jstouth

Chaikwa is right for sure about the properties of metal and welding. You will never (at least from the factory) see holes in the frame with sharp corners. Holes always have smooth edges. The factory stamps even the smallest bolt holes to ensure there are no points where a tear can start. Flame cutting, drilling, welding, or any modifications for that matter create a weak point in the otherwise smooth and flexible frame. Think of it as a truss in the roof of your house. Every part carries the load of some other part, change one part and you change how the load is carried overall.
Be sure to dress the edges of the welded frame rails to get rid of notches and heavy grinder marks. Your frame will be ok if the weld is done right (consistent heat, penetration, correct welding rod grade and exactly aligned). Be sure to keep a close eye on the welds when you first start driving it again.

sqrl$$

Well when I first got the truck the flat bed was put on in a hurry trying to get the truck into service because it was my busy season. Now I have plenty of time before my season starts up again and I will take my time to mount it correctly. I have looked back over all the mounts again and have cut them from the bed and frame and smoothed everything. I am going to start from scratch. I had one of my employees helping me install it the first time, my doing the welding on some of the places and him welding on others. I by no means claim to be an expert welder, but I can weld safe and clean welds. The welds that were not burnt in were done with a 110V flux core wire welder, the ones that penetrated good were done with a 220V wire welder with gas. You can def tell the difference in which/who welded what places. Kinda glad this happened because it happened in a situation that nobody did or could have got hurt and now it can be done the proper way. Thanks everybody for your input and suggestions, they have all been taken to heart. I will keep updating as more happens.

sqrl$$

Got the body work finished and painted it today. Also sanded and painted the flat bed. I ordered some flip-out style tow mirrors. I am getting the back window put in it next week so hopefully I will have it back on the road by the end of next week.

sqrl$$

Sorry, forgot the pictures. Here you go.

Purplezr2

Is that a lifted 4 dour dakota in the back ground

sqrl$$

Yeah, thats my '01 Dakota I lifted on tons with 3 link front, coilovers and 40's.
http://www.nc4x4.com/forums/showthread.php?t=78070

Junk Man

That was quick. If you knew hot to paint, why did you ask?

sqrl$$

Just learned paint and body work this week. Hopefully this is the first and last time I will ever do it. It sucks!!! Turned out pretty good for my first attempt, or at least it will do for a work truck.

jstouth

Looks pretty good in the pics. Started doing body work right out of high school. Didn't know what I wanted to do all those years ago but I quickly learned that I didn't want to do body work!! lol. Only do it for friends in need now. Kudos to those guys who make their living doing it.

It's going to look good when the deck is back on.

iforge03

great job man. i did my first body work last summer, i restored a 71 bronco. one thing i learned is a body man definitaly earns his money

chaikwa

I hate body and paint work too. But it looks like you've done a real decent job with it!