hdemetrious
Adventurer
No problem, FordPerfect. Lately i have been feeling overwhelmed that this project will never finish. So I figure the more I post, the more progress I can see and feel. My goal is to finish in November.
Ford F700 Build
- Thread starter hdemetrious
- Start date
Ford Prefect
Expedition Leader
Try not to feel overwhelmed. This sort of project should be fun, and it should be like the trips you will take in it. Work on it when you want to, and it will come together in its own time. Like any other fine art, it takes time to sculpt a master piece. 
charlieaarons
Explorer
I'd be a bit worried that the aluminum frame will scrape the cab roof when twisting.
Charlie
Charlie
hdemetrious
Adventurer
There is at least a one inch gap between the roof and the aluminum frame.
charlieaarons
Explorer
hdemetrious
Adventurer
I didn't see it being done, but I hope this pic gives you some ideas. They drove the new truck under it, lined up the brackets on the truck frame, bolted them on, and then somehow lowered it down.
IdaSHO
IDACAMPER
Dont forget to check the local lumber yards. Many will have "boom trucks" that could handle moving an ambo-body without breaking a sweat. Provided you have substantial pick points, or can sling the entire body.
I work at a large lumber yard, and borrow a boom truck on occasion. They come in REAL handy.
Like setting the walls for my shop!
Just ask around for options and rates. We charge very little for boom jobs. Delivery fee to get the truck there + an hourly rate.
hdemetrious
Adventurer
I used the same brackets that the ambulance box came with and used them on the new truck. Its a series of L shaped brackets that bolt to the frame. On top of the bracket is a rubber donught where the box sits on and a bolt goes through that connects the box to the bracket. The brackets have specific places where they mount to the box, so make sure you remember where they go.
Baloo
"The Bear Necessities"
I won't be that lucky, my ambulance is currently on a Ford E350 frame which is 42" wide, and the International is only 34" wide. I will be bolting a 10' section of 3/8" thick 4"X4" angle steel on each side of the frame. Then rubber mounts will support five pieces of 3/8" thick 4"X 43" plate steel that will bolt through rubber sheets to the ambulance box. Lots of work, the metal should be in this week. I already have all the new mounts, and since I am hard mounting my box to the cab, it will have four of the same rubber bushings. That way they will all flex at the same rate. I am figuring because my truck will be so short (12' box to a 4' day cab) and it is also a double frame, it should not cause too much stress on the joint between the cab and box. If anyone has more insight on this let me know.
Ford Prefect
Expedition Leader
Dodger, You might (if it is just on the ground) be able to lay a few 2x8 or 2x12 from the rear of the frame down to the ground, and then use either a winch, or a tow strap and a second vehicle, to just pull it right up the makeshift ramp. I have done that in the past with great success. Just be sure that your boards can not move on you (IE slide up the back of the truck) and then use a highlift jack of the like to jack up the front of the box and stick the boards under it.
Good luck to you!
(Of course this is my opinion, and I have no idea of the strength of your box or the density of the metals in use.)
Good luck to you!
(Of course this is my opinion, and I have no idea of the strength of your box or the density of the metals in use.)
hdemetrious
Adventurer
Solar Deal
I just ordered two sets. It's the best deal I have found. They are 12v and they ship for free. I have no affiliation, but I thought I would share since I heard they sell fast.
http://www.amazon.com/145w-Polycrys...e=UTF8&qid=1348084379&sr=8-1&keywords=dmsolar
I just ordered two sets. It's the best deal I have found. They are 12v and they ship for free. I have no affiliation, but I thought I would share since I heard they sell fast.
http://www.amazon.com/145w-Polycrys...e=UTF8&qid=1348084379&sr=8-1&keywords=dmsolar
hdemetrious
Adventurer
I'm working on adding a nose on the plane.
