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LowTech | profile | all galleries >> World Views >> Spacial Transformations >> Rigs >> She Beast tree view | thumbnails | slideshow

She Beast

The "Go-Anywhere-Camper", conversion of a `72, 6x6, 2 1/2 ton truck.
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Successful Rescue! The newest member in our stable of rigs & trailers
Successful Rescue! The newest member in our stable of rigs & trailers		 Happy Owner!
Happy Owner!		 that's a 4' ladder
that's a 4' ladder		 at the moment it's the tallest thing on the property
at the moment it's the tallest thing on the property
. . . little test drive
. . . little test drive		 Time to re-deuce that exhaust sound to bearable levels . . . here the top of the stack is removed
Time to re-deuce that exhaust sound to bearable levels . . . here the top of the stack is removed		 sawz-alls!!!
sawz-alls!!!		 muffler in place,
muffler in place,
top of the stack back in place . . .
top of the stack back in place . . .		 heatshield remounted.
heatshield remounted.		 Changing to Singles . . . the process starts
Changing to Singles . . . the process starts		 Flange & Brake Drum w/o wheels
Flange & Brake Drum w/o wheels
Axle half-shaft pulled and brake drum removed
Axle half-shaft pulled and brake drum removed		 Flange & Drum ready for separation
Flange & Drum ready for separation		 connecting bolts remounted & wired
connecting bolts remounted & wired		 Drum w/ Flange reversed
Drum w/ Flange reversed
re-installing Axle half-shaft
re-installing Axle half-shaft		 First hub singled . . . we didn't have enough lug nuts for all axles, so we are using the lugs for inside wheels
First hub singled . . . we didn't have enough lug nuts for all axles, so we are using the lugs for inside wheels		 The look of singled 9.00x20
The look of singled 9.00x20		 Way less tracks, . . . even w/ a trailer
Way less tracks, . . . even w/ a trailer
Her new look
Her new look		 We now have extra spares . . . at least till we change to over-size tires
We now have extra spares . . . at least till we change to over-size tires		 And! It does handle lots better.
And! It does handle lots better.		 It's really her truck . . . I'm just the wrench.
It's really her truck . . . I'm just the wrench.
off-loading the firewood that we picked up while in the mountains changing to singles
off-loading the firewood that we picked up while in the mountains changing to singles		 Our last few days of summer!
Our last few days of summer!		 Seven days later it's cold, . . . driving down to get 2 tons of gravel in the trailer she just emptied
Seven days later it's cold, . . . driving down to get 2 tons of gravel in the trailer she just emptied		 How it looked when we got it . . .
How it looked when we got it . . .
. . .
. . .		 the old school control center
the "old school" control center		 after tear-out
after tear-out		 The oak floor after some sanding . . . more sanding yet to happen
The oak floor after some sanding . . . more sanding yet to happen
filling the floor
filling the floor		 the inside's getting its' new colors
the inside's getting its' new colors		 P5290006.JPG
P5290006.JPG		 P5290007.JPG
P5290007.JPG
P5290008.JPG
P5290008.JPG		 P5290009.JPG
P5290009.JPG		 P5290010.JPG
P5290010.JPG		 Took some hardware off a $5 (at the swapmeet) futon frame,
Took some hardware off a $5 (at the swapmeet) futon frame,
made my own footboard,
made my own footboard,		 and headboard with some birch ply
and headboard with some birch ply		 . . . that started like this,
. . . that started like this,		 and spent a day w/ clamps and wood glue.
and spent a day w/ clamps and wood glue.
To get this
To get this		 put in two 15 gal water tanks,
put in two 15 gal water tanks,		 with a Shureflow pump in between.
with a Shureflow pump in between.		 Started the kitchen counter while I waited on parts.
Started the kitchen counter while I waited on parts.
One slab that I'll take this counter, and other shelves, out of
One slab that I'll take this counter, and other shelves, out of		 Shaped and planning the lay-out
Shaped and planning the lay-out		 stove in . . .
stove in . . .		 sink will be under counter mounted,
sink will be under counter mounted,
with a piece that fits back in.
with a piece that fits back in.		 After some sanding . . .
