Is that Ipe?

Bed tilting:
What if you used an air suspension bag?
Like this:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/FIRESTONE-F...BV5L20&vxp=mtr
Bolt one end to frame and other to bed, apply 100 psi.
Could use a small on board compressor.

I think it was, I know a nail gun won't go in it.

I've completed the base support structure and the "floor" of the dump bed. (well, the "floor" is only tacked together at this point). The "ladder" members at each side support the main pivot rails and spread the load. The two under-bed support members at the center will provide a way to fasten the lift pivot point.

It is what it is at this point. Once I finish welding it up, and add vertical corners for the bed, to support the bed sides, I'll clean/ prime and paint the structure and add the liner material to the bed.

I need to order a few more parts to finish assembly of the hood and grill.

Nice work Frank! A lot of welding you have done, and more to do!


I think you need to add some short braces here:

Attachment 90102


Ties that rear angle to the other two. The braces you have running down and at an angle off it help with down force, but also make it push to the rear when a load is applied. Tie it to the front two, even if with just two braces. I would do 4, but 2 would be good. :beerchug:

Yes, Jonathan, I need to add those additional braces. I ran out of MIG gas. Local Arcet/Arc3 store not open on Saturdays.

Very good amount of progress Frank.:beerchug: Should be a handy addition to have around...

Looks very nice!

Finished up welding the dump bed bottom assembly and tacked on the uprights. Painted the front fenders.

Began to assemble the hood but need an new hinge. Looking at a headlight assembly and tail lights. Have tail lights, just need the headlight panel and bezels.

Ordered the hydraulic cylinder, finally pulled that trigger. Need a ported pump now. 12v hydraulic power units are too big, too expensive and take up too much room. Again, if anyone has one they want to sell, let me know.

(One option I am still exploring is a boat trim tab actuator which is a very small hydraulic pump, would fit under the seat and I might find one used cheap since I live in one of the Chesapeake Bay's biggest boating areas.

Stopped at a local golf cart dealer. They have some used seats, need to go back later this week and grab a set. The seat bottoms and backs are separate units so I will either mount the seat back to the dump bed like Sam Mac did or fab a frame to hold it. Not sure which way I will go, depends on how much room I have, so will wait until I get a little farther along in assembly.

Started priming the sub frame components. They will eventually be black.

Once I get the lift cylinder and can mount it and am satisfied with the geometry of the lift mechanism, I'll final weld the lift cylinder mounting brackets and then prime and paint the bed frame.

I’ve been lurking on this thread a while now. Safe to say I want one now. Very nice work so far! Can’t wait to see the finished product! Keep up the good work! :beerchug::beerchug: