mount welder on reading body

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I have been reviewing the forum for several months now and haven't had anything to post,but now I am wondering if I can get some advice.    I have a 1985 GMC 3500 with a Reading service body.I have a Trailblazer 302 that I was going to mount on the bed but there isn't enough clearance with the high sides to get proper airflow.My alternative is to mount it on the the top left rear of the toolbox as I have seen on a few service bodies.It looks like I need additional bracing on the inside of the box to support the welder. The sides are almost as wide as the welder but I think I need some vertical supports welded inside the box with some horizontal braces for stability.   I was wondering if anyone has run across this or could refer me to some website,etc. I have searched the web and can't seem to come up withe any search terms that gets me any information.  Any help would be appreciated
Reply:You might call the Reading company and ask what they recomend.  That is a lot of weight way up in the air.  http://www.readingbody.com/Dan  D.
Reply:Or maybe a mount that goes across the front of the bed on top of the boxes right behind the cab. Just a thought.Making as much progress as a one legged duck in the middle of a pond, just going in circles.
Reply:OK,,, Just some input.You have to take into account the ease of reaching the machine adjustments (start / stop / adjust amps/ etc). After working a long shift of climbing up and down on a piece of equipment or ladder, the last thing you want to do is climb up on a service truck. Been there done that.Can you possibly mount the machine in the bed (behind the cab) and access it by cutting out the back of the cabinet on one the large compartments? You can also mount your brackets to hold your welding / cutting leads in that cabinet. When your welding leave the door open for air flow and for access to your welding leads.That location will also keep your center of gravity lower than a top of box mount. The top of box mount usually adds so much weight (600# unit) to one side of the truck that a helper spring will be needed on that side.Just a few ideas.Thanks,HoboLincoln SA200's... at least 15 - 20. They come and go. Growing partial to the "Short Hoods" in my old age. Last count on Short Hoods was 13 in possession.
Reply:Hey guys ,thanx for the ideas. I'm working about 70 hrs a week driving a truck right now, so I need help in the form of ideas that will help me use the little bit of time I have on weekends. I'm retiring from trucking next March 1st and want to have a part time mobile welding business to help my retirement checks.I'm not the best welder but I love it anyhow.
Reply:i have a utillity bed on my truck and i have my machine located inside at the front sideways i cut an opening in the front driverside ompartment works sweet that way i can reach the controls easy and lock it up at night so someone cant mess with the machine ill get a pic of it on here as soon as i canLincoln Pro Core 125Lincolin sp 100Miller Big 40Lincoln Idealarc SP250miller matic 212http://www.facebook.com/hdwelding?sk=wallwww.hdweldingbeds.com