After some sanding . . .		 Time to test fit
Time to test fit		 . . .
. . .
Starting the framing
Starting the framing		 g4/17/780317/3/135869329.2ooifayy.jpg Sink in and ready for plumbing
Sink in and ready for plumbing		 Our water supply line
Our water supply line
Surface plumbed with sweated copper
Surface plumbed with sweated copper		 g4/17/780317/3/135870770.2uKaQ531.jpg g4/17/780317/3/135870773.MsAhH0dl.jpg To a surflow pump between two 15 gal tanks
To a surflow pump between two 15 gal tanks
Each with it's own cut-off
Each with it's own cut-off		 Last of the framing for this trip
Last of the framing for this trip		 The wooden trays will be strapped in place
The wooden trays will be strapped in place		 Packed and usable
Packed and usable
g4/17/780317/3/135871104.8JbQQlLX.jpg Yes I do pack in glass, it has proved the best for me in the last 30 years of living in rigs.
Yes I do pack in glass, it has proved the best for me in the last 30 years of living in rigs.		 This was the toilet stall we made to pass RV status. It had a curtain.
This was the toilet stall we made to pass RV status. It had a curtain.		 Which got turned into this as soon as we got back from the DMV, a closet/ counter top.
Which got turned into this as soon as we got back from the DMV, a closet/ counter top.
Now it looks kind of like this . . .
Now it looks kind of like this . . .		 and it's time to connect this corner to the closet.
and it's time to connect this corner to the closet.		 Some framing, . . . this is how you do it when you don't weld
Some framing, . . . this is how you do it when you don't weld		 there will be more framing around the top & against the wall
there will be more framing around the top & against the wall
All bolted
All bolted		 Future = opening lid & side door under the desk
Future = opening lid & side door under the desk		 Connected
Connected		 Wired for 12 volt
Wired for 12 volt
Office on the road
Office on the road		 Time for some Outside mods. Canvas curtain/ entrance shade
Time for some "Outside" mods. Canvas curtain/ entrance shade		 Added a handle for lifting the hood & a step on the bumper
Added a handle for lifting the hood & a step on the bumper		 Making some space for the propane tank
Making some space for the propane tank
painted and ready for install
painted and ready for install		 in place . . . next remounting the spare holder.
in place . . . next remounting the spare holder.		 Needs a little spacer to clear the tank
Needs a little spacer to clear the tank		 g4/17/780317/3/136207619.Eu6vepfK.jpg
water tank fill location
"water tank fill" location		 g4/17/780317/3/136208503.m5HB2D7a.jpg A way to hold an ammo box on the step. It does get painted later.
A way to hold an ammo box on the step. It does get painted later.		 Some tools. Breaker bar and air hose for the on-board compressor.
Some tools. Breaker bar and air hose for the on-board compressor.
The 12'x12' canvas shade for the side of the truck stores nicely in an ammo box w/ all it's fittings.
The 12'x12' canvas shade for the side of the truck stores nicely in an ammo box w/ all it's fittings.		 The legs fit crosswise above the frame.
The legs fit crosswise above the frame.		 Cab-Over Rack & Branch Pushers
Cab-Over Rack & Branch Pushers		 The rack is based off the Box
The rack is based off the Box
with room (hopefuly enough) for the cab to flex.
with room (hopefuly enough) for the cab to flex.		 It will hold 2 bikes, a dual 12v batt box, and things yet to be discovered
It will hold 2 bikes, a dual 12v batt box, and things yet to be discovered		 with out raising our headroom needs.
with out raising our headroom needs.		 Had a wheel seal that leaked into the bearings,
Had a wheel seal that leaked into the bearings,
cleaned and repacked it,
cleaned and repacked it,		 Dropped the tranny again to un-plug an oil return hole.
Dropped the tranny again to un-plug an oil return hole.		 Then another wheel wanted the same treatment, I let Tuff take off the wheel . . . done enough of that.
Then another wheel wanted the same treatment, I let Tuff take off the wheel . . . done enough of that.		 Bagged while we get parts
Bagged while we get parts
with that done all that's needed is to figure out the trailer's configuring and build that . . .
with that done all that's needed is to figure out the trailer's configuring and build that . . .		 Two days later we roll out of our Oasis
Two days later we roll out of our Oasis		 and head north.
and head north.		 That Adventure is @ DirtTrackTravelers.com
That Adventure is @ DirtTrackTravelers.com
Later in the year we got some better rims in.
