Building the AlumEscape
- Thread starter 2012Taco
- Start date
2012Taco
AlumEscape
Would you mind posting some more photos of the suspension setup. Something we haven't seen down here in oz.
Thanks bluejeep, I'm really pleased with how it's hauled so far, it really soaks up the rough stuff which will prolong the life of the whole unit. I'll make note of the swaybar and keep and eye on sway - I think if I end up needing one I have a few options for where I could tuck it in. I have the bags plumbed separate as well to two Schrader valves up by my battery box as having them connected while hauling would make the turns interesting!
Way Down South - More pictures for you! If there is something specific you're looking for let me know and I'll try to get a shot for you.
At this point everything was still in mock-up so pardon the cheapo bolts, electrical tape and rattle can primer!
2012Taco
AlumEscape
Mark Harley
Expedition Leader
Looking good.
2012Taco
AlumEscape
Body construction started with 3/4" tongue & groove subfloor then furred 2x4 for future insulation.
Using my Kreg jig on almost everything - works great!
Lots-o-screws!
Rough cut sidewalls and framing. Walls are 1/2" sanded ply and the cabin size was limited to use single 4'x8' sheets.
Coaxing the 1/2" ply while furring/framing was being fitted.
The door to be used - windows were bought off ebay used which turned out to be a great savings!
Mocking window locations then committing!
Using my Kreg jig on almost everything - works great!
Lots-o-screws!
Rough cut sidewalls and framing. Walls are 1/2" sanded ply and the cabin size was limited to use single 4'x8' sheets.
Coaxing the 1/2" ply while furring/framing was being fitted.
The door to be used - windows were bought off ebay used which turned out to be a great savings!
Mocking window locations then committing!
Way Down South
New member
2012Taco
AlumEscape
More pics!
Mocking rear compartment doors - I ended up cutting down the width of the lower door to leave room for my tail lamps.
Starting framing out the rear compartments and shelves.
Mockup with plywood:
From the interior:
Starting to cut down the lower door. Had to drill out the rivets then cut down the panel, perimeter trim and frame then re-rivet. Really pleased how this turned out!
Mocking rear compartment doors - I ended up cutting down the width of the lower door to leave room for my tail lamps.
Starting framing out the rear compartments and shelves.
Mockup with plywood:
From the interior:
Starting to cut down the lower door. Had to drill out the rivets then cut down the panel, perimeter trim and frame then re-rivet. Really pleased how this turned out!
Overland Hadley
on a journey
I like how you built the walls then worked out the wall framing.
2012Taco
AlumEscape
More pics!
Framed out the lower compartment more shallow than the top so I'd have enough cabin space to lay out. The lower compartment will generally be tool storage and spare parts (bearings, seals, bolts, etc). I left a cubby on the passenger side so I can stow the Ez-Up without interfering with the cabin door.
Fantastic Fan cutout and fit check.
I'm a stickler for clean installs and stuff so I blew apart the rear framing after mockup to trim areas to conceal all the wires (there's lots!) and leave space to run spares as well.
Then prepping for CPES - lots of sanding but the belt sander made easy work of it.
I love looking back at far how this thing has come!
Framed out the lower compartment more shallow than the top so I'd have enough cabin space to lay out. The lower compartment will generally be tool storage and spare parts (bearings, seals, bolts, etc). I left a cubby on the passenger side so I can stow the Ez-Up without interfering with the cabin door.
Fantastic Fan cutout and fit check.
I'm a stickler for clean installs and stuff so I blew apart the rear framing after mockup to trim areas to conceal all the wires (there's lots!) and leave space to run spares as well.
Then prepping for CPES - lots of sanding but the belt sander made easy work of it.
I love looking back at far how this thing has come!
Google it Research
Master of Disaster
Great work! Tagging along
2012Taco
AlumEscape
Been busy traveling but here are more photos!
Insulation in and CPES going on.
Frame painted - really happy how this all turned out.
Starting interior finishes. I ended up going with FRP from Lowes/Home Depot; work great just stinks haha.
Starting on the exterior aluminum skin!
Lots of fiddling with fitment and trim to get the results I'm looking for - the bends on the roof and nose were particularly difficult because I only wanted to use a single piece.
More to come!
Insulation in and CPES going on.
Frame painted - really happy how this all turned out.
Starting interior finishes. I ended up going with FRP from Lowes/Home Depot; work great just stinks haha.
Starting on the exterior aluminum skin!
Lots of fiddling with fitment and trim to get the results I'm looking for - the bends on the roof and nose were particularly difficult because I only wanted to use a single piece.
More to come!
