Ford F700 Build

[Ford Prefect]

You know, it is very common for people to give away truck bed slide in campers, and sometimes even motorhomes and camper trailers.

I would find one of those and just gut the thing, and then use what you want/need in your new rig. you can get the door, and windows out of there and put it in your truck, beds, tanks, heaters, fridge and stove, everything you really need. Besides most of that stuff works in the free campers, they are typically giving it away because they do not want to pay the dump fees.

 

[sseaman]

I just found this thread, what a cool build. I can't wait to see the final product.

 

[cj06]

ANY UPDATES ? nice job on every thing !

 

[hdemetrious]

Thanks for the support guys.

The most important update is that this whole process is not about finishing but rather the skills you learn along the way. For example I was drilling holes in the trucks frame and I was miserable. I thought there has to be a better way. Sure enough I found a portable drill press called drillmate, bought a drill bit sharpener, and used a small bit and progressively moved up.

I also rushed into a few things that turned out to be not as suitable. Like the 100 gallon fuel tank that took up too much space and didn't have steps that would fit. Or the fridge that was too large and required lots of energy. Now I research before all purchases.

Besides all that, the cabin interior is almost done being framed in aluminum tubing. I added a second window and changed out the auxiliary tank. Also the water tanks are in the process of being mounted under the frame. I hope to finish the interior soon.

I'll post some pics soon.

 

[RoosterBooster]

hedemetrious

cool rig ... i will be watching your progress and updates with a lot of interest


i feel your pain ; drilling heat treated Truck frame rails is no fun at all ...
i did it by hand on my first rig ...

... what resulted in some very colorful language :smilies27 (and a lot of drillbit sharpening)

on my current rig i was able to use only existing holes (its a Pete with even harder frame rails)
but for my next project i will need to drill a lot of holes ... i will definitely rent a magnetic drillpress for that

 

[hdemetrious]

I mounted a 50 gallon auxiliary tank and a spare tire carrier on the driver's side. Thanks to Joaquin Suave of Casa Azul for the spare tire carrier design.

 

[hdemetrious]

I mounted two 35 gallon water tanks behind the rear axle.

Also mounted two propane tanks on the passenger side.

 

[hdemetrious]

I bought a salvaged cessna 310 to mount above the truck roof. It will connect to the living quarters and function as a bedroom. Is it a problem if the plane extends beyond the windshield? And what is the best way to mount it? I will have to cut out the floor to bring the height down to 41".

 

[Ford Prefect]

I bought a salvaged cessna 310 to mount above the truck roof. It will connect to the living quarters and function as a bedroom. Is it a problem if the plane extends beyond the windshield? And what is the best way to mount it? I will have to cut out the floor to bring the height down to 41".

SIGH

YEP! Someone has clearly been reading too much Joaquin Suave!!!! HAHA

It will be interesting, that is for sure! I look forward to seeing this once it is mounted.


As to your question, the main concern I would think is the potential for it to fly, as it were. (and I am not saying 'fly' just because it is a plane)

No it will not have any real lift like a plane's wing, but not unlike strapping a mattress to the roof of your minivan, it is going to gain some lift (from wind forced off of the windshield) and therefore you will need to be sure you compensate for that with a strong enough mounting system. If you do not, eventually the plane will be pulling so hard on the mount that something will give and the plane will begin to separate from the truck.

Good luck! I look forward to seeing your rig with that new room on it!

 

[That One Guy]

You have made me the happiest person in the world. That is SO COOL.

 

[hdemetrious]

Thanks that one guy, I truly appreciate your support!

 

[That One Guy]

Absolutely, sir!

 

[lostfamilyof6]

I am digging this build, I love it when people push the boundaries. I can't wait to see this develop.

 

[hdemetrious]

Thanks man

 

[MatthewThompson]

As to your question, the main concern I would think is the potential for it to fly, as it were. (and I am not saying 'fly' just because it is a plane)

No it will not have any real lift like a plane's wing, but not unlike strapping a mattress to the roof of your minivan, it is going to gain some lift (from wind forced off of the windshield) and therefore you will need to be sure you compensate for that with a strong enough mounting system. If you do not, eventually the plane will be pulling so hard on the mount that something will give and the plane will begin to separate from the truck.

Good luck! I look forward to seeing your rig with that new room on it!

I have serious doubts the rig will be moving fast enough to create that amount of drag. Any mounting system that's stronger than duct tape would work. The trick is making it weatherproof and rigid enough to sustain the pounding sure to happen on dirt tracks and washboards.