827 Blog Entries: 3	Sexy. __________________ Genetics Load the Gun, Lifestyle Pulls the Trigger. Classic Toyota My Crazy Dog Ride Squaw Valley What are you "sinking" about? My Pics Mac VS PC

03-02-08, 08:01 PM	#488
Acadia IH8MUD Junior Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Kansas Posts: 175	rezarf, how is the trailer coming along? __________________ 84' FJ60, 33's and a $25 DIY paint job 00' 4runner, OME lift

03-03-08, 09:04 AM	#489
sseaman IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 1,372	Any progress this weekend? __________________ 91 FJ80 318k, spare tire mod, custom roof rack----SOLD 98 4runner 141k---SOLD 98 Avalon 149k 04 Sequoia 74k

03-03-08, 01:13 PM	#491
sseaman IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 1,372	Glad you made it safely __________________ 91 FJ80 318k, spare tire mod, custom roof rack----SOLD 98 4runner 141k---SOLD 98 Avalon 149k 04 Sequoia 74k

02-25-08, 11:27 PM	#481
AxleIke IH8MUD Rookie Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 50	Drew, you forgot the most important part: Given the right tools, the 6 holes that took you 4 hours, only really take 2 minutes. Good to have friends named UB, eh?

02-26-08, 03:25 PM	#484
AxleIke IH8MUD Rookie Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 50	He is welding it. It looks really good.

02-28-08, 10:04 PM	#487
AxleIke IH8MUD Rookie Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 50	I didn't do anything except mess the holes up the first time. I wouldn't thank me for that... I did provide excellent company while botching your trailer though... LOL

03-04-08, 12:43 PM	#493
REZARF IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Louisville, CO TLCA# 13041 Posts: 2,857	Knocked out the welding on the lid frame last night. I have to add to gussetts then I can weld the sheet on top of it. Should have it close to finished tonight. I have a question though. I talked about it before, but I have to make a call now. I have 8 thats right, 8, yakima 1A towers in the garage, to mount my RTT with. I am trying to decide if I should weld in an "L" and create a rain gutter on the lid to mount these to or go another route. They make little prefabbed mounts but the cost about a gazillion bucks each. And I don't think I have the time I need for a fully custom rack. Think the "L" bracket woud be too heavy? I am going to use 3/4" .125" thick material to make the rain gutter. Thanks, you guys have kept me moving on this, and I appreciate all the insight and opinions... most of the time. __________________ Drew F. Rising Sun 4x4 Club 76 FJ40, 85 fj60 Engine and Ignition, 35" MTR's, Warn 8074, 4" of lift TPI, snorkeled, racked, Mini-truck P/S... and sometimes running. Friends don't let friends drive Thornbirds... My camping trailer build up thread.

03-04-08, 06:08 PM	#494
Luke111 IH8MUD Addict Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 670	rack Why not fab a rack just like the one on the front box, with two extra cross bars to support the tent. So when your not hauling your tent, you would have and extra tie down area. I havn't chimed in for some time, this is one sweet build. Lou __________________ __________________ Lou 74 FJ55 ,350 Ram Jet, H55 , Ironpig Offroad Built 2007 Lexus IS350

03-04-08, 10:28 PM	#496
REZARF IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Louisville, CO TLCA# 13041 Posts: 2,857	Well, I got the lid roughed out tonight. Last night I knocked out the welds on the lid frame, it was an easy job but it takes time to make it look right and be strong and be square. I am using a De Walt flap disk and must say it is lasting and lasting... well worth the extra coin IMHO. Then I had to grind off the galvanized coating on my lid sheet metal. No biggie, I busted out the Rapid Strip tool from northern and it made quick work of it. FWIW, I laid the tube frame over the sheet and traced the outline of the tubing onto the sheet so I knew what to remove. Then I had to square the tubing up to the sheet. No biggie but this is how it went down... Attached Images __________________ Drew F. Rising Sun 4x4 Club 76 FJ40, 85 fj60 Engine and Ignition, 35" MTR's, Warn 8074, 4" of lift TPI, snorkeled, racked, Mini-truck P/S... and sometimes running. Friends don't let friends drive Thornbirds... My camping trailer build up thread. Last edited by REZARF; 03-04-08 at 10:36 PM.

03-04-08, 10:33 PM	#497
REZARF IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Louisville, CO TLCA# 13041 Posts: 2,857	Then I measured off my weld marks so they would be nice and even when I am done. After all that was done and I rechecked it about a zillion times I clamped down the back end and worked my way forwards. I used a clamp about every 4-6 inches and worked from the center out, then started to move in about 2ft sections forward, alternating sides as not to warp the sheet metal. I made heavy tack-welds to make sure it stayed put. After it was all tacked up, it was time to flip it over and see how it would actually look. I am getting stoked as I see the body come together and, my sides are going to be picked up tomorrow! Attached Images __________________ Drew F. Rising Sun 4x4 Club 76 FJ40, 85 fj60 Engine and Ignition, 35" MTR's, Warn 8074, 4" of lift TPI, snorkeled, racked, Mini-truck P/S... and sometimes running. Friends don't let friends drive Thornbirds... My camping trailer build up thread.

03-04-08, 10:35 PM	#498
REZARF IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Louisville, CO TLCA# 13041 Posts: 2,857	One more for the peanut gallery... you know who you are! It is amazing how quick the sheet adds weight, I now know why guys tube their cruisers out! I am going to start the stitch welds tomorrow if I have time between work and heading to our Rising Sun meeting. More as I get it done... Attached Images __________________ Drew F. Rising Sun 4x4 Club 76 FJ40, 85 fj60 Engine and Ignition, 35" MTR's, Warn 8074, 4" of lift TPI, snorkeled, racked, Mini-truck P/S... and sometimes running. Friends don't let friends drive Thornbirds... My camping trailer build up thread.

03-06-08, 01:33 PM	#499
slimbuddha IH8MUD Addict Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Albuquerque, NM Posts: 604	I've been watching this thread for quite a while, and I am mighty impressed. In the next couple years I hope to follow in your fine footsteps. I would recommend one thing to make this really legendary. Reading through the forum is fine, but to really see the build up, I nominate a page dedicated to the build process, with some commentary and the such specific to the major steps. __________________ 1999 Toyota Landcruiser - 285/75/16 BFG AT, Slee SliderSteps™

03-06-08, 03:58 PM	#500
Sno bored IH8MUD Regular Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Breckenridge, CO TLCA# 15956 Posts: 378	Looking good Drew. I've been watching this build, but haven't posted up yet. I hope to see it out on the trails soon.

03-06-08, 07:56 PM	#501
Brian in Oregon IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 1,181	Nice job! Keep this up and we'll soon have a new discussion board - Hard Core Trailer Tech! __________________ 1971 FJ40 w/ Chevy 350, Mark's of Australia bellhousing kit, 1979 4-spd transmission & transfer case, 12.50x33x15 tires. Rust free, original paint, wheel wells not cut. http://objllc.com/USSA.htm

03-07-08, 11:59 AM	#503
cruiserdan Parts Shaman (per Romer) Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Where's my glasses? TLCA# 11332 Posts: 14,045	May 1 approacheth. You best not dawdle................. __________________ Original owner 93 FZJ80,locked,blown,water/methanol injected(like a WWII fighter aircraft),lifted,winched,snorkeled,slidered,Sleeed ,moneypit. Balanced on a pin head. 95 FZJ80 trail truck (hers), 94 FZJ80 320K with a knock and a lumpy old Dodge car.