The Frankenstein Build! LT/Expo/Trail rig..and BS

Hey... I think the hybrids are the sickest looking sliders.

 

I got's that

 

OK all this is SR. I'm looking at buying a winch for my dbl cab. What do all of you recommend. I just hot my demello bumper installed, since I don't plan on using it except to pull Monte out of trouble I was thinking of the warn vr10000. Let me know what you guys/gals think.

 

And the kid can weld. Good job buddy!

 

The VR is an entry level econo winch, it's not bad for what it is but seeing as how you already know how monte like to break down and get stuck. I'd go with a M12000 or an XD9000. Personally I have a Warn M8000-S. I wouldn't go with any brand but warn either I have a warn M12000 in my boat house to pull the boat out of the water. It's worked flawlessly for the last few years even being submerged and froze a few times when the water lever rises.

 

I realize the VR is entry level but it is still assembled in the USA with parts sourced from china. Does anyone have any experience with them. I don't thinki would buy anything except a warn.

 

I only have exp. with anything other than the M series and synthetic line. I highly recommend going synthetic because it holds no tension when to breaks it just falls to the ground.

 

Yea i think you should go with an M dad. I know you'll get the synth line for sure tho.

But id personally get the M one.


on topic of the build now..

i mocked up the roof rack tonight and did more final welds including my first cap job.

I really wasn't sure about having the roof part on after we built the base..but now that i have it mocked up..it looks bad ass!






its just tacked on for now. Im gonna get my bro to help me put it back in the truck to check filament of it.

sadly im going to need a lot more 1'' angle iron..drat..

 

Iron sure goes fast doesn't it?

I know you aren't going to like what I have to say next but It will save you trouble in the long run.

I would make the part that goes over the cab about 12-18" shorter otherwise your lights will blind you from hitting your windshield. It also looks unsupported as of right now and your lights will bounce like a kangaroo on crack. Even my lights bounce a little when I hit bumps. I'm still trying to figure out a way to make my rack a little more stable horizontally. I think I'm going to get some steel cable and turn blocks to make it a little more stable.

Other than that it looks great!

 

It goes very fast!!

and hmmm..good points..

ill see how i like it in the truck tomorrow. Didn't think about the lights reflecting off the hood. however it does bounce alot right now as its not welded solid yet. And i was orginally gonna have supports come off the back main posts to the main beams in the bed rack..however we changed the plan kinda so i still trying to figure out how i'll do that. the actually rack will get 4 more supports and 4-5 bottom peices for the metal mesh to sit on. Which i think if done correctly will help keep it very rigid.

if not..ill chop it

 

next question how tall is that back leg of the top part? no more parking garages! I'm in the same boat.

 

oooo..good point!

its pretty tall..like..7''??..i think..can't remember..

good thing their are no parking garages out here

 

Don't chop anything yet I have some ideas a about how to stabilize it better.

 

Oh yea? like what pops?

 

If you don't mind me asking, what make/model welder are you using? I'm thinking of grabbing my own welding setup one day. Something like the Hobart 140 is what I'm looking at.

And yes, I am on the welding thread too...just covering my bases.

 

uhhh..i think its an Eastwood 175??..

ill have to look again today.

 

okay so put it up on the truck, and the roof rack supports are way too high. Cut off 3'' and looks way way better. Gonna weld it up tonight and mount the lights to get a better feel for the light hoop

 

I know I know. I have to go back and weld it back together

 

Read my last post please