my new T/C project (with pics)

Mekanic · 01-28-2011, 07:30 AM

I found a dandy truck A 94 Ford F-700 12V BT 5.9 Cummins , 6 speed trans, Starts good cold. Engine is smooth running, White paint easy to touch up,
Vent windows GVW is 32,700. 15 feet of frame from cab to end when bought It now has a total of 20 feet of frame sticking out the back.
Inspiration found in this thread:
http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=480067
I now have a bed box
The floor of the box is 20 feet long. The ceilng is 24 foot long.
There is a lot of work ahead.
Plans are for:
First remove box from uhaul truck install on mine.
Then convert to RV use
build tray for queen size bed (60x80) and mount above cab with ladder.
Install fridge, microwave, foldable table and chairs.
install box frame for genset and inverter.
install extra fuel tank??
Then get inspection for RV plates.
Then build ramps
The truck, box and jeep should weigh about 20K-22K
GVW is 32.7K so it should be able to tow another 2 Jeeps on a trailer if need be.

and up close look

easy oil filter changes

Before the longer frame rails

and now pics of the box work.
Just your usual U-haul box

Out with old and dead

up on bolcks

in with the good

praying for no wind

ray:

and finally bolted down

Bob86ZZ4 · 01-28-2011, 09:00 AM

Wow, looks great. You planning on doing a cut through from the cab to the box? That would be great. There are companies that make the accordian boot.

Bob86ZZ4 · 01-28-2011, 09:04 AM

Keep the pictures coming! I love following these builds since I have no skills to do something like this myself.

John H... · 01-28-2011, 09:26 AM

Lookin good so far...Lots of work left. Keep the pics coming...

Mekanic · 01-31-2011, 03:47 PM

new decision to make:
The Truck now has a 6sp (direct 6th gear) 5.29 gears and 11R22.5 tires.
And the tires I have now have dry rottted side walls and MUST be replaced.
THe box I just mounted is 1 inch above the frame so It looks like I must go to lo pro 22.5 tires. The brake drum on the air brakes are way too large to let me go to a smaller wheel. This thing is spinning right at 2800 at 65mph or so right now.

What I have now: 65mph X 5.29 X 336/ 41.3 = 2797 RPM
Tell me if I'm going too far:
36.5 tire + 3.90 gear @65MPH = 2333 RPM ?
Or should I go to a 3.70 gear? 65= 2247 RPM ?

The formula I'm using is
MPH X GEAR X 336 / overall tire height = RPM

Bob86ZZ4 · 01-31-2011, 06:26 PM

Isn't there some way to find out what the optimum cruising rpm is for your engine? Even 2300 seems high to me. I cruise at 68 mph and I'm turning 1450 rpms there. I know my engine is totally different.

Mekanic · 06-12-2011, 08:37 AM

Update. here are some inside pics

the microwave bracket

and now with a little paint on the walls and some insulation in them.

more to come tonight.

John H... · 06-12-2011, 01:17 PM

Keep up the good work...

Mekanic · 06-19-2011, 07:22 PM

Well I am cuting into the walls to install the windows. (I haven't cut the outside alum skin as it is raining for the next few days and I am outside)
So I am making my window frames in the walls and wondering just what is the best sealer for the windows.

I remember some one saying specificly not to use RTV??
Is Butyl putty tape better?
I though Good quality RTV was the best. I have a large tube of Ultra black in the Permatex brand.

Wanabee FTer · 06-19-2011, 07:46 PM

I don't know about all the pros and cons or which one is better, but I do know that RTV will not stick to cured RTV. So if something went wrong during the install with RTV, everything would need to be completely removed and cleaned off. Then would have to start over again from scratch.

Mekanic · 06-21-2011, 04:13 PM

drove it hove with the new gears installed.
I've been cutting, cutting and more cutting holes for the windows.
well here is some more progress
the inside

the hole is allmost complete

Window test fitted, but window frame needs drilled and I picked up sealer today on my way to work to complete install. (on the next dry day)