Trailer lid-- need aluminum source and welder

[CO_Hunter]

So I'm getting pretty serious about building a lid for my M416 trailer. I'm thinking of something similar to this:

https://forum.ih8mud.com/trailer-tech/247616-dawsons-m-416-build-2.html#post4134346

post #44

Can anybody recommend a place to buy and have it bent?

Anybody good at welding aluminum? I don't have the skill to weld a bead that long on the end pieces that won't be hidden. I can do the inside tack/stitch welds.

I may start a thread on the trailer tech forum to brainstorm locking options. I also have an idea to make it fairly easy to remove.

 

[nanuk]

Leon, you REALLY don't need an M416 with an LX. You have more than enough room.

Now us with 40's WE need it. I'll take it from you and do all the welding, supply all the materials, finish it just like I want, then I would even send you pics of it.

LOL

I just love looking at tricked out trailers. It is amazing what some people can do with them.

Sorry I didn't provide any help, but good luck with the build, and we all look forward to seeing it done!

 

[CO_Hunter]

Amusing yes, helpful no

 

[PPFJ60]

Leon,

Try contacting Glaser steel. Glaser Steel - Google Maps

I don't know how much fabricating they will do but they are good people.

 

[black95]

Mech one is an HVAC contractor in the springs, I do a lot of work for them and I have to say their fabricator is outstanding. Just did a massive A/C unit swap with them at the olympic training center and everything they brought fit the first time, I was pretty impressed. The unit they replaced was maybe the size of a cargo van, the one they installed was half the size of an eighteen wheeler trailer....the adapter they built was beautiful.

Not sure if they weld aluminum or not, but they built their own welding trailer out of sheetmetal and it is awesome. Pretty sure they have the sheetmetal breaks and could at least get you bent up, then maybe take it someplace to get welded.

 

[CO_Hunter]

I did contact Glaser and they were high on materials and don't weld. I'll keep that place in mind Luke but I got put onto Advanced Metal Craft by a guy at work. Material prices were pretty good but the welding cost will be deal killer, long time to tig I actually think his rates are reasonable $60/hr shop time. But I asked him to price out a thicker sheet so he could mig weld the ends, haven't heard back yet. He suggested another option and that is breaking the ends of the lid and sliding the end cap under the bends and riveting instead of welding. I'm thinking that may be plan B. How do you think that would look?

 

[GATORSJT]

I know a guy that does all kinds of welding from commercial to art to flatbeds motorcyle frames and stuff I will see him tommorow and will talk to him, What are some dimensions your thimking?

 

[CO_Hunter]

It's kind of hard to describe. If you look at the link you can see the general shape. Roughly it is 40 inches wide and my thinking at the moment is 6 inches high at the highest. Thanks JT.