New Camper Project...

[BillyDread]

Here is my first post on this forum....

After being a FG 434 owner for the past 4 years, I have just taken the plunge and bought another (ex-tour-bus) to seriously deck out....

I'll pick it up tomorrow and so the fun will begin....

Will try to get some pics up asap...:victory:

[Sergeant_V]

Welcome and we can't wait to see the pics and your plans for the bus!

[BillyDread]

here is a pic of my new camper....exciting...

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z6/billydread/IMG_0058sml.jpg?t=1235346239

[adrenaline503]

This is gonna be awesome...

[kerry]

Cool. What year is it? What's the market for used FG's like down under. In the US they keep their value pretty well, hard to find used ones for under about $15k.

[Tree]

Beautiful! Keep us posted!

How many fg's do you guys have down under? Also if you dont mind me asking how much was it?

And almost forgot... Welcome!

[whatcharterboat]

Hmmm. Why does that look familiar???

Welcome to ExPo.

[whatcharterboat]

How many fg's do you guys have down under?

FGs and NPS > ALOT.

I think NSW Rural Fire service alone had 600 FGs at one point. That's the figure I heard anyway. Hopefully someone knows the total figure.

As for 2wd FEs, NPRs, Toyota Dynas, Nissan Cabstars. They are like ants.

[Tree]

FGs and NPS > ALOT.

I think NSW Rural Fire service alone had 600 FGs at one point. That's the figure I heard anyway. Hopefully someone knows the total figure.

As for 2wd FEs, NPRs, Toyota Dynas, Nissan Cabstars. They are like ants.

Sweet If I ever take a trip to australia I am going to see all the different cabovers you got their. Their is something that I just love about cabovers. Anyway do you guys have many hino 4x4s like this one

http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp274/mvx_8/Feature-4x4.jpg

They look so heavy duty and well built!

[whatcharterboat]

Anyway do you guys have many hino 4x4s like this one


Yep, but Isuzu make up about 40% of the market, Fuso about 20% and Hino is about 10% so the Isuzu 4x4 550s and 750s are far more common in that size. I saw a Hino 4x4 Tour bus in victoria the other day a couple of months back . Very nice and there is a new one running over to Moreton Island I think.

Every Hino I've ever driven has had power in abundance. Definitely their strong point. The 5oo 4x4's are a very nice trucks allround.

[Tree]

Yep, but Isuzu make up about 25% of the market, Fuso about 15% and Hino is about 10% so the Isuzu 4x4 550s and 750s are far more common in that size. I saw a Hino 4x4 Tour bus in victoria the other day a couple of months back . Very nice.

Every Hino I've ever driven has had power in abundance. Definitely there strong point.

Hino's here are conventional cab and older ones are cabover. I think the convetional cabs look quite ugly. But it seems they are selling since I see more of them around. I dont see why americans are so against cabovers. Highway traveling I understand but city driving is not understandable. I was going down a tight road behind a moving truck and he trys to turn into a parking lot. Wow I think he reversed about 5 times before he got it right. Another time i was in downtown and and a grocery truck was backing into the store but he took up the whole road just to back up. A cabover would of took that turn in one go and would be much shorter than a conventional. I guess its something I will never understand. America= brash>function

[whatcharterboat]

This is one of the best truck 4sale sites if you want to get an idea of the scene here . Current exchange rate is about $1 AuD to 0.63cents USD. Not too many non cab overs in the mix is there?

http://www.truckhub.com.au/DesktopDefault.aspx?Type=Trucks&PriceTo=65000&Location=-1&Keywords=4x4&ShowThumbnail=True&SortBy=4&ResultsPerPage=10&MTA=False&PageIndex=0&TabID=3443

[whatcharterboat]

Sorry Should have said the link was loaded with search details of > Australia wide > All trucks types > 4x4 > Under $65k

[Tree]

Wow thx for the link. You guys got some awesome rigs down their. Look at this hino its beautiful! :drool: :drool: :drool:

http://www.truckhub.com.au/DesktopDefault.aspx?ItemID=2970544&TabID=3443

I am now considering moving down their! Gorgeous! Are you guys lacking in the police or engineering services in australia?

[whatcharterboat]

Haha . You kow of all the 700 or so trucks on that site I just clicked on about 3 of them when I was finding the link. That was one of the 3. Haha.

I also liked the very first RFW. They are just awesomely tough. Built locally here mainly for the mining industry. Small company run by a real eccentric guy who does it his way. Robert Frederic Whitehead.

http://tcimages.net/DisplayImage.aspx?PD=19859200&S=IS&wmin=truckhub

If you expand the field up to $100K AuD you'll find newer 10 to 13 ton 4x4s. Obviously and maybe some of the Hinos like you posted.

