t_j's build thread

[Ditchplains1]

t_j,
I learn something every day! Thank you!

Eddie

 

[t_j]

Main part of the rack for the cap is done, need need to cut and bend some tabs for lights and antenna NMO mount.









Welding was so much nicer with the new Millermatic 252 we got at the shop last week.

 

[scarrjack]

Hey Tom, I haven't been on here much lately but your truck is looking awesome. Any more details on doing your dovetail? I have a new rear bumper to install and then do the dovetail.

 

[t_j]

Hey Tom, I haven't been on here much lately but your truck is looking awesome. Any more details on doing your dovetail? I have a new rear bumper to install and then do the dovetail.

Where have you been hiding? Pretty easy grab yourself some 1/4" PTE tape (no sticky residue like masking tape will leave) and use it to mark out your lines, take a cut of wheel and have at it. You'll want 3 or 4 brand new cut off wheels for the depth. Cutting through the bottom corners of the bed you'll want to slowly section it and cut it in small bits. Then use a flap wheel to take off any burs. Finish with some edge trim.

Tape: https://www.amazon.ca/Gold-Kapton-Tape-Polyamide-High/dp/B004QVPBIU/



Got the rack up and test fit to the cap yesterday, next up tab some light mounts and an nmo mount for an antenna. Then on to paint and the internal support cage in the cap.

 

[Yukon Joe]

What do you have in mind for the internal support cage?

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk

 

[t_j]

Something like this:



1" tube, the front-back rails will meet the mount points for the rack and help spread the load.

 

[t_j]

Rack is all mounted up on the cap:





Next up support cage and bed slide

 

[RaptorActual]

Trucks looking awesome!!! Any photos of your interior setup?

 

[Otis857]

Here is a picture of the mount:



Toolbox update:

The passenger side box did not survive the last rallycross event so it was time to make them a little stronger! I added an exoskeleton frame to the front of the box. I will be adding one to the rear as well and possibly creating a couple of bars to link them across the bed giving me kind of a in bed basket for random shit.








Once the back frames are done I will probably take them and have the linex'd.

Thanks T_J. I'll keep that in mind if I have a problem. I mounted my box back a little farther towards the tailgate. Its seated up against the upright with a layer of closed cell foam in between for vibration & rattle control. I think I will make an angle iron bracket to tie the top of the box in to the upright at the top to firm it up that much more. A couple of questions;

1. The bolt going into the upright at about the halfway point of the bedside, is that for a bed brace?

2. The tie down system next to the tool box in the bottom pic, looks to be a clip in set up w/adjustable location D rings? Who makes that?

 

[Otis857]

TJ, just went through your build thread. Great fab skills!! I love your rear bumper build and the high mount receiver idea. I bought a used RPG rear bumper w/reciever and plan to dovetail soon. I may steal your design to mount the receiver above the bottom tube. Nice work!