97 F-350 CCLB build:

[Seabass]

Ain't posted in a while. Got tons of pics and stuff to post. But for tonight this will have to do.... I broke down and plasti-dipped all the chrome! I'm right proud. This pic shows a little chrome- I wasn't done.. Today I picked up a new deep, cycle battery and am fixing to add solar to the camper shell. I'm pretty sure the slide in is sold (long story- I know I said I was keeping it) and I got some engine mods in the works for the PSD. I'm gonna save that for another post. But, I've actually got to do a little bit of camping this summer. I even drove the ole truck 1,200 miles on a great trip. I'm looking forward to finding time to post all about it. Life is good from time to time. This year has been pretty dang sweet. Later people!

 

[Seabass]

Ok. So back in July me and the wife headed down to Charleston, SC. It was about 600 miles one way. Too far for a 1997 truck pulling a 18' camper? Of course not! I know it ain't exactly "expo" but it was with my expo truck. I gotta say- I saw some amazing stuff down there. We hung out on an air craft carrier- And saw a live oak that was older than dirt (the Angle Oak) We saw some old plantation houses And ate some fine food! We even went to Ft. Sumpter Me and the wife also found time to make it to some salt water We also met some of the nicest people on earth. We even went by that church where the idiot killed those poor people. Nothin but love in and for Charleston, SC. The Low Country ROCKS!!!! The ole' Power stroke did very well. But, it needs more grunt on the hills. That's why it's fixin to get a set of 50 hp injectors. It's not gonna be cheap, but I've been askin around to all my Ford buddies and they all tell me it will make a HUGE improvement in power. I'm goin for it! So, I got some more....but I'm kinda tired. Been spraying pasture all week and I'm done. I'll post more another day. Keep it expo!

 

[pappawheely]

Lookin' good. Sounds like a fun trip!

 

[Seabass]

Lookin' good. Sounds like a fun trip!

Pappa, I can't say enough about the South Carolina Low Country. It was awesome. We normally hang out in the North Carolina High Country. We prefer the mountains to the beach any day- but it was a great experience - and one that I will always treasure. However, "The Mountains are calling, and I must go."

 

[Seabass]

So I officially sold the slide in. My buddy came by today and paid me for it. While it is still sitting in my back yard- it's his. We've enjoyed it, but it was just too inconvenient to use. I need to carry too much gear in my trucks to constantly take it all out to load the slide in and then put it all back in when it was unloaded. I became very proficient at doing it, but the camper shell style of camping has worked for the wife and I well for years. I have learned I can add some camping gear and toss it out easily, and my truck is still fully and conveniently functional. When I can dedicate a truck to a slide in, one that can carry it most of the year, I'll definitely have another. I also want a FWC next time. The Jayco was a little heavier than I would have preferred. Actually it was more top heavy than heavy. So it's gone. But here's some pics from our last trip. I loaded it in my "work truck" for this trip and headed to our favorite camping grounds on the Salt River. The view of one of our soybean fields. The trusty ole' truck packing the camper for the first time. Headed down with our kayaks and extra gear. The view from the tailgate. You gotta take the dogs! Set up at the edge of the field (best crop I've ever had). Our view while we ate breakfast. Supper the night before. It was a relaxing time. I'll miss the slide in for sure. But, I'm glad it went to a good home. Heck, I can probably still borrow it if I want to. So we camp on!!!!

 

[Bojak]

Great pic and looks like trip. I second your words about the low country, my favorite place hands down. I was a raised going to the gulf, I love the mountains more than beaches, but Carolina low country is really a gem. The history, people, atmosphere, and the FOOD. Holy cow the food is worth the drive. Glad to see you enjoyed it. Truck looks sharp dechromed.

 

[Seabass]

Great pic and looks like trip. I second your words about the low country, my favorite place hands down. I was a raised going to the gulf, I love the mountains more than beaches, but Carolina low country is really a gem. The history, people, atmosphere, and the FOOD. Holy cow the food is worth the drive. Glad to see you enjoyed it. Truck looks sharp dechromed.

Bojak- Thanks! Yeah, the food! Hymans! OMG! So good! I ate like a boss the whole time! I took a ton of food for grilling, and I used it all. But, we ate the local cuisine with zeal! Yes, it was wonderful!

 

[Rot Box]

Lookin' good! Great pics

 

[98dango]

Still one of my favorite trucks hear.

 

[Seabass]

Thanks for the kind words, fellas! I'm workin out a storage system/sleeping arrangement for the bed. I have a plan that is beginning to take shape. It'll be custom, but I can handle it. Self contained solar, fresh water, cooking, and sleeping. And still usable as a daily driver. Maybe. I'm workin out the details. I think it could be really usable for me. We'll see.

 

[Bojak]

Any updates? How is the dechrome looking now that you are done?

 

[Seabass]

Bojak.....updates....I got a few. Been so dang busy. My 10 month long, 7 day a week, 24hr a day, portion of my work started a couple weeks ago. I'm still not adjusted to the sporadic sleep schedule and extra work load. But, I've got a few things done. Plasti-dip. Love the stuff. I got a few pics- And I found these really cool 6.7 knockoff badges on Amazon... I have a small solar panel mounted now, but it's not staying. I need a bigger one.

 

[Seabass]

I also modified the spare tire mount to make theft more difficult. I drilled out the nut and stud and double roll pinned them. I also did a quick and dirty handle/extension on the nuts that hold the tire on and added a lock. and I got started on the new under-camper shell portion of the bed setup- It's slow but it's progress. Next is to get the new house battery in and begin wiring lights, inverter, and 12v outlets.....and.....and.....and.

 

[Bojak]

Looks really good. Plastidip holds up surprisingly well. Buddy of mine blacked his chrome factory rims and got about a year out of them. Just pull it off and redo when it starts to roll up. I like your antitheft idea for your spare. Thanks for the updated pics. I have an all in job as well so i understand how things are for you right now. "Hard work done by rough men. If this stuff was easy chics and wussies would do it." lol.

 

[Seabass]

Hard work is good for ya! Besides, somebody has to keep working so all those people who feel entitled can keep gettin' their free stuff. Thank you for the compliments. I actually slept for a little while in the bed last night. I got hung waiting on a big truck, and it was nice to be able to stretch out in relative comfort. It's gettin' later in the year now, and I need to invest in a heater buddy so I can keep it toasty warm back there. I got a feelin I'm gonna be back there a lot this winter.