[Tree]

Yah you were right these look like a strictly business vehicle... I like it! :victory:

http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp274/mvx_8/DisplayImageaspx.jpg

[Tree]

I love that site! Just look at this one!

http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp274/mvx_8/DisplayImageaspx-1.jpg

This + fg style swb= my new dream rig! Australia here I come:bike_rider:

Also I am sorry I kind of took this thread over. Ill stop:oops:

[whatcharterboat]

Yeah Im sorry too. Last one I promise. This is an RFW that works down in Brisbane and I had the pleasure of working with it in my previous job.

14 x 14 !!! 8x8 prime mover permanently coupled to a 6x6 powered trailer . Imagine the ExPo rig you could build on that platform. http://www.ebroadcast.com.au/ecars/RFW/PiCs37/8x81992.jpg

[Tree]

Wow the bare chassis looks massive. Seeing as their is no tubes from what I can tell i assume the trailer has its own engine? Man that is one cool rig. What is it powered by? Local? Japanese?

[whatcharterboat]

IIRC the trailer is hydraulically driven at all wheels. Very clever guy RFW. And I'm pretty sure he uses big CATERPILLAR engines and Allison autos in most of them.

I read an old interview with him in a 4x4 mag. The journo asked him if his cabs would pass the new DoT "Truck Cab" Safety Tests. RFW yells "What would those !!@#$ white collar idiots know about cab tests. I'll show you a cab test!!!" And with that he leaped into the nearest truck and took off at full speed heading for a massive gum tree in the middle of the neighbouring field. BAANNGG.

Returning with only sratched paint and bark still stuck to the front, he says."There's ya cab test"

So he's a bit of a legend in truck circles.

[WantedWolf]

So wheres my Hino 4x4 in canada?:drool:

[BillyDread]

Just pulled the back off my ex-noosa bus canter....
too rusty!!!seems like they used acidic sealant throughout and this has caused more probs than just moisture....
I'm starting a complete re-build after rust proofing chassis...
I'm planning on using Aluminum throughout, both frame and sheeting...
any good advice?...
also, mounting the body to the frame looks like a much discussed issue.... - I was thinking of installing a tipper frame and building off that...
(my present canter has a tipper and its so nice to be able to level the bed with the press of a button....makes others in hilly campsites really jealous!!! LOL)
real exited to be building something new rather than patching up old body...
will get some pics up soon...

[Mickldo]

Just pulled the back off my ex-noosa bus canter....
too rusty!!!seems like they used acidic sealant throughout and this has caused more probs than just moisture....
I'm starting a complete re-build after rust proofing chassis...
I'm planning on using Aluminum throughout, both frame and sheeting...
any good advice?...
also, mounting the body to the frame looks like a much discussed issue.... - I was thinking of installing a tipper frame and building off that...
(my present canter has a tipper and its so nice to be able to level the bed with the press of a button....makes others in hilly campsites really jealous!!! LOL)
real exited to be building something new rather than patching up old body...
will get some pics up soon...

I build aluminium bodies and trailers at work (see links in sig line). If you need advice on techniques PM me.

I have posted in the past on how we do our trailers. IIRC it was the Nida-Core thread.

I also posted a link in the FG frame thread with the Aussie Heavy Vehicle Code of Practice. There is a heap of good info in there on body mountings.

At work I also have a copy of the 2007 Isuzu Body Builders Manual which has a few good recommendations in it too.

[BillyDread]

Been real busy last few months...

Camper nearly built...and....

truck chassis and cab painted....

so will be going back together shortly...

a few pics...

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z6/billydread/SuperTruck/IMG_0353.jpg

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z6/billydread/SuperTruck/IMG_0060.jpg

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z6/billydread/SuperTruck/IMG_0086.jpg

[engineer]

FMD!! You have been busy, love your work!!!

[PKDreamers]

wow nice frame work. we enjoy looking at all the pics gices us sum ideas for ours.

[BillyDread]

a few specs...