Later in the year we got some better rims in.		 6 months after that we offloaded some tires for them.
6 months after that we offloaded some tires for them.		 g9/17/780317/3/155953458.Mo1P2RR7.jpg We also picked up a 50 gal fuel tank that we're hoping to stuff under the drivers door,
We also picked up a 50 gal fuel tank that we're hoping to stuff under the drivers door,
The rims are 2 piece need to be unbolted to put the tire on.
The rims are 2 piece need to be unbolted to put the tire on.		 Tire installed
Tire installed		 Airing up
Airing up		 First look
First look
g9/17/780317/3/155953786.0KIGCvQW.jpg A few days later we did another one.
A few days later we did another one.		 That weekend we had a party.
That weekend we had a party.		 g9/17/780317/3/155953913.9EoIycWh.jpg
You'd be amazed how long it takes to fill one of these tires.
You'd be amazed how long it takes to fill one of these tires. 		Loads of soapy water to let the bead seat better.
Loads of soapy water to let the bead seat better.		 Quite a difference
Quite a difference 		The left wheel still does not have it's other half on.
The left wheel still does not have it's other half on.
Last wheel to mount.
Last wheel to mount.		 This was all done with only the tools that you see.
This was all done with only the tools that you see.		 How she looks now
How she looks now		 g9/17/780317/3/155954099.JIfwxdzb.jpg
Couldn't go any bigger.
Couldn't go any bigger.		 While we were waiting on tires we stripped the cab and put in some sound deadening.
While we were waiting on tires we stripped the cab and put in some sound deadening.		 It was installed in a way so that we can still remove the panels in the middle.
It was installed in a way so that we can still remove the panels in the middle.		 We also did a duel alternator install.
We also did a duel alternator install.
Time to test those tires.
Time to test those tires.		 g9/17/780317/3/155954568.RmjIrd2l.jpg g9/17/780317/3/155954569.3aHOSo4j.jpg Had a buddy fab up some holding brackets for the “Help in Taking Off the Wheel” bar.
Had a buddy fab up some holding brackets for the “Help in Taking Off the Wheel” bar.
Just need to take some corners off.
Just need to take some corners off.		 Added some No-Slip to the top of the bumper.
Added some No-Slip to the top of the bumper.		 Starting to make the space ready for the aux tank. It will still be a bit before I can mount the tank. Till then. . .
Starting to make the space ready for the aux tank. It will still be a bit before I can mount the tank. Till then. . .		 Piece of scrap for the base.
Piece of scrap for the base.
Now it'll hold 4 jerry cans = 20 gals
Now it'll hold 4 jerry cans = 20 gals		 The other thing in the way was the parking brake cable routing. You can see it in the previous photos.
The other thing in the way was the parking brake cable routing. You can see it in the previous photos.		 I removed the unit from the floor.
I removed the unit from the floor.		 Had an angle fab'd up to allow me to mount it to the vertical side instead of the floor.
Had an angle fab'd up to allow me to mount it to the vertical side instead of the floor.
I then drilled a hole in the back wall of the cab and routed the cable that way.
I then drilled a hole in the back wall of the cab and routed the cable that way.		 The lever is still in about the same place, I just reversed the action.
The lever is still in about the same place, I just reversed the action.		 Time to test fit the tank
Time to test fit the tank		 g9/17/780317/3/156073506.lNkFfVWK.jpg
Changed the mounts from the ones holding the step to ones that would hold the tank.
Changed the mounts from the ones holding the step to ones that would hold the tank.		 Fits in nice.
Fits in nice.		 Problems!
Problems!		 Damage
Damage
The first thing is to do is catch the coolant that's quickly running out.
The first thing is to do is catch the coolant that's quickly running out.		 Scrap!
Scrap!		 Rad, water pump, fan belts, all removed, or out of the way.
Rad, water pump, fan belts, all removed, or out of the way.		 Time to move her off the road.
Time to move her off the road.
