ME 87's Truck Bed Thread

[vtx1029]

The only thing bad about them DEI lights is it sucks when you need to change a plate having to cut the wires. Check out the lighted plate frames below. Much nicer and super bright!

Keep up the good work

http://www.radiantz.com/cart/index1.html?c17.html&1

[ME87]

The only thing bad about them DEI lights is it sucks when you need to change a plate having to cut the wires.

http://www.radiantz.com/cart/index1.html?c17.html&1

One of my favorite tools in the garage

http://www.howardelectronics.com/weller/wes51.html

My wires almost splice themselves but that is a nice frame

[vtx1029]

Another thing you could do is call the people I sent a link to. They have much more then what's shown. I believe they had just like a chrome eyebrow with several LED's in it that you could mount above the plate. They are a cool blue tint so they look really trick.

I helped design this sidemount/ and plate frame that my friend manufactures. They use side firing led's that are recessed into the top of the plate frame and are only 1/8 inch thick

None the less soldering is easy too

[ME87]

Got the mounts for the Spare tire crossmember drawn up. Off to the laser in a day or two. I put the tire under the bed in front of the axle with hopes to get the tongue weight up a little.

[ME87]

Mudflap Mounts to match my truck

[ME87]

I plan on lighting the trailer using two modified 3D Maglites. I've put P7 LED's in them and they're about as bright as the sun so they should provide enough light to do anything I want and in addition, they will be mounted on quick connect mounts so they are portable when it gets dark.

[vtx1029]

I plan on lighting the trailer using two modified 3D Maglites. I've put P7 LED's in them and they're about as bright as the sun so they should provide enough light to do anything I want and in addition, they will be mounted on quick connect mounts so they are portable when it gets dark.

you make your own or is there a drop in now?

[ME87]

I made my own.

[ME87]

Got the license plate box made today as well as the spare tire crossmember mounts and mudflap parts. I should be able to get that all installed tomorrow so updates to come. My heater project is still making progress as well.

As per the request of the mods, all images have been re-sized for reasons I'm still unclear on, but w/e.

[ME87]

Got the license plate box done




Got the spare tire carrier done




and I figured out a good use for some pneumatics. Just put an air ratchet on the extension that is permanently in place and I can easily raise and lower the tire.


Safety Chains


Mudflaps.


I should be able to get the wiring for the lights completed tomorrow and then I'll go get it registered sometime this week now that I can pass inspection.

[ME87]

So I added up my budget thus far and I'm right around 800$ including the brand new axle, all raw materials, and the bed. I think for right around 1000$ I'll have it covered and ready to sleep in.

However I did take a quick tally on the cost of tools and it's a bit higher

Laser 800K
CNC Press break 300K
CAD software 10K
Garage full of every tool known to man 100K

Something's not right here lol

[ME87]

Got the wiring and lights installed



A shot of where I had to shorten the axle and where the spare sits. This is looking forward from the back


I got the roof spars designed


They will be laser cut 1/8" plate with some 1X1 tube in between so I can rivet 0.030" AL skin to it. I wanted solid walls, but not the look so the entire AL skin will be covered with canvas. The large window area on the right is actually for part of a slideout box. This will be where my feet rest when in bed.

[ME87]

Haven't had a lot of time to get much done recent, but I did get it titled and registered and I did manage to get the roof subframe structure done this weekend.




This is what a rough side view will look like, as it will be skinned in .03 5052 AL, but will then be covered in a similar canvas to this for a more natural look.

[ME87]

Got 3 of the skins drawn up tonight. A couple more to go and then lots of riveting and seam sealer I guess.

[ME87]

Finished up the outer skin layouts. Just need to cut them now.

Also started the geometry for the slideout. Should be good for 2 people side by side under 6 feet tall.