4600mm long, 2300 wide, 2200 overall height ( 2050mmm floor to ceiling
)

chassis built from 100x50x6 mm alli, rest built from 50x50x3, and framed in with 25x25x3 and 25x50x3 (walls and roof are 50mm thick)

roof sheeted with 2.5mm checher plate, walls 1.6 and floor 3mm flat plate...

will post about solar set up, water etc soon...:Wow1:

[Amesz00]

roof sheeted with 2.5mm checher plate, walls 1.6 and floor 3mm flat plate...

very nice build you got going there mate.
if i may offer an opinion, i would think you dont really need 2.5 on the roof, usually 2.0 is ok (not very important though), but mainly, if you intend on driving through bush tracks and the like (like most of us do), then you'll probly want at least 2.0 on the sides, and preferably at least 2.0 or 2.5 on the big front bit above the cab. these really take a bashing on bush tracks.

cant wait to see the finished thing mate!

[engineer]

Are you doing stress panels?? or just normal...

[BillyDread]

Stress panels???

sheeting just about to begin,

finished doors and other openings - 9 in all...18 locks, all keyed alike....35 spare keys...hehehe

full dust sealed doors and waterproof plastic hinge (expensive) used throughout...

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z6/billydread/SuperTruck/IMG_0115.jpg

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z6/billydread/SuperTruck/IMG_0117.jpg

[93Canter]

I like the idea of a waterproof hinge

Is this what you mean by plastic hinge?

http://www.conceptlatch.com.au/Product/Shop/Continuous-Plastic-Hinge.aspx

[engineer]

Weld one end to the frame and then stretch the panel over the frame, maybe with a fork lift via chain and bit of angle. Stitch in place!!
http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa129/f1engineer/Trucks/Frameinprogress_0486.jpg
only inner sheets done, but you get the idea...
If you can do inner and outer sheets, you can put it on it's side, pick it back up again, brush the sand off it and still be using it 3 years later!!! slightly indented panels, but you need full sun and keen eyes (or some anal perfectionist tourist DH) to pick it up.

[whatcharterboat]

I like the idea of a waterproof hinge

Is this what you mean by plastic hinge?

Hi Michael, You been away?

Anyway, maybe this is what he means. They're just about to release an improved version too. Saw it last week.
http://www.uesint.com/upload/pdf/Centaflex%20Continuous%20Hinge.pdf

[BillyDread]

Just checked the link for the hinges and that's them alright...

pretty hexy , nearly $30 a meter and 3 m lengths so a few large off cuts but they seem great by all reports...

also, how much mod to the vehicle to fit super singles?

[93Canter]

Hi Michael, You been away?
....
They're just about to release an improved version too. Saw it last week.
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I am still around, lurking, watching ...

What is different about the new improved version?

[engineer]

Nil mod to the vehicle mate, Just the rims, oh an maybe a mod plate......
John could steer you in the right direction.....

[whatcharterboat]

I am still around, lurking, watching ...

Creepy. Haha.


What is different about the new improved version?


Only caught a glimpse of it when he was showing a sample around. 2x polished alloy halves with a type of clear centreflex section. You can bet it'll be more bucks.

Those centreflex hinges are all we use on our bin doors but they're very light composites. I've seen some of the buses where they might have a rear top hinged boot door in 5 mm plate alloy and after a couple of years or so they can tear and fail. Remember on a bus they might get opened and closed more than a dozen times a day and bounce on corrugations all day too. So be careful about how heavy a door is. If you read the blurb on the existing product you see they claim they're good for 50,000 cycles or movents or whatever.

They are good. Try and seal a piano hinge so that it lasts years of weather and you'll see why guys gladly pay the money for them.

Good to talk again mate.

Regards John.

[BillyDread]

been hard at it but coming together...

on my second box (500) of 3/16 rivets....100's of holes drilled:Wow1:

will mount camper on truck next week and then finish floor and front paenel

few pics...more to come...

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z6/billydread/IMG_0138.jpg

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z6/billydread/IMG_0142.jpg

[whatcharterboat]

Gee Billy , Lots of cool ideas there. Is that a split door, half hinging up and the other half down? And is that hinging panel with the window in it over the galley? Generator bin rear left corner?

Oh and where did you get that tear drop window? Out of an old '70s Sandman panelvan? Haha.

Well done anyway.

[oka boy]

Great work Billi!,what are you using for insulation?,will you have a lot of heat transfer though the ally?when can we have some photos of the inside?
great work!!:wings:

[BillyDread]

and so the camper meets the truck...

:victory:

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z6/billydread/SuperTruck/IMG_0166.jpg

[engineer]

Awesome!!!!!! Love the Ali, but you'd better paint it with something before you venture out into the tropical sun with it. I can't even stand on the roof of our trucks without footwear. With the painted ones, i can dance from rag to rag......
But it looks cool!!!!!

[PKDreamers]

Wow looks great , nice work indead.