Ground up DIY Build by OVX 2012

[Uglyduck]

We got some more work done today but not much worthy of pics. A few little things held up progress but I hope to make up some time on thursday. The spring hangers were mounted and paint arrived. I discovered that the u-bolt tie plates are too narrow for the 2.5" wide leaf springs (duh). I'll fab some new one's tomorrow and possibly tackle a little wiring. I also stopped by Mayorga's to check on the main box. The sheet metal should be here tomorrow so they'll start bending and welding. It'll be done later than expected but thats ok because I'm on duty for the next 2 days and won't be able to pick it up till thursday.

The paint I ordered is "Zero-Rust" which is similar to POR15. I heard about it on dieselcruiserhead's build thread and decided to give it a shot. It sets pretty quick and the aerosol will be nice for touch up. I ordered black for the frame and "Safety Red" for the main box. I did a test spot on some cardboard and was pleased with how well it matches the Toyota Radiant Red.

http://www.zero-rust.com/
http://www.expeditionportal.com/foru...tchen-RTT-etc) - dieselcruiserhead build

[Mark Harley]

Comming together well! Can't wait to see the tub fabbed up.
and the RED paint! I have a thing for RED.

[Uglyduck]

We had a little time today and got the springs mounted and axle mocked up. I need to "re-do" one of the tie plates...it was just a little off.
I may end up getting some from Sierra 4x4 eventually but these will work for now.

Now its starting to look like a trailer! I hope the box is done on thursday, we'll really be able to plug along then.

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[Mark Harley]

That is Sweet work! a nice size too!

[orangeTJ]

It does look good. Looking forward to seeing it at OX12.

[Uglyduck]

I picked up the box from the welders today. I haven't done much else but am going to drill and tap the box mounts tomorrow along with welding some internal supports. Here are some photos of it as well as a mock up with the cooler, fenders, and lights.

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I'm really pleased with how much it resembles the Sketchup drawings
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The tailgate will double as a table. The legs are from our previous camp table. The rollup design gave my wife and I fits, this is MUCH easier
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[Mark Harley]

Sweet! Keep us posted.

[Uglyduck]

We got the supports and tailgate frame welded in a couple of days ago. I plan on tackling the rest of the wiring along with the door hinges and latches in the next couple of days. After that its a little grinding and prep for paint! Meeting the deadline is doable but I'm feeling the pressure now. I'll post up some photos in the next couple of days as things get wrapped up.

[Uglyduck]

We got a lot done tonight.

Welded the barrel hinges to the tailgate, fenders to the tub, and capped the rear of the frame. The tail lights were mounted yesterday. Tomorrow its time to install the hinge on the front door and latches on both front door and tailgate. I'll also lay some silicone. Then its paint prep, paint, clean up wiring, and install weather stripping.

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[Uglyduck]

I prepped and tore the trailer apart today so I could get crack'in on the paint. I scrubbed the steel slime off and finished a little grinding. Painting it seemed so much easier in my head but I made some good progress today. I hit the wall when it finally sank in that this wouldn't be done by tomorrow. Its disappointing but the deadline really helped me move this project along and I'm so close now that I want to see it finished and on the trail.

The paint is incredibly thick, not to the point of clogging the sprayer but it has a nice texture to it. Almost like medium grit sandpaper. As you can see from the photos it doesn't have a glossy finish. I'm thinking of coating it with Zero Rust's clear coat to shine it up a little. That will also help with UV degradation.

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