ChestonScout
opinions are like Jeeps..
- Location
- Clinton, Ut
After that I couldnt think of anything else I wanted to do to the dove for now so I busted out the cup gun, threw on some primer and then 2 coats of flat black Rustoluem.
I would like to build some storage for the ramps under the dove but that will be a project another day. So that wraps up the dovetail for now.
Next I decided to start messing with the stake sides and flare around the tire. I mentioned it was close to the tire....
Ive thought of a few ways to fix this.
My first thought was to lift the suspension. The bed sits flat empty. With the Scout loaded up its about 2" low in the back. I figured a 2" block wouldnt probably cause to much harm and then the truck would be level going down the road which should keep the tires clear. After looking at how big the u bolts are and having nightmares of what they must cost, I mostly scrapped that idea. I may end up doing a 1" block still because I have 1.25" of exposed threads on the existing u bolts. We will see if I need it first tho.
So here is what I came up with. Stake side pockets and a flare out on the bed.
The pockets arent spaced evenly but I couldnt make it work around the tire so this will have to do.
The bed is 1/4" tread plate. Under the outside edge than ran a big angle iron for support. Its pretty much that angle that was gonna hit the sidewall. If they would have made the bed 1" wider on each side there would be no issues at all. So out came the plas.
After cleaning that up, I welded the tread plate to the angle iron all the way around to give it some support. Next I cut 1" filler plates for the sides and then trimmed down the piece of bedside that was removed and tacked it all together
Filler piece on top
Doesnt look half bad to me and should do its job. I think with that all welded solid and the stake sides, it should be plenty stout. Stake sides will be convenient Im sure.
Was gonna weld it all in but the batteries gave out in my hood. I busted out the old school helmet but its WAY to dark to see anything so I stopped. Have to get that resolved quick.
I ordered up some LED marker lights that should be here this week. I get them in and the tail lights wired up and Im really hoping to get the truck inspected next week. Still a ways to go to be usable but I think its ready to be legal. Need to get some miles under its belt to see what issues are gonna present themselves
I would like to build some storage for the ramps under the dove but that will be a project another day. So that wraps up the dovetail for now.
Next I decided to start messing with the stake sides and flare around the tire. I mentioned it was close to the tire....
Ive thought of a few ways to fix this.
My first thought was to lift the suspension. The bed sits flat empty. With the Scout loaded up its about 2" low in the back. I figured a 2" block wouldnt probably cause to much harm and then the truck would be level going down the road which should keep the tires clear. After looking at how big the u bolts are and having nightmares of what they must cost, I mostly scrapped that idea. I may end up doing a 1" block still because I have 1.25" of exposed threads on the existing u bolts. We will see if I need it first tho.
So here is what I came up with. Stake side pockets and a flare out on the bed.
The pockets arent spaced evenly but I couldnt make it work around the tire so this will have to do.
The bed is 1/4" tread plate. Under the outside edge than ran a big angle iron for support. Its pretty much that angle that was gonna hit the sidewall. If they would have made the bed 1" wider on each side there would be no issues at all. So out came the plas.
After cleaning that up, I welded the tread plate to the angle iron all the way around to give it some support. Next I cut 1" filler plates for the sides and then trimmed down the piece of bedside that was removed and tacked it all together
Filler piece on top
Doesnt look half bad to me and should do its job. I think with that all welded solid and the stake sides, it should be plenty stout. Stake sides will be convenient Im sure.
Was gonna weld it all in but the batteries gave out in my hood. I busted out the old school helmet but its WAY to dark to see anything so I stopped. Have to get that resolved quick.
I ordered up some LED marker lights that should be here this week. I get them in and the tail lights wired up and Im really hoping to get the truck inspected next week. Still a ways to go to be usable but I think its ready to be legal. Need to get some miles under its belt to see what issues are gonna present themselves
