Building my rig

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I've been lurking around this site for a while but this is my first real post...I'm building a custom welding deck for my '95 F-350 to replace the rusty service body that is on it now.  I cant figure out how to post up the CAD drawings of it, but the deck is 3/16" and the sides are 14ga.  I'll update it as I progress.       The plan is to build the deck and run it for a few weeks to make sure I don't want to change anything.  After I decide I like it, its getting sandblasted and hit with epoxy primer and a basecoat/clearcoat finish (doing the cab at the same time) and line-x on the deck.Here's what I'm starting with...
Reply:Here is today's progress...Built a frame to hold the welder...  the welder restoration is my next project.recessed 4" into the deck3/16" plate for the deck, laid it out and cut it with the plasmaWelded up 100%Ground the edges using a strait edge for a nice sharp edge.  I won't be bending a flange onto the 14ga skirts, so fitup here is crucial.Thats enough for one day...  I'll update the thread next time I work on it.:rockon
Reply:Nice start!I'm a Lover, Fighter, Wild horse Rider, and a pretty good welding man......
Reply:You call that a rusty box body?  Damn, up here north of the Mason-Dixon we call that showroom condition! Think you'd be interested in selling the service body, or is there quite a lot of rust on it not visible in that picture?  I've been on the lookout for my '97 Powerstroke F250 converted to F350 with the rear spring block and springs and Dana 60 front axle and springs.
Reply:I have the same grinder and had several on here scold me for not having a guard on it.
Reply:That grinder is probably older than I am...  hell I didn't even know they made guards for them lol.I was going to craiglist the body when I get this one done, I'm sending you a PM about it, W123benz.
Reply:Probably won't matter since I'm guessing you have a straight rail cab and chassis, but you lost all the strength in those long rails when you cut out the top flanges. For all practical purposes, you might have just cut the rails aft of the welder as far as strength goes. About all the section you left is doing is locating the front section..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:Couldnt you weld flanges back on the cut out area or maybe even box it in. I have seen a lot of log trailers that have had the flange sections cut out and lowered by about 4" then the flanges welded back on in a lower position.
Reply:The welder frame is 3/16" and welded to the channel frame, it's plenty strong for the minimal load it will see.  This is going on a cab and chassis truck and will be mounted with U bolts so the frame of the truck will provide all the stiffness.I considered that before I did it that way, but I couldn't imagine a scenario where it would bend or crack at that location.  The 5" channel is there to get the deck high enough off the frame to clear the tires and doesn't really serve any structural purpose other than a spacer.  Good looking out though.Beck's Welding and Fabrication, Inc.-Misc. Metals Fabrication & Installation-
Reply:Lookin good cousin Earl.
Reply:Who dat? Figured I wouldn't be the only Davidsonville boy on here!Beck's Welding and Fabrication, Inc.-Misc. Metals Fabrication & Installation-
Reply:Got some work in this afternoon...  plan on hitting it hard this weekend.Did it all with an antique hand brake Beck's Welding and Fabrication, Inc.-Misc. Metals Fabrication & Installation-