Rear tray for my rusty '86 pickup

[mongoose2231]

I was thinking of building something along these lines. I know there is an abundance of these out there built bu owners, but I wanted to chime in and perhaps I get some opinions about it. Perhaps some suggestions on what to fix before I start cutting and welding.

 

[Ctenosaurian]

Looks like a nice plan, haven't ever built a tray, so not much to add. Post up some pictures when you get going on it.

 

[mongoose2231]

Yes, I just got the material. I will be starting on this this coming week. Will post pics. Oh this is what I am starting with by the way.

 

[x factor]

Any plan to use internal gussets on the light bar hoop to strengthen the corner butt welds?

 

[mongoose2231]

Yes I will gusset the corners. Thinking of doing a removable rear hoop as well

 

[x factor]

Nice.

 

[mongoose2231]

Almost ready to put on the truck. Ended up with this.

 

[mongoose2231]

My chassis will need painting as the tray would look stupid all pretty on top of a rusty frame.

 

[johnny4ever]

Coolness. Cant wait to see the finished. I seriously love those wheels.

 

[mongoose2231]

I think those are the stockers. they need some cleaning and paint as well. I cannot wait to see it done either.

 

[Ctenosaurian]

That turned out sharp! Nice work!

 

[Jonathan_Ferguson]

I hope it doesn't whistle like moored yachts.

 

[mongoose2231]

That turned out sharp! Nice work!

Little different than the rendering but I'm happy w it

 

[mongoose2231]

I hope it doesn't whistle like moored yachts.

If it is I'll take the mesh off. But the truck is noisy as it is.

 

[x factor]

Nicely done! It will great on the truck.

 

[mongoose2231]

Doing front axles and checking bearings. I have a howling noise, at highway speeds, thought it was the bearings. Everything looks nice and greased with no play. Should I change them still? Or reset the preload again and keep my new ones as spares? I will also do shocks while in there.

Need to get this thing inspected.

 

[mongoose2231]

OK, so it's been a while but last weekend I tackled the tray install and it looks like this. I actually like it a lot. Since this is really a beater I didn't bother with frame coatings and such. Maybe in the future. Anyhow, truck has 90.5k miles and drives like new.

 

[chappysfj40]

Love it. Doing something like thst too but I have to replace everything from cab back. Frame gas tank spings. Everything. I want something like what you have here.

 

[mongoose2231]

best thing about it is i don't hear any rattles anymore. the bed was so rotted, it was rattling everywhere

 

[chappysfj40]

Too funny