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- #21
Picking up where we left off....
The repair panels went on the frame pretty easily, and luckily we didn't find any other spots that needed to be patched. Using a plasma cutter and grinding stone makes this job pretty quick, then it's just a matter of getting them welded on. I believe our patch panels are thicker than the actual frame steel, so they shouldn't be an issue in the future. I did take the opportunity to coat the inside of the frame with rust reformer while the holes were cut, so hopefully that helps stop any further corrosion.
During our next shop session, we started in on the rocker panel repairs. Luckily, these were pretty isolated and didn't require much in the way of metal work. We cut out the damage and made some new patch panels. I hosed the cavity with rust reformer to prevent any further issues that we can't see, and then we welded the repair panel in place. It did take a bit of time to get the shape right, but we were okay with being imperfect as this spot is mostly covered once the fenders are on.
With this project being tackled by my brother-in-law, I started work on my new transmission crossmember/skidplate. I wanted something pretty similar to @TRAIL TAILOR's Creeper design, as this truck is not intended to be a rock crawler so maximum coverage is being nixed in favor of weight. Another benefit is replacing the rusted factory crossmember, which looks like it's spent some time submerged in the ocean. My overall plan is to have this and an ASFIR front skid, which should be good coverage with minimal weight. Also, thanks to my brother-in-law's scrap pile and my friend's job having some extra plate lying around, this project has thus far cost me... $25.
I started by measuring the area needed for the mounting plates and transferring that to the steel plate.
Then I drilled out the mounting holes and cleaned them up before doing a test fit. I cut a piece of 2" square tubing to length, lined it all up, and tacked it in place.
I ended up burning it in solidly and cleaning it up a bit before calling it a night well past 12 AM.
The repair panels went on the frame pretty easily, and luckily we didn't find any other spots that needed to be patched. Using a plasma cutter and grinding stone makes this job pretty quick, then it's just a matter of getting them welded on. I believe our patch panels are thicker than the actual frame steel, so they shouldn't be an issue in the future. I did take the opportunity to coat the inside of the frame with rust reformer while the holes were cut, so hopefully that helps stop any further corrosion.
During our next shop session, we started in on the rocker panel repairs. Luckily, these were pretty isolated and didn't require much in the way of metal work. We cut out the damage and made some new patch panels. I hosed the cavity with rust reformer to prevent any further issues that we can't see, and then we welded the repair panel in place. It did take a bit of time to get the shape right, but we were okay with being imperfect as this spot is mostly covered once the fenders are on.
With this project being tackled by my brother-in-law, I started work on my new transmission crossmember/skidplate. I wanted something pretty similar to @TRAIL TAILOR's Creeper design, as this truck is not intended to be a rock crawler so maximum coverage is being nixed in favor of weight. Another benefit is replacing the rusted factory crossmember, which looks like it's spent some time submerged in the ocean. My overall plan is to have this and an ASFIR front skid, which should be good coverage with minimal weight. Also, thanks to my brother-in-law's scrap pile and my friend's job having some extra plate lying around, this project has thus far cost me... $25.
I started by measuring the area needed for the mounting plates and transferring that to the steel plate.
Then I drilled out the mounting holes and cleaned them up before doing a test fit. I cut a piece of 2" square tubing to length, lined it all up, and tacked it in place.
I ended up burning it in solidly and cleaning it up a bit before calling it a night well past 12 AM.
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