just though of something.... are those screws "tapped" into the dash plastic or threaded into a nut or something underneath? experience taught me that the former will cause a split .... hate to see that.... love the project
"Dirty Deb" My 95 Dodge Cummins Build & Adventures
- Thread starter t.Sparks
- Start date
just though of something.... are those screws "tapped" into the dash plastic or threaded into a nut or something underneath? experience taught me that the former will cause a split .... hate to see that.... love the project
The screws are the self tapping type so it drills the "proper size" hole before the threads hit the plastic. It would be best to have a bolt/nut but I dont think I can get access to put a nut on. One of the reasons the dash matt is there. I would suspect romping down a dirt road with washboard to crack the dash before the screws doing if. Even if it happens the matt will cover it up. More important things to worry/spend money on.
And thanks! It will be taking off in the next couple of weeks. Finally coming into some free time to make stuff!
Have been so busy working on the truck and camping that I haven't posted. There's much to come.
Last time you saw the drawer system it only had the frame and waterproofing on it. I started on the drawers a couple of weeks ago and have it together today.
This is the idea for the finished product. Left drawer is the kitchen drawer and right is a equipment drawer. Left will have a platform built into it. On top will be the ice box for now and under it will be a pull out drawer that will hold the stove. Rails are the homemade square tubing will skate board bearings.
Made a drill jig so the holes would be vertical.
To latch the drawers in I used spring pin latches. Just drilled a hole through the square tubing and bolted to the wood. Works great although the spring is a little strong.
System went back in right before a quick weekend trip.
Here is a good day time photo of the system.
even though the drawers were working fine I added a plate on each side of the wood to better support the bearings. With the drawer extended all the way just a little weight would make the bearings move.
With that slight mod the drawers now hold a really good amount of weight! Not saying my lovely assistant is overweight at all! and that drawer is fully extended. I think it will hold an ice box or a frig in the future.
Platform for the ice box.
Platform and stove drawer completed.
Last time you saw the drawer system it only had the frame and waterproofing on it. I started on the drawers a couple of weeks ago and have it together today.
This is the idea for the finished product. Left drawer is the kitchen drawer and right is a equipment drawer. Left will have a platform built into it. On top will be the ice box for now and under it will be a pull out drawer that will hold the stove. Rails are the homemade square tubing will skate board bearings.
Made a drill jig so the holes would be vertical.
To latch the drawers in I used spring pin latches. Just drilled a hole through the square tubing and bolted to the wood. Works great although the spring is a little strong.
System went back in right before a quick weekend trip.
Here is a good day time photo of the system.
even though the drawers were working fine I added a plate on each side of the wood to better support the bearings. With the drawer extended all the way just a little weight would make the bearings move.
With that slight mod the drawers now hold a really good amount of weight! Not saying my lovely assistant is overweight at all! and that drawer is fully extended. I think it will hold an ice box or a frig in the future.
Platform for the ice box.
Platform and stove drawer completed.
Yroundrdn
Observer
Nice drawers. I'm in the middle of the same project. I borrowed the idea from roadtripcrazed, http://forum.expeditionportal.com/threads/47516-LATEST-PROJECT-Truck-Drawers-Sleeping-Platform
I like the way you extended the bearings with a nut on each side. As I was building this I noticed I was only on about 40% of the bearing given the curve in the steel. And of course, the only part I have done are the bearings. I think I will buy the longer bolts and extend the bearing the same as you did.
I like the way you extended the bearings with a nut on each side. As I was building this I noticed I was only on about 40% of the bearing given the curve in the steel. And of course, the only part I have done are the bearings. I think I will buy the longer bolts and extend the bearing the same as you did.
Now onto the roof rack! Its done, ITS FINALLY DONE!!!:wings::wings::wings:
First time the rack has been up on the roof.
I really like how low profile the rack is, it maybe sits 3" above the roof.
Now the rack transfers the its weight through the side rails as they rest on the roof. Its very close to the the edges of the roof so its a very strong area to transfer weight. Now to keep the rack from sliding off the roof are 6 tabs that get welded to the roof. Then the rack bolts to these tabs. That way if I want to take the rack of for what ever reason I can.
Paint.
Rack back on and test fitting the spare 35" tire. That spare is a bear to get up there. One person can do it but man its tough. Also all the hardware is stainless steel so there will be no issues with rusting.
Tire strapped down and light bar added! Ended up welding t tabs on the aluminum crossbars. The fit is perfect, it fits so well it looks like it was designed that way.
That night I was also able to mount up the side pod lights and wire all the lights up. Damn things are stupid bright!
Low beam vs low beam with light bar and side lights.
So far the rack it awesome. I have been getting lots of thumbs ups and have people coming up to me asking about the rack. I do like the design but I feel the relief in the front on the side rails will really snag some tree limbs. So design 2 will take care of that.
First time the rack has been up on the roof.
I really like how low profile the rack is, it maybe sits 3" above the roof.
Now the rack transfers the its weight through the side rails as they rest on the roof. Its very close to the the edges of the roof so its a very strong area to transfer weight. Now to keep the rack from sliding off the roof are 6 tabs that get welded to the roof. Then the rack bolts to these tabs. That way if I want to take the rack of for what ever reason I can.
Paint.
Rack back on and test fitting the spare 35" tire. That spare is a bear to get up there. One person can do it but man its tough. Also all the hardware is stainless steel so there will be no issues with rusting.
Tire strapped down and light bar added! Ended up welding t tabs on the aluminum crossbars. The fit is perfect, it fits so well it looks like it was designed that way.
That night I was also able to mount up the side pod lights and wire all the lights up. Damn things are stupid bright!
Low beam vs low beam with light bar and side lights.
So far the rack it awesome. I have been getting lots of thumbs ups and have people coming up to me asking about the rack. I do like the design but I feel the relief in the front on the side rails will really snag some tree limbs. So design 2 will take care of that.