Re: 78 Ford 4x4 First Time Build For Pan American Trip
Thanks guys, it's a ton of work. But is starting to pay off in some cool results. Here is the latest round of work on the rig.
Decided to go with a bed platform with a pull out table and drawer system for storage and cooking out the back of the rig.
Built it our of square tubing with some angle iron, skate bearings, and some plywood for the sliding system.
The van has been parking at my parents place, so I can use their tools and use their generator to run my welder. It makes for a bit of a pain having to commute to get any work done on it but it's been worth it. They live in the Mojave Desert, which is Mojave Green Rattle Snake country. I caught this guy in the yard after my mom almost stepped on him. Before we let him go a few miles away I couldn't help but see him in action with a mouse from the feed store.
Re: 78 Ford 4x4 First Time Build For Pan American Trip
To save money and the environment, I decided to use some old wood we picked up for free years ago. Reusing and recycling seems to be a bit of a theme for this build! These were the old feeders from a local turkey farm that closed like 10 years ago. The wood has definitely seen better days but with a bit of elbow grease they came together to make a cool table.
Re: 78 Ford 4x4 First Time Build For Pan American Trip
The original plan was to do a long fully boxed pullout drawer but I decided to go with a slider that I could then put different containers on and pull them on and off as needed. The sliding mechanism is skate bearings again but this one has rollers on top and bottom instead of a slider to roll in.
Shot of the slider with the frame in the back of the van.
Re: 78 Ford 4x4 First Time Build For Pan American Trip
Final shot of the table pulled out with the frame in the back of the van.
Next step is to build out the fold up side doors that extend the bed and create access to the compartment below. You can see the welded frames hanging down on the left side. I'll have that all documented next time i'm able to work on the rig.
Re: 78 Ford 4x4 First Time Build For Pan American Trip
Oh man, do I dig what you're doing with the reclaimed materials!
about 15 years ago, my grandpa took down a barn on his farm from the great depression era. I have some frames made from the wood and my cousin used some for various things in the house she built like banisters and chair rails.
I love using old stuff for modern things. I can't wait to see what else you do.
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2006 E350 Diesel, SMB 4x4, RB50- "Hopper"- SOLD
Re: 78 Ford 4x4 First Time Build For Pan American Trip
Really nice work!
For the pull-out luggage shelf, have you considered trying to make that an enclosed, lockable vault of some sort? Probably wouldn't take too much more, since you already have a good metal frame. Would be nice for valuables and peace of mind when away from your van down south (or anywhere, for that matter).
Re: 78 Ford 4x4 First Time Build For Pan American Trip
Quote:
Originally Posted by BrianW
Really nice work!
For the pull-out luggage shelf, have you considered trying to make that an enclosed, lockable vault of some sort? Probably wouldn't take too much more, since you already have a good metal frame. Would be nice for valuables and peace of mind when away from your van down south (or anywhere, for that matter).
Maybe bolt down a small lock box at the back of it to still also get the flexibility of bins. We're trying to figure something out for our build. I'm thinking of locking my large pelican case to an eye bolt that would go through the floor at the very back of the van. We'll then lock the Aluminess swing arms together for added rear security.
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