Subframe fabricators in southwestern US?

[glennm01]

Can anyone recommend a shop in Southern California (preferably the LA area) that has experience fabricating the sort of spring-mounted subframe that's commonly employed on Fuso builds? If not, perhaps anywhere in the southwest?

 

[yabanja]

Can anyone recommend a shop in Southern California (preferably the LA area) that has experience fabricating the sort of spring-mounted subframe that's commonly employed on Fuso builds? If not, perhaps anywhere in the southwest?

I would probably try to make friends with your local race car fabrication shop. Take lots of pictures and they will get you sorted out. Have had terrible luck approaching traditional truck fitters as they are generally hacks and have trouble thinking outside the box.

Allan

 

[javajoe79]

If you want to come to Tennessee. I can do it. You can see my build thread for how I did mine but I'd gladly do it however you want it done.

 

[glennm01]

I appreciate that javajoe, but...it's a bit of a haul from LA. Still, good to have options if all else fails...

Allan -- yeah, I think I'm just going to have to start talking to different off-road fabricators to find someone who seems up to it. It would be nice to find someone who's specifically done a Fuso subframe before, but that may be wishful thinking.

Still all ears if anyone has any other suggestions.

 

[Greenbarn]

My recommendation is to do as much research as you can and take it to a small independent fabricator. There are very few people with experience with these subframes but they are not rocket science. I am only comfortable when I have seen lots of their previous work and when they value their reputation. Specialty truck and off-road shops are frequently more expensive than ticketed welder fabricators.

 

[NatersXJ6]

Are you seeking a designer/fabricator? Or just someone to fab to a drawing that you already have?

The designer part is the tricky one. After that, it is pretty basic welding to spec.

 

[dan85]

try talking to a truck builder that does things like rigid trucks with spray tanks or fuel tanks as sometimes they are spring mounted to save the tanks. other option is these guys are in Oregon which doesnt look to far away. https://earthcruiser.com/

 

[NatersXJ6]

try talking to a truck builder that does things like rigid trucks with spray tanks or fuel tanks as sometimes they are spring mounted to save the tanks. other option is these guys are in Oregon which doesnt look to far away. https://earthcruiser.com/

That is a pretty good idea. I think there is a company called McLellan here in the Central Valley that makes water tanks, water trucks, and fuel and lube trucks.

 

[Victorian]

We are working together with a pretty good builder that has constructed several subframes for Fuso FG. Downside: They only building them in combination with a camper body.

 

[gator70]

looking for the same

 

[glennm01]

Wow, it's been 5 years already? Alas, September of 2019...when we were still all so young and innocent, but I digress. To folllow-up: Skaug Truck Body Works in San Fernando was able to build a subframe with four spring mounts on each side. It took several months for them to fit me in, as it's an extremely busy shop (a good sign), but they were totally familiar with what I wanted when I first approached them. Great dudes. Highly recommended.

 

[gator70]

For those who want to save money, buy parts you can hand to the welder. Many times small parts that require custom fabrication will be 500% more expensive. It all adds up.

 

[SkiFreak]

My 2c on this would be that you would probably be hard pressed to find any fabrication company that said they could not do it, but be careful about that, because the stepped Fuso chassis is a pretty unique animal.
The simplest design would be a spring mounted subframe, but having previous knowledge of this chassis type would be a definite plus.