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Hopefully this helps. It involved cutting and welding the lift hoops. I didn't paint the rear lift mechanism yet, as I wanted to make sure it worked before bothering, so excuse the raw steel... Before; when this folds it tries to cut the canvas like a dull scissor: After; with a jog in the...

The only shell I've worked with was held down with 4 bolt on clamps. I liked that bc they were low profile and didn't use up any interior space. I don't know much about those Dodges but solid axles, v8, and a short wheelbase should make for a good rig offroad. I'm interested to see where this...

It works! Packed up last night and went for a quick camp trip at a lake about 45 miles from home. It involves a little four wheeling, but nothing too challenging. If felt good to test it out, and have everything work as I'd planned. Lot's left for the interior but at least I can use it now!

I fixed the lift mechanisms so the canvas doesn't get pinched. I have not inverted them for better lifting; not sure I will. I'll try it out as is for now and see if it's a "driveway problem" or a real problem. I have 4 36" lifting struts sitting in the corner but haven't tried to see if I can...

Cool setup! Truck looks mint. ZF5 or E4OD? Take care of it and it will last a long time.

Back seat sleeping.. The back seat of my 96' supercab F150 folds flat, and is around 68" wide, 72" with interior panels removed. I've slept back there many nights, when tired on the road. I've been comfortable enough to sleep 10 hours and be confused as to my location when I woke up. I'm 6'4"...

With the canvas finished and roof all sealed, I couldn't help but load it up and get it bolted down. I am pretty stoked :bike_rider: The lift mechanism will be changed as soon as possible, but otherwise it is a livable shell at this time. It's bolted down with four 1/2" grade 8 bolts, through...

Canvas is fully secured. I used ratchet straps to pull it down a little before securing the bottom. I think I should have gone a little tighter but this works. My lift mechanism works, but not well. I'm going to modify it as it currently pinches the canvas when down. And having the hoop...

It's all about what space you need. I have a super cab short box Ford, with a 90" long flatbed (ends at receiver hitch). Plenty of space for my uses. It works well enough off road, at 137" wheelbase. Someone said real trucks have 8' boxes, I say real trucks have flatbeds ;-)

As stated, octane required depends on many factors. Aluminum heads vs iron, dome design, ignition timing, engine load (light car or heavy truck with big tires and poor gearing?), quench, and so on. Example: I run 85 octane in a 9.3:1 iron headed 5.8L Ford without issue. I set it up for tight...

Cool! Looks like you did a bunch of work to that old Chevy to modernize it ;-) I look forward to more details.

Fleet! Not Grandby. I never looked too close at the original manufacturer placard. But it was on the bench last night, upside down, and the light caught it just right. It's a Fleet I! Originally equipped with an icebox, I presume. No wonder it fits the truck so well. It's 78" wide, 90" long...

Thanks for the info. No issue with over extended lifting mechanism for me, but a tight canvas will help roof stability. I glued the seam this morning, I'll experiment with attachment tonight. I used an air stapler with narrow crown staples to tack the canvas up. It hangs nicely, so...

My roommate gave me a hand and we started the canvas install. I tucked it under the roof skin. It's currently just hanging down from the roof with the bottom loose. Should I install it with the roof slightly lower than full height, so it's under tension at full lift? Or just pull it tight as I...

Looks good! That is quite the rig.

Roof is installed. Ready for canvas. Then its roof vent reinstall, caulk the exterior, and load it on the truck as a shell. The interior build out can be done on the truck, while I use it. Should help guide my design choices too. Also getting new tires on this week; 235/85R16 E-rated Falkens...

Looking good! That's motivation to push my build to a completed shell sooner than later!

Ha! ^^ I like your test.

Phil, is this with the tubing running parallel or perpendicular to the tire?

I'm using a stock Ford roller cam with 1.7 ratio roller rockers. So it's pretty mild, to maintain off idle torque at the sacrifice of high end power. Pretty rare to exceed 4500 rpm in my truck, but it'll sit at 2500 all day if working hard. Can't recall cam specs off the top of my head. This is...