M2 Freightliner Ambulance Conversion Project. 2007 Crew Cab
- Thread starter Ozrockrat
- Start date
patoz
Expedition Leader
Yeah, that and the army of inspectors looking over their shoulders! :agree:
The later model ones seem to be put together much better, especially with the advent of CNC machines, laser cutters, and computers in general. Back in the 70's, 80's, and 90's, it was more hand drills, saber saws, and eyeballing things. A lot more basic common materials were used back then also.
The later model ones seem to be put together much better, especially with the advent of CNC machines, laser cutters, and computers in general. Back in the 70's, 80's, and 90's, it was more hand drills, saber saws, and eyeballing things. A lot more basic common materials were used back then also.
Ozrockrat
Expedition Leader
Bumper day. I may be needing to do a trip soon so having my motorcycle carrier is getting more urgent. So with a little bush blacksmithing I will hopefully have a class III hitch and the receiver tubes for the motorcycle carrier in place by the end of the weekend.
These are the holes for the motorcycle rack receiver tubes.
These are the holes for the motorcycle rack receiver tubes.
Ozrockrat
Expedition Leader
Make sure you get one rated for dynamic loads. When I was checking them out the lifting capacity was fine but if you do some calcs they are not suitable for the shock loads with a motorcycle on them going down the road. But I have seen plenty of people use them without too many issues. One other problem I had with them was the space they needed under the back of the vehicle for one type and the ones that lift vertically seemed to be all mounted off the box and not the chassis. Ok for around town deliveries but not that great for crappy trails etc.
scooter421
Adventurer
That is one heck of a hitch assembly and it's looking good OZ!
Scooter...
Scooter...
Ozrockrat
Expedition Leader
Just about finished the hitch. I managed to get the motorcycle carrier receiver tubes flush with the bumper. This brings the carrier about 1” closer to the truck than last time. Doesn’t sound like much but I think overall I have reduced the amount it hangs out the back by about 2 1/2” overall. That will be a fair reduction in the leverage considering the weight hanging out there.
The horns sticking grout will support the step which will be split into 3 pieces to enable the center to be down while the outsides are up while the rack is in place.
I also spread the arms apart about 3” so that the receiver tubes are on the outside of the frame rails rather than trying to insert them inline. I think most people probably had them directly under the chassis rail (34”) but the doesn’t work with ambulance bumpers.
So far this “little” job has turned into a marathon but I am trying to only touch stuff once these days rather than doing bits and pieces.
The horns sticking grout will support the step which will be split into 3 pieces to enable the center to be down while the outsides are up while the rack is in place.
I also spread the arms apart about 3” so that the receiver tubes are on the outside of the frame rails rather than trying to insert them inline. I think most people probably had them directly under the chassis rail (34”) but the doesn’t work with ambulance bumpers.
So far this “little” job has turned into a marathon but I am trying to only touch stuff once these days rather than doing bits and pieces.
