man this is exciting!

 

Hey Evan! The plan is to mount all four fenders in the next 2 days. My wife put aside the next 2 days, all day, just for me to work on the truck (and I didn't even ask!). Isn't she awesome!??

Sooooo...There should be some nice progress the next 72 hours to post pics of!!

 

Rear bumper looks real nice. Thoughtfully functionally and it's got a style I like. I don't understand working on sheet metal. It's like origami. Brave work!



...proceed....

 

Going out now for a supply run. Need a few things to get the bedsides mounted. Hopefully more pics with alot of progress this evening!!

Glad you like, Shorts! Oh, and sheet metal work - I feel the same. I'm learning as I tear it open - LOL!

 

Here's a few teaser pics of the bedsides on. I have to fab a few brackets for the lower edges, so that's tomorrow's project. Also using some angle iron to create a combination top bedrail that is bullet-proof and also to serve to clamp the upper edge of the fiberglass.

 

Today was just a small piece of work, but I guess I'd consider it important work. I fab'd the corner braces for the lower edges of the fenders. I didn't realize how picky this part is until you start measuring everything precisely to get the fenders to line up well. There is alot of play in any fender until you affix it with the braces. Lots of 'eyeballing' to decide what looks 'right'.

I used square tubing (1" I think...), flat stock for the lower plates, and angle for the uppers. Hardware seen is temporary - will be switched out for stainless.

Anyways. Nothing fancy, but here they are (tack welded only)

Hope I don't bore anyone with my little project updates! ...

 

don't stop updating us! I look forward to seeing the progress. I have been kicking this idea around for a couple years now but keep messin with the engine and other items

 

lookin wicked man! How different are those than factory bedsides? Is the wheel opening bigger? How much wider are they flared?

 

Hey Evan! The bedsides are flared out about 4-4.5 inches, up about 3 inches, and wider, too. About the same increases on the front, too. I plan to decrease the backspacing as much as possible to increase track width and overall stability. The goal is to fit 37s, widen the track, and fit it without any lift needed. I will probably add a few inches with the suspension stuff later, but I want the wheelwells to support the articulation without relying on lift. I will probably add some 1/2" to 3/4" longer control arms soon (temporary b/c I have my eye on Carli's radius arm system!) just to ensure the rear edge of my front fenders stay in good shape.

Anyways - got tons of work done today. Will post pics tomorrow.

 

Question for the audience: Has anyone had experience with Staun's Internal beadlocks? I'm considering giving them a try to allow me more choices in rims (instead of being stuck with more traditional beadlocks). Any opinions?

Also, updates to be posted soon. Busy work week for me, which has limited my posting of pics. Front bumper fab is nearly done!! I've painted and weathersealed the bed/tailgate bracing that I added. Also scheduled for the Line-X coating of the whole vehicle!!

Fun stuff to come....

 

We run them in the rockcrawlers, probably one of the greatest investments we have ever made, the great thing is that you can actually balance your wheel/tire combo whereas with traditional beadlocks its really tough. I have nothing but praises about them.

 

Thanks so much! I had been throwing the idea around but hadn't run into anyone using them. I also read that they're kinda cool in the fact that if you get a flat tire, the internal beadlock bladder basically can act like a 'run-flat' tire, allowing you to get the car to a safe spot to change the tire.

Thanks again for the input!

 

So I've been working alot this week, but still managed to get some progress in. This was more of a "take the time to do it right" type stage. I primered all of the areas that I had done cutting, welding, or grinding on, and then sprayed with a rubberized undercoating. Although they are areas unlikely to hold water, I still wanted to ensure durability.

In addition, I laid thin strips of rubber/vinyl along the edges of the metal bed, so as to prevent the metal from vibrating directly against the underside of the fiberglass. Again, probably overkill, but better to do it right.

Then came the task of meticulously measuring and adjusting the fitment of the panels to ensure the body lines match. All stainless hardware was used for this step, and I used button head machine screws. All of the mounting hardware will eventually get coated over with the Line-X, so I needed to be sure it was all perfect before I could do more work.

I also took this time to pull out the body hammers and dollies and knock the dents out of my bed. I know, it's a pickup bed, but hell, I might as well start with a decent looking bed before that gorgeous Line-X is applied!

So here's a few pics of those points I mentioned above...

 

You are correct, we run our Krawlers at 12-14 P.S.I. (seem to work alot better than lower pressure's) and the Stauns at 45 I think. They keep the sidewalls from folding to much and leave ya with a lil bit of cushion between the tires and wheels during high speed stuff.

BTW, good job on the truck, looks really good, and will surely be a one of a kind headturner when its done.

 

The details will add up and make for an awesome finished project. Doing great!