So I guess I am here now..

[GypsyDogs]

Another brilliant-truck moment.
Dug out some of my CB equipment.. because trucks Need CB radios.. and.. Lo and Behold. The screw pattern, in a reach ready convenient location, just happens to exactly fit the bracket screw holes. taadaa!

Also grabbed the tailgate seal and discovered it includes both tailgate lateral and vertical seals.. Woohoo!

And a few pictures soon.. promise

 

[GypsyDogs]

Though I am quite frustrated by the obstinate tailgate latch.
It doesn't quite open all the way on one side. Latch seems bejanked about an eighth of an inch...
Took the mechanism apart, and I think I can most easily fix it by putting a small crook in the rod that runs from the handle to the latch. To essentially move the whole thing to the center just about 1/8"

 

[GypsyDogs]

And Red has idle issues when warmed up.
Really low - like 200-300-stall low.... like with foot off gas, turn the steering wheel hard and stall low..
Guess I am going to pitch in for a new fuel pump and fiddle around with IAC and TPS and stuff - in my non existent spare time.. whee.
At least it is a 92 and not hella-computerized.

 

[GypsyDogs]

Fiddled around under the hood a bit yesterday.  Familiarized myself with the basic components and locations of stuff.  Decided I needed to do a little more google-fu before trying to diagnose the IAC (as in, 'which widget is it?' lol) Got the shop manual for the truck, but the picture is for a somewhat different engine and is such a closeup there is nothing to orient on..

And started measuring and cutting some of the wood for the new build, and doing a few little things under the canopy.  My assistants were assisting, of course.


And the tailgate latch is better.. not 100% but Much better.

 

[Dennis]

Did you use some lubricant on the tail gate latch? May have some binding from rust/corrosion. I just noticed the dogs look to be guarding that "cordless" saw. That is one item that I have never had stolen.

 

[highdesertranger]

great looking assistants at that. I notice that you have those silly C-clamps holding the cap on. I advise against those, they tend to come loose off road. put a piece of aluminum or wood the full length of the side and bolt it down, use fender washers, aluminum angle works the best. try to get at least three bolts per side. highdesertranger

 

[ArtW]

use the right piece of wood, turned the right way, and you can elevate the cap, too (of course, then you'd have to take the door / tailgate off the back an make a back wall with a door)

 

[masterplumber]

I like to mount the topper like HDR said, but I turn the angle up and it creates a nice little shelf with a front for small stuff.

 

[GypsyDogs]

Did you use some lubricant on the tail gate latch? May have some binding from rust/corrosion.  I just noticed the dogs look to be guarding that "cordless" saw.  That is one item that I have never had stolen.

Yes, Dennis, I grabbed some silly-cone spray and hosed anything that looked like it moved or rubbed.  Seems to have helped enormously!  And actually they are guarding the Me.  

great looking assistants at that.  I notice that you have those silly C-clamps holding the cap on.  I advise against those,  they tend to come loose off road.  put a piece of aluminum or wood the full length of the side and bolt it down,  use fender washers,  aluminum angle works the best. try to get at least three bolts per side.  highdesertranger

Thanks.
And don't be Dissing my C-clamps...  
But seriously.. do what?  By "bolt it down" you mean drill all 3 layers and through-bolt it?  Or am I visualizing incorrectly...

 

[highdesertranger]

yes through bolt all three layers. highdesertranger

 

[masterplumber]

Drilling the first hole in your truck is the hardest, after that, it's no big deal, and will make for a much stronger connection that won't vibrate free constantly. Just make sure to use lock washers, or better yet, nylock nuts.

 

[ArtW]

If drilling in the rails traumatizes you, they do make dedicated cap clamps
I used the C clams in my old Big 10 for,. oh, maybe 500 miles, then got the 'real ones' from LEER

 

[GypsyDogs]

And I have determined that I am going to save up for a cargo trailer. I am going to do a quick/cheap build for the bed of the truck temporarily... and try to design it in such a way that I can reuse most of it.

So tucking away all my spare change for a CT, and doing my pre-shopping. Figuring out what I want and how much I am willing to spend for the value. On the Must-Have list. Rear swing doors, rv side door, higher grade construction (eg: interstate/wellscargo), plywood interior walls, etc.. If I can snag a 6x10 with a 14" roof vent, a side window, and maybe springover.. that would be awesome!

 

[masterplumber]

Definitely buy used if you can find one. Mine was barely used when I bought it, and I paid just over a third of the cost of new. For me it meant the difference between having a shell that I could camp in, and being able to afford to finish it nicely. I still have seat cushions, solar panels, fridge, and a few other expensive items to save for, but in the meantime it's still a nice place that I like to spend time in, rather than a box with plywood insides to look at.

 

[Queen]

Take a look at Carmate as well, they seem to use superior construction methods, and have some very nice options.

 

[GypsyDogs]

Definitely buy used if you can find one.

Yeah- I keep watch on CList and such. Also want to get the word in at our local trailer-retailer. That I am looking for a used one. So they will be more likely to maybe pick one up on trade in. Yeah- reseller costs.. but if they score what I am looking for, it could be worth it.

 

[SoulRaven]

I'll be following your build closely. We have a lot in common. I got a REALLY good deal on a 2001 F150 with only 55k miles on it. I plan on putting a shell on much like yours, and I have two amazing canine assistants as well! Like your doggies!