Jerneyman's Taco Build w/ Chevy 63 Swap and Welding Thread

11 Gauge is very common with tubing, 3/16 is my go to for plate work.

 

I’ll bump up to 3/16 plate at some point. I’m currently just building little things until I feel confident enough to work on things for the truck.

 

Thicker is generally easier to weld IMO. But keep practicing, you’ll be comfortable with it in no time.

 

I’m getting closer with every project I think. I need to move away from flux core though. Just trying to figure out the best route to go with a gas bottle (rent/buy) and what size to get.

 

Buy it and get a 125cubic foot tank if you can. If you buy it you can trade it anywhere.

 

From what I’m seeing, the smaller sizes are not standard and end up being more expensive than something like a 125 to fill. Have you seen this to be true?

 

Honestly never really looked. I just knew I'd be welding a lot and didn't want to always be worried about running out of gas mid project. Especially if its something to do with my truck and it being my daily. I paid 300 bucks out the door for a 125 cu ft tank full of 75/25. Refills are generally around 60 bucks and I run through a bottle about every 2 months or so depending on work load.

 

Welded on my own personal sliders finally. I love how they look. I got on it and bounced a bit to look for flex, there is none in the sliders, however it’s twisting the frame. Guess it’s time to fully box everything too.

 

The Chevy 63 leaf spring swap is finally starting to take shape. Got all the parts welded together on the work bench this evening. Next is finding the time to tear in to the truck and start the real fun.

 

Got a little progress made on a buddy of mine's hybrid bumper for his 4Runner. The winch tray is done for the most part. Probably going to trim down the sides a bit ones we get the tubing mounted and figure out how we want it shaped. So far it feels way stronger than I think he'll need so that's a good thing.

 

Potentially. I hate chopping up purpose built products though unless I get them for free just about.

 

Replaced my wore out TuRD decals with some vintage Toyota lettering. Pleased with how it looks. Thanks @CBoy808 for the custom vinyl!

 

Wet Okole seat covers went in on Saturday. I think they added exactly what I was looking for in the interior. That and I can finally cover up the rip in my seats from getting in and out of the truck. Sucks to be short.

 

Those look great man I'm glad you went with the full piping. How do you like em?

 

So far they’re much more comfy than without. Wasn’t really expecting all the padding but it was a nice surprise. Installation was kind of a pain since I took the seats out but I figure that’s just because they fit so well.

 

Got some stuff done on the tire carrier finally. Still need to add some gussets and an accessory plate on the drivers side and I think I'm going to try and fit my hi lift on there somewhere... IDK. Happy with how it turned out so far though.

 

Looks good.

 

Thank you sir!

 

Added my "accessory plate" to the swingout last night. Made it from 3/16" plate and added 1.5 inch flanges to both vertical sides to add some strength which was a bit overkill but it added no weight to the assembly. Once I decide to mount something to it, thinking a small utility box, I'll then drill holes but until then, no reason to have unnecessary holes or slots.

 

Added in my final touches to the swingout. Have a hi lift mount, still undecided if I like it or not, added a much needed gusset under the tire mount and pressed in some actual wheel studs. Also, the hi lift is actually flipped around with the mechanism at the bottom now after removing the foot of the jack to visually clear the tail light like in the last picture.