Squall Line's Frontier build

[Streakerfreak]

AT fuel can mounts
I finally got these mounted up. It involved drilling two more holes in the mount. I decided on this location based on minimizing bed space lost, and due to the hump on the front drivers side bed for the fuel filler. I am planning on building a box to mount the second battery under the passenger side rack.

I'm curious as to how exactly you mounted those in there like that...unless I missed something in the tread?

Are they just held in there with bolts on the back and side? How are the bolts mounted in the side? Are they holding up okay suspended like that with Cans and fuel in them?

I like this placement and might steal your idea depending on how they are mounted. Its about time to ditch the canopy due to the damage it received in Death Valley and I will need a better place to mount my holders.

 

[Squall Line]

Streakerfreak: they are mounted to the stock utilitrack rails using unistrut (commercial conduit mounting system) nut plates. There are two 1/4" bolts on the long rail, and one in the corner next to the toolbox. They are extremely stout; the rails are rated for a 200lb load per cleat... To test, I stood and jumped on the empty mount (160lbs) and there was no movement or cause for concern. I would have mounted them on the floor in that location, but the hump for the fuel filler prevented that. HTH

mcm4090: I am not sure yet on the weight, but it is definitely getting up there. I know it is not heavier than the front yet, which weighs 120 for the whole package... The tire carrier is going to add some mass for sure though. I guess that is the price to pay for functionality and bombproof peace of mind.

Thanks to everyone for the comments and following along!

 

[Squall Line]

starting to look pretty crazy

supports tacked

and welded

 

[Squall Line]

Not too much in the way of progress, but I have finally closed the chapter on the bumper itself, and am working on the tire carrier. I am hoping to have a big weekend and finish it all up. I have exams in a week, and it would be good to have the truck ready for a December/ new years trip...

bushing for swing-away and threaded insert for the gas strut

Eric

 

[ToyFamily]

Nice build! I like the rivnuts

Nick

 

[Squall Line]

Thanks again for all of the comments.

Nick: you probably wouldn't know it, but I stopped by the shop last spring to pick up the bumper (truck looks quite a bit different now). Impressive work coming out of there!


I am hoping to have it done today or tomorrow...Here is a quick update:

 

[hovenator]

Looking really good. Your truck is really sweet. Great job on all the mods.

 

[adrenaline503]

Are you a DC?

 

[Squall Line]

Are you a DC?

No, but I work for one. I am essentially a non rate attached to the RO in town until graduation (CSPI).Do you have any affiliation?


I need to grind a few things, put on the backup light brackets, and then it is ready for paint. Here is the work from yesterday:

 

[adrenaline503]

I am an ET2, thats very nice work you do.

 

[Squall Line]

adrenaline503: maybe we'll cross paths some day. I would love to see that ute bed in person.

I am pretty much in the last stage of the bumper project. I need to let the paint dry, then get the lights wired up. Here are the pictures:

wire-brushed and ready for paint

in primer

painted- cleaned up the welds with the grinder prior

latch detail

reinforced the plate for the latch (it was flexy)

backup light brackets

in primer

done

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I got the pieces for the next project. I forgot to mention that I picked up a camping lab tent a few weeks back... The pieces are just sitting in place, but this will be the basic form...

-Eric

 

[Streakerfreak]

Looking good! I am closely watching your build. I look forward to see what you have in store with your bed.

 

[articulate]

That's one studly hunk-o-metal.

I like the hinge.

 

[hovenator]

Can we see a finished pic of the tire carrier, etc. all painted up? Please? Sweet build by the way.

 

[Squall Line]

I will get some pictures of it up tomorrow. Thanks for all of the support.

On a side note, I put in a huge order today from Mcmaster and Del City (my bank account is hurting )... I have a ton of hardware and electrical stuff inbound to get the rig ready for the new years trip. I am finally going to isolate that aux circuit, and install the 2nd battery. I have the hardware for the rack coming as well, and will be putting together a better solution for the highlift jack in the bed that will incorporate with the rack.

Eric