Casper
Adventurer
Ok, I have done a ton of research and started threads to find more info before I started my project. I think I have enough to start, however I am still open to ideas/suggestions if you have any.
I already have an Expedition Vehicle. This truck has a different duty to perform. However as you will most likely agree, most of the mods I do over the next year or so will work very well for Expedition Vehicles as well.
First, the purpose/goal of the build.
1. Needed storage for automotive tools, supplies and parts for personal business I am starting. "J.P.'s Mobile Auto Care & Repair"
2. Room for Porthos, my puppy. He tends to take up a tad bit of space.
3. Ability to sleep in the back if needed. Where I live you can find yourself not able to get home, or stuck on the free way for hours. I like to be prepared by keeping stove, water, food and such in the rig during the winter.
4. Finally, I like the K.I.S.S. attitude. (Keep it simple, stupid). It should not be complicated or heavy.
With that done I started my planning. Actually, not much to plan. I will say this. I am NOT that good at wood working. I am probably the only man alive that can cut a circle with a tablesaw (read I can't cut straight to save my life) Over the last year I have been purchasing shop tools. Table saw, radial arm saw, and such. I have been practicing a bit, but not a lot. I have to say, the right tools make all the difference in the world. Since I stopped using the table saw and skill saw my dad gave me, that used to belong to my grandpa and are almost twice as old as I am, I have been able to make things I am actually proud of. Now, on to the build.
First was the main supports. I chose to run three of them the length of the bed. I decided to make the overall hieght 8 1/4 tall. This leaves lots of room for Porthos, yet gives me ample room in the drawers.
Side note/helpful hint. If you are like me and can't cut straight, try this. First, measure, very carefully and accurately the distance between the blade on your skill saw and the end of the guard. Next, once you have marked your cut line, make another line to the outside of your cut line. The distance between the lines should be exactly the same as your measurement you took from the saw. Now get a straight edge (like your long level) and some clamps and clamp the straight edge to your second line.
Now just run your saw carefully down the straight edge, and vala, perfect cut.
Ok, back on track. Next was the end piece. It is "datoed" to except the three main supports. After that I decided I did not want "full length" drawers. I believe they would be too long. So I put a support 45 inches back from the tailgate. This support is "interlocked" to the three main supports. Not sure what the technical term is, but I cut half way into one board, then halfway into the other board and "slid" the two together. Nice and strong.
Next I "datoed" 3 pieces of 1x2. These are stuck to the tops of the main supports and across the center support. I did this to add some strength, and give me a slightly larger screw area for the top sheet. Once this was done I started on the rear section of the deck. Not much to tell here. Just took my time and notched little by little until they fit perfectly.
The rear section will get some doors to access the area below, but I am not quite sure how I am going to do that. More reading needs to be done. If ya'll have any suggestions I am open.
I think this is where I am mounting the inverter. I will need it to charge tool batteries, and run a few small power tools.
Well, thats it. One days progress and I am happy with it. Next will be the top for the front section. After that I will add the doors to the rear section and maybe some doors for the "wheel well" areas so I can access them easier. Once that is done, but before I build the drawers I will take it all apart and coat it in something. Not sure what at this point. I am leaning towards the home done "rino lining" but have not made up my mind yet.
So, comments are welcome. I hope to get more done this week.
Casper
I already have an Expedition Vehicle. This truck has a different duty to perform. However as you will most likely agree, most of the mods I do over the next year or so will work very well for Expedition Vehicles as well.
First, the purpose/goal of the build.
1. Needed storage for automotive tools, supplies and parts for personal business I am starting. "J.P.'s Mobile Auto Care & Repair"
2. Room for Porthos, my puppy. He tends to take up a tad bit of space.
3. Ability to sleep in the back if needed. Where I live you can find yourself not able to get home, or stuck on the free way for hours. I like to be prepared by keeping stove, water, food and such in the rig during the winter.
4. Finally, I like the K.I.S.S. attitude. (Keep it simple, stupid). It should not be complicated or heavy.
With that done I started my planning. Actually, not much to plan. I will say this. I am NOT that good at wood working. I am probably the only man alive that can cut a circle with a tablesaw (read I can't cut straight to save my life) Over the last year I have been purchasing shop tools. Table saw, radial arm saw, and such. I have been practicing a bit, but not a lot. I have to say, the right tools make all the difference in the world. Since I stopped using the table saw and skill saw my dad gave me, that used to belong to my grandpa and are almost twice as old as I am, I have been able to make things I am actually proud of. Now, on to the build.
First was the main supports. I chose to run three of them the length of the bed. I decided to make the overall hieght 8 1/4 tall. This leaves lots of room for Porthos, yet gives me ample room in the drawers.
Side note/helpful hint. If you are like me and can't cut straight, try this. First, measure, very carefully and accurately the distance between the blade on your skill saw and the end of the guard. Next, once you have marked your cut line, make another line to the outside of your cut line. The distance between the lines should be exactly the same as your measurement you took from the saw. Now get a straight edge (like your long level) and some clamps and clamp the straight edge to your second line.
Now just run your saw carefully down the straight edge, and vala, perfect cut.
Ok, back on track. Next was the end piece. It is "datoed" to except the three main supports. After that I decided I did not want "full length" drawers. I believe they would be too long. So I put a support 45 inches back from the tailgate. This support is "interlocked" to the three main supports. Not sure what the technical term is, but I cut half way into one board, then halfway into the other board and "slid" the two together. Nice and strong.
Next I "datoed" 3 pieces of 1x2. These are stuck to the tops of the main supports and across the center support. I did this to add some strength, and give me a slightly larger screw area for the top sheet. Once this was done I started on the rear section of the deck. Not much to tell here. Just took my time and notched little by little until they fit perfectly.
The rear section will get some doors to access the area below, but I am not quite sure how I am going to do that. More reading needs to be done. If ya'll have any suggestions I am open.
I think this is where I am mounting the inverter. I will need it to charge tool batteries, and run a few small power tools.
Well, thats it. One days progress and I am happy with it. Next will be the top for the front section. After that I will add the doors to the rear section and maybe some doors for the "wheel well" areas so I can access them easier. Once that is done, but before I build the drawers I will take it all apart and coat it in something. Not sure what at this point. I am leaning towards the home done "rino lining" but have not made up my mind yet.
So, comments are welcome. I hope to get more done this week.
Casper
