Square tube sliders - what size?

[JDUBinCO]

I'm looking to build my own and square is much easier to work with since I don't have a bender. What size and thickness should I use?

I'm going to make them like Slee's step slider and take them about as wide as the running boards.

Also I'd like to make these air tight so they can be my compressed air reservoir. Any reason not to do this?

 

[DiscoveredLC]

I'm looking to build my own and square is much easier to work with since I don't have a bender. What size and thickness should I use?

I'm going to make them like Slee's step slider and take them about as wide as the running boards.

Also I'd like to make these air tight so they can be my compressed air reservoir. Any reason not to do this?

2x4" .188 wall for the main section. I just finished a set of my own and thats what Slee makes theirs with. You can make the steps out of square tubing, then plate the top like they did on the running board ones. Is that what youre thinking? The step on the sliders for my previous truck were made out of square, and it looked good.

Just remember that when you make it into a compressed air chamber, your going to have moisture build up inside, which will cause it to rust.

 

[bhmmapping]

2x4, 2x3, 2x2, 1.5X2.5, 2x6 - it is really up to you, there are examples of almost any size you can think of on this forum if you search hard enough. the thickness is a debatable issue, I think 1/8 is fine for most people and is a good balance between strength and weight. A lot of people think 3/16 is better.

here's a good read for you:

Details of slider construction

 

[alia176]

1/8" thick wall is what I used and is a good compromise between weight and strength. I don't have any dents on my 2x4 tubing....yet.

George has good CAD drawings on his slider design for a DIY'er.