2011 Flatbed Build

Yup, both sides will get the top bar. I'll run the center rail to the headache rack on the passenger side and cut it out on the drivers side.

On another note, my paint for the bed showed up yesterday. One of my old coworkers, who does offshore construction management, hooked me up. I'll be using Carboguard 890 to paint the bed. This stuff sets up even if you submerge it in salt water. I have two gallons of the stuff so I should be able to paint some of my other armor after I finish with the bed.

 

Why don't you just bolt it on underneath the bumper like Toyota did?

 

Gonna build a 6" extension for it so it sticks straight out the back.




I'll probably end up mounting it facing down on the bottom of the bumper. It's not the best spot for it, as when it's plugged in it will hang down, but I don't plan on hitting too many trails pulling a trailer.

 

I don't know where you pull a trailer but it always seems like when we're pulling one we end up in fields or other mild off road situations... Now givin you truck and bumper are high it may not be a problem but I inkw on mine I'm gonna try and make it come out over top of the bumper just to eliminate and chance of a snag... Also, if you think you ever have plans for an off road trailer, having the connector already outa the way would me less fab work later... Food for thought

 

I'd find a way to have it rear facing so if it ever does snag, it unplugs rather than pull, get wedged and possibly pull and break wires.

 

I think I'll try to put it in the piece of plate that's under the tail light. I just need to check clearances and length of wires. I can extend my trailer wiring if need be.

I'll have to rethink my reverse light location though.

I also need to add my 110volt outlet back in. Maybe on the other side of the toolbox in the same plate.

 

I'm loving the idea of the slide out tool box. I work in construction, and that is a way better way to retrieve tools than jumping up into the bed to get into a bed toolbox. Genius!

 

Being able to stand on the ground and pull stuff out of the box is pretty nice.

Played in the headache rack.

 

Is that your personal shop

 

Haha, I wish. This is a co-op. I pay $80 a month for unlimited access. All of the consumables are provided as well.

 

That sounds like a great deal! Is it well equipped? Tube bender, welded, torches, etc

 

Are you going to put in a support at the 65%-ish angle(right where one of the magnets is holding it up)? I can just imagine tying something heavily down and bending that a little bit which would be a shame

 

No tubing bender as of yet, but it's supposedly on order. Here's a quick tour.









Not quite operational 88ton press break.



Brand new vacuum former. Need to play with this one.







Not I mention all of the other toys like 3d printers in the electronics area.

 

That top bar won't be used as a tie down point. The spare, co2, and fire extinguisher are in plane with it.

 

That sounds like a great deal. I wish I had access to a place like that.

 

Search for makerspace and hackerspace in your area and see if anything pops up. These places are becoming more popular all the time.

 

Any idea where you are for a ballpark weight on your project? Looks pretty nice.

 

Just picked up the uhmw for the deck.

 

Or we can have a guessing contest. Kinda like guessing the amount of jelly beans in a jar.

 

Where in Houston is this?