Rckcrwlr's Repurposed "Desert Hauler"
 

So with the disappointment of the King Worth Project, and the other Semi projects I have, I thought it was time to go another direction with this one...

So I sanded and filled the imperfections in the body.

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/y...psugmoxqwt.jpg

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/y...psbt4jdnnb.jpg

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/y...psy10ivwgi.jpg

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/y...ps9uoqsw80.jpg

Now for my inspiration. I was heading back from one of my trips and a convoy of these went by. I did everything I could to get pictures to remind me of them...

So here is what I got.

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/y...ps6693a480.jpg

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/y...ps38e6d70a.jpg

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/y...psad7e83e3.jpg

Re: Rckcrwlr's Repurposed "Desert Hauler"
 

That's a huge change... keep us updated...


Wayne

Re: Rckcrwlr's Repurposed "Desert Hauler"
 

Got to work on this for a little.

This was a big day...time to make the cut... :confused0068:

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/y...ps4ad6e703.jpg

Start marking the cuts

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/y...ps2984b4b1.jpg

Making sure I have thought of everything before I separate the halves

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/y...psffb15b54.jpg

Without having a band saw or metal chop saw (Yet), I decided to use the edge of my vice as at guide with the hacksaw

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/y...ps46844140.jpg

Not too shabby, considering.

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/y...ps8ddca353.jpg

Two pieces is now Six.

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/y...ps8c5a7107.jpg

Next was to get the fuel tank shortened to fit under the cab on the passenger side. More cutting.

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/y...psb1377034.jpg

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/y...psa848a752.jpg

Any suggestions on how to connect the two halves of the chassis rails? Braze? Patch?

Re: Rckcrwlr's Repurposed "Desert Hauler"
 

Hi, whats the problem? You can glue them.

The chrome parts: put them overnight into drain cleaner (gel) and the chrome is away, perhaps you know this.

Re: Rckcrwlr's Repurposed "Desert Hauler"
 

Sorry...I meant the chassis rails. Yes the tanks, I will strip and glue.

Thanks...

Re: Rckcrwlr's Repurposed "Desert Hauler"
 

I would make a plate to join the halves together.

Re: Rckcrwlr's Repurposed "Desert Hauler"
 

That is what I am doing...I think it's called Fish Plate. Something that they do in real rigs????

Re: Rckcrwlr's Repurposed "Desert Hauler"
 

Buy blank rails from one of the vendors and use your parts as a template as where to drill the holes. End up with perfect one piece custom rails for not that much money.

Re: Rckcrwlr's Repurposed "Desert Hauler"
 

Now you tell me. LOL

Just kidding, I knew that. Thanks.

Re: Rckcrwlr's Repurposed "Desert Hauler"
 

nice build ,you even got the right colour as what you show in the photos of the real trucks

Re: Rckcrwlr's Repurposed "Desert Hauler"
 

So my Laptop died and is heading to Cali to be fixed so I am doing this with my phone... Yikes...

The chassis was sent out to be shortened by a custom Semi Builder then heading to the Powdercoater (MAK Coatings) with the wheels to be done. Hoping that something that I special ordered comes in soon so I can add it to this build.

With it all torn down, it was time to shoot the other parts...

First I dragged that tranny in the paint booth and shot it with a primer especially for this use.

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/y...psb111db84.jpg

After that cured for 48 hours, I began to lay on the color.

Here it is done....needed a fork lift to move it. Had to borrow one...but will be looking to buy one soon.

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/y...psa710705e.jpg

While the fork lift was there, I lifted the rear tandem rack into the booth to shoot it...primer then paint.

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/y...ps514bf3b4.jpg

Was able to get it to the garage before they came to pick up the lift.

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/y...psf03f1fce.jpg

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/y...psfb28b86f.jpg

Now it's waiting for the chassis and other parts...and if my buddy comes through with the other part...this will be one wicked rig.

Re: Rckcrwlr's Repurposed "Desert Hauler"
 

looks great that color looks perfect.

Re: Rckcrwlr's Repurposed "Desert Hauler"
 

Thanks...I'm trying to get this one done for the ECMT Show in March. Time is not on my side.

:jaw:

Re: Rckcrwlr's Repurposed "Desert Hauler"
 

Came home from work today to find this in my garage...

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/y...ps99829d8b.jpg

Little sneak peak of whats to come in the future...

http://youtu.be/fzm2pOWbLRo

Re: Rckcrwlr's Repurposed "Desert Hauler"
 

Wow - somebody likes you. :)

Re: Rckcrwlr's Repurposed "Desert Hauler"
 

Only issue I have right now is the rear axle is wider than the stock...

Any suggestions on how to remedy this?? Really want to use this PTO axle.

Re: Rckcrwlr's Repurposed "Desert Hauler"
 

Hey crawler I've got one of these military freightliners at my work if you ever need pics or a quick measurement, just let me know n if I can help you out I will.

Re: Rckcrwlr's Repurposed "Desert Hauler"
 

Thanks...I am under the gun to get this done for the ECMT Show in two weeks...

I have a feeling I'm going to have three paperweights. :confused:

Re: Rckcrwlr's Repurposed "Desert Hauler"
 

Nice build!

Re: Rckcrwlr's Repurposed "Desert Hauler"
 

unfortunately I don't think there is a remedy for it.... a few people have had that issue. unless you make the rears super singles or something I don't see a way to correct it other then having a wider stance?