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Danager
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- #32
Test fit of the bed slide and final measurements. I had this ready to go, sized to fit a large cooler. Ordered a 12 volt fridge and needed a little extra width. Confirmed everything will fit and ordered up a few new pieces of aluminum. The fridge arrives early May. The aluminum should be here around that same time. I also have to move the slides back a bit.
Gives me time to work on the bed rack. ??
Gives me time to work on the bed rack. ??
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Danager
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- #34
Progress report:
I just cut $800.00 brackets in half! ? The recip saw was a little unwieldy leading me to switch to the jig saw. I’ll clean them up with the grinder tomorrow. Apparently the dinner guests were wondering where I went - and then they heard the noise. I look like I’m covered in glitter. Not sure which is easier to explain, glitter OR metal filings. This means I’m to the point I can measure and plan where to drill the holes through the brackets and the bed rails. I guess I also have to figure out a “budget” approach to making the holes square for the carriage bolts.
I just cut $800.00 brackets in half! ? The recip saw was a little unwieldy leading me to switch to the jig saw. I’ll clean them up with the grinder tomorrow. Apparently the dinner guests were wondering where I went - and then they heard the noise. I look like I’m covered in glitter. Not sure which is easier to explain, glitter OR metal filings. This means I’m to the point I can measure and plan where to drill the holes through the brackets and the bed rails. I guess I also have to figure out a “budget” approach to making the holes square for the carriage bolts.
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Danager
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- #38
I just couldn’t get out of the bed today. Really pleased with how it turned out. I want to wash the truck, just need to give the silicone time to cure. Is silicone not just like glitter - I open the tube and it everywhere, I’m covered in it! Oh well, it seals the dirt into my pores and gives my skin a silky smooth feel.
There may be times when I have the canoe on the roof and bikes on the back. I measured and made it so the bars can be swapped and bikes can face backwards - putting the handle bars at the tailgate. Also kept the spacing right so I can fit a mountain bike with 29’s up there and not come through the back window. I hope there is one of those in the near future.
There may be times when I have the canoe on the roof and bikes on the back. I measured and made it so the bars can be swapped and bikes can face backwards - putting the handle bars at the tailgate. Also kept the spacing right so I can fit a mountain bike with 29’s up there and not come through the back window. I hope there is one of those in the near future.
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Danager
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- #39
Made more progress in the bed slide today. The frame is built, supports are in the right spot to support the fridge/freezer, all the t-nuts for the tie-downs are in place. Ready to drop in the trays and drill/tap the brackets. Aiming for Wednesday after work.
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Danager
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- #40
Made some more progress this afternoon. Plus-nuts for the 6 brackets are in. The one closest to the driver only has 1 bolt in it so I could stay clear of the fuel filler hoses under the bed. Just have one stripped bolt (stainless) to deal with, then set the height on the front and tap those two holes. Should have this one finished tonight.
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Danager
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- #42
Cleaning up the “Ranger - to do” bin in the basement. Got 1/2 of the black ford ovals installed. The back one looks sharp. I like the toned down oval and the black trim for the camera looks way better than the huge piece of chrome that was there. Will get to the one on the grille in the next day or two.
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Danager
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- #43
A trip to the lake today. The fridge and slide made things so much easier than using the big yeti. 6 hours used up 40% of the Bluetti AC50S. I realized when we brought the fridge inside that I left it on max, and the freezer was pretty low. Usually only leave those settings when pre-chilling in the house.
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Danager
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- #44
I am on vacation so I am taking some time to tweak things here and there. I got the bed slide moving smoothly, it rolls on its own of it is unlocked.
I also took the time to try an idea for more/versatile tie-down points along the bed side. I had some extra 10/30 - 1”x3”extruded aluminum(because I overthink and re-do things sometimes…). I added a piece behind the front and rear factory-installed tie-down points. I also added an extension behind one of the middle tie-downs I added. And because the middle extension only had one bolt securing it, I ran a piece of 10/10 (1”) connecting it to the rear piece. I am really happy with the result. It is really strong and extremely secure. I may order some better looking bolts, but these Home Depot bolts are doing just fine. This is far less expensive than any of the molle panels available. I also like the fact that these are hard mounts. I am going to measure up and install a couple across the front of the bed, and also down the passenger side.
I also took the time to try an idea for more/versatile tie-down points along the bed side. I had some extra 10/30 - 1”x3”extruded aluminum(because I overthink and re-do things sometimes…). I added a piece behind the front and rear factory-installed tie-down points. I also added an extension behind one of the middle tie-downs I added. And because the middle extension only had one bolt securing it, I ran a piece of 10/10 (1”) connecting it to the rear piece. I am really happy with the result. It is really strong and extremely secure. I may order some better looking bolts, but these Home Depot bolts are doing just fine. This is far less expensive than any of the molle panels available. I also like the fact that these are hard mounts. I am going to measure up and install a couple across the front of the bed, and also down the passenger side.
LB'sTremor
Well-Known Member
Nice build! I would like more info and see these when you get a chance , and did you buy the actual paint/hardener/clear and use a spray gun or find it already in a spray can?
- Paint side vents Magnetic with red accent and add 3D printed Tremor text.
Thanks,
LB
- Paint side vents Magnetic with red accent and add 3D printed Tremor text.
Thanks,
LB
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