FishAll50 F350 Fullsize Build
- Thread starter FishAll50
- Start date
24HOURSOFNEVADA
Expedition Leader
Yeah, that's quite a find. For screens, a popular option seems to be magnetic screens. Sew some strong but lightweight magnets into the screen material and you'll have an easy, fast screen system.
FishAll50
Catching the Dream
colodak - good suggestions. I own air grinders and sawzalls and have no fear of using them. 
Just need to find appropriately sized windows. The windoors may be interesting as they are actually double walled - about 1" thick so will need some kind of inner trim ring to keep it looking clean. The front section is single wall so should be an easier arrangement.
thanks redthies. Seems harder to find toppers/shell/campers that fit our year trucks.....at least in my area.
nevada - yes, exactly my plan. I picked up some magnetic strip yesterday to start experimenting. The only "gotcha" on the windoors is that the strut will need to go through the screen. I have some ideas but open to thoughts.
thanks dango. I checked out your budget builder thread......the chevy looks good. I didn't get my topper free like yours but at only $250, it felt free enough that if I change direction, it's a non-issue. I''m also throwing around an idea of cutting the top and making a pop-up but would still want to support and be able to lift ~150lbs of kayaks and rack (longer term idea) . I have started some insulation and carpeting - my typical camping and traveling is usually more in heat than cold - ventilation is as important as insulation and cold is easier to overcome than heat IMO. I welcome your thoughts on insulating.
Just need to find appropriately sized windows. The windoors may be interesting as they are actually double walled - about 1" thick so will need some kind of inner trim ring to keep it looking clean. The front section is single wall so should be an easier arrangement.thanks redthies. Seems harder to find toppers/shell/campers that fit our year trucks.....at least in my area.
nevada - yes, exactly my plan. I picked up some magnetic strip yesterday to start experimenting. The only "gotcha" on the windoors is that the strut will need to go through the screen. I have some ideas but open to thoughts.
thanks dango. I checked out your budget builder thread......the chevy looks good. I didn't get my topper free like yours but at only $250, it felt free enough that if I change direction, it's a non-issue. I''m also throwing around an idea of cutting the top and making a pop-up but would still want to support and be able to lift ~150lbs of kayaks and rack (longer term idea) . I have started some insulation and carpeting - my typical camping and traveling is usually more in heat than cold - ventilation is as important as insulation and cold is easier to overcome than heat IMO. I welcome your thoughts on insulating.
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FishAll50
Catching the Dream
Start of insulation and carpeting. Just testing options:
Top was the priority. There are 4 supports from east to west that create recesses. I am filling the recesses with Reflectix - currently just a single layer but have enough depth for 2. Or I may add 1/2" foam board insulation instead of a 2nd layer of Reflectix. I am debating then whether I want to just do a luan covered in carpet screwed direct to the supports or do a 3/4" foam board(s) covered in carpet instead. The foam will give more insulation and stop the thermal bridging from the supports but I lose 3/4" headroom - with the planned elevated sleeping platform, every bit of headroom is appreciated. On the sides, I experimented with adhering carpet directly to the topper....minimal insulation obviously but may help a little bit with thermal bridging/condensation, covers up the sins of the past and just makes it more "comfy". I plan to stick a bedliner in it - on my F250, that helped immensly with keeping things cleaner inside.
Top was the priority. There are 4 supports from east to west that create recesses. I am filling the recesses with Reflectix - currently just a single layer but have enough depth for 2. Or I may add 1/2" foam board insulation instead of a 2nd layer of Reflectix. I am debating then whether I want to just do a luan covered in carpet screwed direct to the supports or do a 3/4" foam board(s) covered in carpet instead. The foam will give more insulation and stop the thermal bridging from the supports but I lose 3/4" headroom - with the planned elevated sleeping platform, every bit of headroom is appreciated. On the sides, I experimented with adhering carpet directly to the topper....minimal insulation obviously but may help a little bit with thermal bridging/condensation, covers up the sins of the past and just makes it more "comfy". I plan to stick a bedliner in it - on my F250, that helped immensly with keeping things cleaner inside.
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98dango
Expedition Leader
Looking good any insulation will help. I know cold is easier to combat but remember if you can keep the elements out heat or cold it stays nice inside. I have been sleeping in my topper for 2 weeks now. 2 days in the big horns and the rest next to the shop at my second dads house. Its been over 80 in the days and dark green aloy is not a heat barrier in fact its a toaster. I threw a silver tarp on top cooled down probably 15 degrees inside. When i get back home before we take off for 2 weeks in WA with dad 1 I plan to get some 1" foam boart and fill in the ribs between the support.
I have also thought of a pop top idea. My big slow down is there not allowed in yellowstone but we are moving to grand junction from what we gather now. So the build will be awn soon. Plus its a reason to get a tig welder
I have also thought of a pop top idea. My big slow down is there not allowed in yellowstone but we are moving to grand junction from what we gather now. So the build will be awn soon. Plus its a reason to get a tig welder
arktrekker
Adventurer
Awesome to see someone building up the same body style truck as I have. I have kept my head low in here because I drive something half a city block long. Mine is a '93 2wd at the moment, but I have everything to swap it to 4wd using the newer super duty springs in the front. Nice thing about mine is that it just hit 108k original miles. Started life on an airforce base hauling C130 crews from briefing out to their aircraft and cost me less than 1k to add to my fleet.
Keep up the good work.
Keep up the good work.
poriggity
Explorer
Lookin good so far! I personally like the topper. If I didn't have a slide in camper that I liked to use on occasion, I'd do something similar to what you have there... But sliding the shell on and off seems as thought it would be a chore when I wanted to use the slide in camper. I think you're right on track with this!!
Scott
Scott
HillbillyfromAL
Explorer
Great truck my Uncle has had his since it came off the line stil using it for his work truck. If your still looking for some great E rated tires check out the Truxus MT from Super Swamper/Interco. I ran them on my 04 SD CC SB 6.0 for the two years I had it, and now I'm running them on my Discovery. So far they have been excellent in everything and the siping really helps in the ice and snow. Good Luck
Maverick1701
Adventurer
very cool build!
I have owned two OBS powerstroke fords like yours and still regret selling them. I am saving for another one but they have really appreciated in value these last few years.
I have owned two OBS powerstroke fords like yours and still regret selling them. I am saving for another one but they have really appreciated in value these last few years.
pappawheely
Autonomous4X4
Nice trucks! Of course I'm a bit biased.
Terradactyl1
Member
Love this thread! I am looking at purchasing a 7.3 4x4 F350 LWB and copy cating you!