Dawson's M-416 Build

dawsonc61 · 10-09-2008, 11:40 PM

Look what I found!

The guy I bought it from had a new tub fabricated to the same specs as the original, just made out of 1/8" steel this time around. The sides and bottom are made of a single sheet of steel with the front and rear welded on. The front and rear sheets need to be cut, as you can see in the pics. The tub isn't bolted to the frame yet either. I'm going to need to weld some angle iron onto the bottom in order to bolt the tub to the frame.

I'm live in the DFW Metroplex so if any of you guys live here and can help i need it!:

Step 1: Cutting. I need to find someone with a cutting torch or plasma cutter. I'll bring beer and reimburse for any costs incurred. Disclaimer: The author of this thread is not responsible for any accidents caused by anyone drunkenly wielding a cutting torch/plasma cutter.

Step 2: Welding. I need to find Someone with a MIG or TIG welder and welding skills. Again, I'll provide beer and reimbursement for any cost incurred. Disclaimer: The author of this thread is not responsible for any accidents caused by anyone drunkenly wielding a MIG/TIG welding instrument.

Step 3: Sand Blasting. I used ICA to sandblast and powdercoat my PSC Rocker Knockers so I'll probably use them again for this sandblasting. That is unless anyone knows of a shop that'll sandblast for cheap. Please let me know!

Step 4. Paint. I'll probably buy a pneumatic paint gun and do this on my own.

Thanks in advance for comments/suggestions. I really need help from those of you who have welders/cutting equipment.

Thanks,

Dawson

**USMCredneck** · 10-10-2008, 07:14 AM

I wish I could find something like that.

Nice looking trailer. Keep the pics coming.

**Bigbob** · 10-10-2008, 04:17 PM

I'd love to help ya. Have you weighted it yet? The 3/16" is gonna be awfully heavy. With 3/16" there would be no need for a frame.

2K1TJ · 10-12-2008, 11:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bigbob

I'd love to help ya. Have you weighted it yet? The 3/16" is gonna be awfully heavy. With 3/16" there would be no need for a frame.

x2!!!

Looks really nice though. What are your plans for it? Stock-type build or something different?

prd_cdn · 10-12-2008, 01:38 PM

Nice!! Great Find ~~ Have fun !!

dawsonc61 · 10-12-2008, 06:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bigbob

I'd love to help ya. Have you weighted it yet? The 3/16" is gonna be awfully heavy. With 3/16" there would be no need for a frame.

Ha ha. True...i overestimated on the thickness of the metal. It's only 1/8", but still pretty thick. I don't know what the original thickness was. Hmmm.

scooterchef · 10-13-2008, 06:50 PM

i dig the trailer, but i like the sticker in your back window better!!!

dawsonc61 · 10-16-2008, 10:40 AM

Well my new buddy Keith and I did a little work on the trailer yesterday evening. We mounted the tub to the frame with some 3/16" tabs and 1/2" grade 8 bolts.

Then we mounted the old trailer lights and and wired it up so I could drive home safely! This is temporary. I think we will build a bumper and put lights directly in the bumper.

When I got home, I took a cutting wheel and removed the excess metal from the front and rear of the tub.

Before:

After:

Anyway, just keeping everyone updated. A BIG thanks to Keith Maddox for his help and expertise.

**Bigbob** · 10-16-2008, 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dawsonc61

Ha ha. True...i overestimated on the thickness of the metal. It's only 1/8", but still pretty thick. I don't know what the original thickness was. Hmmm.

1/8" is still thick, but it should be a tough trailer. I think the original was 16-18 gauge. The original floor was probably 1/8".

Quote:

Originally Posted by scooterchef

i dig the trailer, but i like the sticker in your back window better!!!

Ditto X 100

mg2000xj · 10-16-2008, 11:17 AM

looks solid, I wish I could find one.

gribbles · 10-16-2008, 12:32 PM

looks good man.....also wanted to say I am diggin on the NObama sticker

dawsonc61 · 10-16-2008, 11:22 PM

The NOBAMA sticker has been a big hit. Lots of thumbs up on the road. I did get the finger the other day from a dude in a Prius....go figure!

garthbrown · 10-19-2008, 01:34 PM

What are you planning to use it for? Hauling, camping, everything?

dawsonc61 · 10-20-2008, 02:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by garthbrown

What are you planning to use it for? Hauling, camping, everything?

Camping, once finished It will have a lid and a RTT on top. Onboard with be a 40 gal water tank, 3 Energizer deep cycle marine batteries (run in series to a power inverter), 2 propane tanks, a small kitchen compartment with burners and hot plate, and some sort of LED outdoor lighting system. I'm sure I'm leaving off things but you'll see it develop.

dawsonc61 · 10-24-2008, 09:09 AM

Well I've been messin' around with Google "SketchUp" and here's what I've come up with:

I'll be designing the interior of the tub next, including a water tank, deep cycle batteries, sliding runner with kitchen components and propane setup.

10-10-2008, 04:17 PM	#3
Bigbob Web Wheeler Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Bakersfield Posts: 3,195 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	I'd love to help ya. Have you weighted it yet? The 3/16" is gonna be awfully heavy. With 3/16" there would be no need for a frame. __________________ 2006 Solar Yellow Rubicon Unlimited Jeep Club Member #1340 6 Speed, Hardtop Mods done: Hurst tee handle, cheap hand throttle, Rokmen Merc front bumper, Warn 9.5 TI winch with 3/8" X 100 worth of Viking yellow rope, DPG OME Ultimate with JKS ACOS up front, Kilby Gas Tank Skid, Kilby Steering Box Skid, Jeep Medic Belly Up, Skidrow Engine Skid, Rockcrusher Diff Skid in the rear, Warn Diff cover in front, , AR Outlaw II's and MTR 12:50/15's, Homemade rear Bumper, Cheap Cobra CB, Puma OBA, Sirius Radio, Locker Defeat, Rockhard cage, Rockmen short corners, homemade tire swing/tailgate hinge affair, Airlift air bags on the rear- - - - - - and more to come!

10-12-2008, 01:38 PM	#5
prd_cdn Web Wheeler Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: !! Posts: 1,049 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	Nice!! Great Find ~~ Have fun !!