Kingsize24
Well-known member
I get the "whole lot more work than I thought" thing. Was/is the same with our camper trailer. And it's the same, just a box. It takes a TON of detail time to do properly.
You are doing a great job however! Love it!
Project "Autonomous" F-350
- Thread starter pappawheely
- Start date
I get the "whole lot more work than I thought" thing. Was/is the same with our camper trailer. And it's the same, just a box. It takes a TON of detail time to do properly.
You are doing a great job however! Love it!
pappawheely
Autonomous4X4
Thanks! I'm very impressed with your trailer build.
pappawheely
Autonomous4X4
Made the cut for the window in the front wall of the camper shell. The wood is so thin I have to add support to the inside wall. I'll install the window tomorrow and then finalize the plan for the emergency exit/pass through to the cab. I want something that will seal up very well so I don't get water in. It will fit like a plug, but come out easy in an emergency.
It fits. I'll install it tomorrow. I used that little blue pot to trace the radius in the corners. It was the same for the side windows.
It fits. I'll install it tomorrow. I used that little blue pot to trace the radius in the corners. It was the same for the side windows.
pappawheely
Autonomous4X4
I got a couple hours after dinner tonight to rough out the opening into the cab. It's an escape hatch so I can crawl through the rear slider window. I bumped it out because the hatch is opening in, so it's mounted from the other side. Also I'm hoping it will be easier to keep water flowing down the front wall out. Slowly but surely. I hope to pull it outside, throw a coat of paint on and then get it on the truck. I can do a lot more once it's mounted.
pappawheely
Autonomous4X4
Working in a cramped space has downfalls. I moved the camper out of the garage and into the sun and noticed the frame for the pass through was crookeder than a politician. I pulled it off and reattached it. Will be working outside today, but only after the sun starts to go down. It's too hot during midday. Having the right tools makes a big difference. I don't have the right tools. 
pappawheely
Autonomous4X4
I got the escape hatch done. Next will be to paint and the exterior will be done. I'm not sure if I want to mount a solar panel to the roof.
That front wall will be like a barn door going down the road so I might mount a nose cone on the cab roof. That probably means I will have to get rid of the roof rack that is already on there. I have some nose cones that I snagged for free.
I'm also thinking of painting the truck flat tan like on the camper shell. Something like this.
Does anyone have any thoughts on this?
That front wall will be like a barn door going down the road so I might mount a nose cone on the cab roof. That probably means I will have to get rid of the roof rack that is already on there. I have some nose cones that I snagged for free.
I'm also thinking of painting the truck flat tan like on the camper shell. Something like this.
Does anyone have any thoughts on this?
NevadaLover
Forking Icehole
Driving a square body means air resistance, is a nose cone going to help very much? It will be interesting if you install it to see your results, maybe a little real world testing is in order.
I like the color, especially with the contrast of your black truck, it should look great.
I like the color, especially with the contrast of your black truck, it should look great.
pappawheely
Autonomous4X4
I'm thinking about that. You really like making snowballs don't you.
pappawheely
Autonomous4X4
I'm thinking about painting the whole truck that color.
NevadaLover
Forking Icehole
Now that would be awesome, make that sweet square body stand out.
Buddha.
Finally in expo white.
Im not sure if you’re referring to the actual CARC paint on that m1009. I’ve washed humvees a few times which I think is the same paint. I found it hard to clean. It’s like a very fine sandpaper.
Maybe all flat paint is like this?
Might not be a problem for you.
Maybe all flat paint is like this?
Might not be a problem for you.
pappawheely
Autonomous4X4
Yes, Flat paint has a tendency to collect dirt. It's something you have to live with. If you are out in the dust and silt all the time it really makes no difference. Those of us who live on dirt roads give up on washing our trucks anyways.
pappawheely
Autonomous4X4
We had some strong storms through here and the camper shell held up fine; no leaks. Now it's time to think about the nose cone. I'm going to have to trim it down in height which means I'll have to put a flat roof on it. I'm thinking to make it into some type of storage box, but don't really want a bunch of weight up high. I thought about mounting the diesel heater inside it??? That way it's not in the living quarters. Thoughts?
NevadaLover
Forking Icehole
That's a good idea putting the heater in there and out of the way, great way to maximize space usage.