Yeah, me too! I kick myself for not taking the welding class offered in high school. Would love to learn how...

 

Well, I think of myself as relatively handy guy and quick learner...is this something that I can learn quickly or do I need to 'phone a friend'? ;-)

Thanks for the help!

 

I would agree that a properly performed Stick Weld with 3011 rod is a very strong weld indeed. I have manufactured many a sign pole with this process and never a failure. But for your application, Mig welding is more that enough. Particurly for virgin steel. Think about this, all of the factory welds are either Mig or Spot welds.

Another thing to keep in mind is that you must NOT weld you new structure to the truck frame. This MUST be bolted into place. These bolts MUST go through the web of the frame beam, not the leg. Frames are made of a tempured steel for strength. If you weld to the frame you WILL compromize the structural integrety.

 

Thanks Faf! I definitely planned on bolting it to the frame.

When you say 'through the web of the frame beam, not the leg', what do you mean? I was hoping I could use the stock bed mounts, but I really haven't gotten to that point yet. I haven't even bought the truck yet!!

Thanks for all of the help guys!

 

The frame is made of tubular steel or stamped "U" channel. I don't remember, but the principle is the same. The WEB will be the side perpendicular to the road (typically the longest side). The LEG is the side parrallel the the road.

------- LEG
I
I
I WEB
I
I
-------- LEG

If you can use the bed mounts, that would be the best.
Dave

 

Dave, thanks for the diagram, that makes it perfectly clear. I hope I can make the bed mounts work, but if not, I will take your advice and bolt through the web.

Thanks!
Scott