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The Howler goes on a diet
https://www.nova4x4.org/phpBB/viewtopic.php?f=19&t=283		 Page 1 of 1
Author:  howler4x4 [ Fri Sep 17, 2010 4:00 am ]
Post subject:  The Howler goes on a diet
The Howler has gotten too fat. Before we snap an axle or trip off a rock it's time to lose some weight.
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The completely enclosed bed was made from 1x1 & 1x2 tube and 3/16" diamond plate. Heavy stuff. Actually, too heavy. I took the top plate off a couple of years ago.
Now it's time to replace the remaining diamond plate with something lighter and move the tool boxes, propane tank and hi-lift down to lower the CoG.

The 1st step was easy, unbolt the tool boxes. The next step wasn't so easy, cut out the diamond plate bed walls, the header and the floor. It was also the most fun. Cut the plate 75% loose and then rip it out. :violence-chainsaw:

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To ease the remaining work, I welded in the new floor next.

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The 1x1 platform that the tool boxes and propane tank sit on got the sawzall.

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4" cut off the verticals.

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And weld the platform back on.

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Bed sides

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and the header panel

Next:
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The tailgate needs to get cut down and get the support chains welded back on.

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and the fuel filler hose needs to clear the propane mount.
Author:  JeeperDon [ Fri Sep 17, 2010 5:43 am ]
Post subject:  Re: The Howler goes on a diet
It looks like fun Bob. All I've been doing is house stuff.
Author:  B52 BUFF [ Fri Sep 17, 2010 7:42 am ]
Post subject:  Re: The Howler goes on a diet
What is the propane for?
Author:  Rob [ Fri Sep 17, 2010 9:36 am ]
Post subject:  Re: The Howler goes on a diet
Bob REALLY likes to BBQ :lol:
Author:  JeeperDon [ Fri Sep 17, 2010 2:22 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Howler goes on a diet
Rob wrote:
Bob REALLY likes to BBQ :lol:
Now that would be cool. Build in a decent sized propane BBQ setup, feed everyone on the rides! He already has the new grating in, just add some burners.
Author:  howler4x4 [ Sat Sep 18, 2010 8:58 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Howler goes on a diet
I'm going to re-do the nose too:
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Dual fuel; gasoline on road & propane off
http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthre ... ht=propane
Author:  Intrudertlr [ Tue Sep 21, 2010 7:14 am ]
Post subject:  Re: The Howler goes on a diet
NIIICE, love your rig!
Author:  howler4x4 [ Wed Sep 22, 2010 8:50 am ]
Post subject:  Re: The Howler goes on a diet
Thanks mate.

Progress report...

Tailgate cut to fit

Support chains welded to frame to hold tg flat or up.

Fuel cell inlet changed from 180 to 45 degrees. Simple job, but had to be done 2x 'cuz I never measured it, didn't even check by eye, just cut & weld. :eusa-naughty: PITA to re-do as it needs to be leak-free.

All metal wire-brushed, primed, painted.

To do:
re-install tool boxes & wiring
re-install cb antenna
fab new mounting for gas cap
sort through 7 years of junk stored in toolboxes
figure new mountings for spare axle shafts, drive shafts, tie rod, drag link
Author:  howler4x4 [ Mon Oct 04, 2010 12:40 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: The Howler goes on a diet
The Howler handled much better on a moderate trail. She'll be hitting 'The Hill' next weekend for a real test.

The pics all came out too dark :angry-teeth:

howler4x4 wrote:

To do:
re-install tool boxes & wiring
Done

re-install cb antenna
Done

fab new mounting for gas cap
Done

sort through 7 years of junk stored in toolboxes
Done

figure new mountings for spare axle shafts, drive shafts, tie rod, drag link
Semi-temporary solution using rachet strap
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