This pull-off was just behind me a ¼ mile. Good spot to be broke-down at.
This pull-off was just behind me a ¼ mile. Good spot to be "broke-down" at.		 Water pump housing w/o the pump and fan.
Water pump housing w/o the pump and fan.		 A good used rad and water pump delivered by a friend. Next morning back on the road.
A good used rad and water pump delivered by a friend. Next morning back on the road.		 The cab-over rack loaded.
The cab-over rack loaded.
Mtn bike, extra LP tank, container w/ potable water hose, tool rack w/ shovel & mattock, and jack stand.
Mtn bike, extra LP tank, container w/ potable water hose, tool rack w/ shovel & mattock, and jack stand.		 Time to contemplate what next.
Time to contemplate what next.		 We decided that bumping the electrical system was next.
We decided that bumping the electrical system was next.		 The frame was designed to mount between the rails and still be able to tilt up to catch better sun at northern lats, or winter.
The frame was designed to mount between the rails and still be able to tilt up to catch better sun at northern lats, or winter.
The panel was about 18” of the full width. That allowed us to create a space to stand during tilting.
The panel was about 18” of the full width. That allowed us to create a space to stand during tilting.		 we also needed to lift, and add more support to, the cab-over rack.
we also needed to lift, and add more support to, the cab-over rack.		 The base raised,
The base raised,		 and supports going in.
and supports going in.
The finished and painted supports
The finished and painted supports		 Panel mounted
Panel mounted		 and In a raised position.
and In a raised position.		 The start of the control center
The start of the control center
Now for the main reason for the power upgrade, a refrigerator.
Now for the main reason for the power upgrade, a refrigerator.		 The unit that's going in. 85 quart 24/12/110v fridge, or freezer. It will do both.
The unit that's going in. 85 quart 24/12/110v fridge, or freezer. It will do both.		 Mounted in the frame and a new shelf over it.
Mounted in the frame and a new shelf over it.		 I divided the shelf into a couple of sections so that things would stay in place.
I divided the shelf into a couple of sections so that things would stay in place.
The next stage would be to face this and make slide-outs. That's in the future, other things are needed now.
The next stage would be to face this and make slide-outs. That's in the future, other things are needed now. 		Slide out to open.
Slide out to open.		 Now that the area around the fridge was re-configured, I was going to do a shelf above the windows for all the displaced stuff.
Now that the area around the fridge was re-configured, I was going to do a shelf above the windows for all the displaced stuff.		 I started with the off-cut from the kitchen counter. Sanded it smooth, and cut a straight edge for the back side.
I started with the off-cut from the kitchen counter. Sanded it smooth, and cut a straight edge for the back side.
Shelf / Exhaust-hood in position.
Shelf / Exhaust-hood in position.		 It's supported on one end by the box that's the vent, and I added some angle to the side wall.
It's supported on one end by the box that's the vent, and I added some angle to the side wall.		 Two of these mounted to the ribs help support the shelf
Two of these mounted to the ribs help support the shelf		 I added some stops and netted the front as a temp till we fab up something fancy.
I added some stops and netted the front as a temp till we fab up something fancy.
The other thing solar was going to give us was lights. I put together this collection of parts to make a light over the stove.
The other thing solar was going to give us was lights. I put together this collection of parts to make a light over the stove.		 This light needed to be flush mounted and I didn't want to cut into the shelf. This was my solution.
This light needed to be flush mounted and I didn't want to cut into the shelf. This was my solution.		 Some copper tubing for conduit,
Some copper tubing for conduit,		 off-shoot for a reading light,
off-shoot for a reading light,
and back to the source. At some point I'll find the right box to mount here and enclose all the controls.
and back to the source. At some point I'll find the right box to mount here and enclose all the controls.
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comment
joseantonio12-Jun-2014 04:16
Wonderful gallery.V.
Peg 07-Nov-2010 20:50
And the interior all done is functional AND beautiful... true craftsmanship in all ways. Peg
Peter 22-Sep-2010 19:04
Looks awesome...Congrats, and Cool Runnings!
elise 06-Aug-2010 05:38
~ thank you, Darlin' ::: for all your beautiful work ~~~ ! ~ ~
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