Aluminum Flatbed Build (part 2): Toolboxes, Bumper, and More
Vložit
- čas přidán 7. 09. 2024
- I finish up building my aluminum flatbed. I build toolboxes, a rear bumper, and more.
Aluminum Flatbed Part 1: • Building an ALUMINUM F...
HTP Pro Pulse 220 MTS: usaweld.com/co...
Jig saw blades for ALUMINUM: amzn.to/3z1fegr
Precision wire strippers: amzn.to/3cYhOIs
Soldering iron: amzn.to/3wVquIl
Instagram: / waldowelds
Any purchases you make using the links provided help to support the channel at no extra cost to you! As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
As a dealership mechanic I can tell you for a fact what you built is way better in every way than a "professional" work bed by big name brands.
100 percent!
So what relevance is being a dealership mechanic? Congratulations you know how to plug a laptop in and do what the manufacturers workshop software tells you to do.
@BoJoFohPah thanks for making it obvious you have no idea what you are talking about. And the relevance in this case is I see tons of brand new work bed builds by big aftermarket brands that are built terribly...
Let's take a moment to appreciate the effort that goes into these videos, that 'snap' cut.. flawless. Awesome truck as well, she's coming together nicely.
Thank you so much! It is indeed a lot of work editing 😂
The truck's name is Brandon, idk of any females named Brandon btw.
@@WaldosWorld did you comment to me from another page?
@@codyprice0295 2nd time it's happened to me it's spam
@@colinkulasik1128 !!!++!
The silicone around the holes for wires is good for keeping out water, but using a grommet will keep the wires from chaffing and wearing through.
Silicone works fine as a grommet.. it just won't last forever.
@@calholli perfectly said boat guys disagree shit lasts forever
@@thicok4555 lol.. Yeah, I use it to seal up bad screw holes on metal roofs. Seems to last 10 years in the hot sun, no issues.
@@illudedCeption what is gland?
He's a computer engineer... surely he knows better if it's a problem. More than likely just didn't show it in the final product.
Your videos are super satisfying for me, in part because you never take the lazy approach and always do things clean and the best you can. It's not the easy way and you don't see that much nowadays. Respect!
I appreciate it!
You asked so here's what I think: A) The backside of the fuel neck needs boxed in to prevent damage. Use dzus fasteners, something, but it needs fully protected. B)Did you add any bracing to those tool boxes? From what I could see of the construction, they're just hanging by the face plate with no runners to the frame or actual deck. C)I also could not tell if the initial screws/bolts used on the piano hinge were installed down with excess thread outside or up with the excess threads on the inside. If they're outside they'll get all buggered.. If they're inside, they might be in the way - but you'd just have to cut them off. Overall, a whole lotta welding to be sure! It looks nice, well done.
The driver side box has some sort of plate bolted to the top but it may need triangular bracing to support it. His boxes are a lot different than the 6 foot wide aluminum boxes we mount on our semi truck flatbed trailers, out boxes mount to the trailer frame with a triangle support on each side of the box that bolts to the bottom and back of the box.
Once he lifted the bed up front the truck you can actually see the driver side box drooping down and flexing the side plate, definitely needs bracing
@@TheRoadhammer379 i agree with all this. Flatbed boxes are awesome and require tlc, but are so so worth it for organization.
100% great decision with the separate turn signal lights. Here in the UK (and the rest of Europe), we've never had the combined red brake/turn indicators. They suck!!
Algo Rhythm Yes you have. They came standard on the early 60's VW Bugs. They were highly sought after here in the US.
I've never had a problem telling if someone's turn signal was on.
Nicely done as usual. I don’t weld though watching you may inspire me to learn. At “68” it’s never too late to learn something new!
You should definitely learn! 👍
I started to learn MIG at the young age of 58 now at 62 I'm taking on the learning of TIG welding.
l say go for it as I'm having a blast learning something new.
That's an awesome aluminum flatbed man! I love it! I'm not an expert or anything close but if it was my truck I would consider welding a back plate or adding one with bolts behind the filler neck to protect it from any load with sharp edges from piercing or cutting thru that hose and having a bad day!!
Man, usually I highly dislike these kind of project Vlog kinda videos, cause they tend to be drawn out as hell, and are moderated by someone who uses more "uhhh" than stoned me ordering at McDonald's. This is fairly on point, everything I see is pretty well executed, and the tips you give on the side are pretty useful.
To save material for reuse, don't drill a starter hole for a jig saw. Cut a slot with a cutoff wheel and start your jigsaw blade in that.
You can also get extra thin cutoff wheels and use those instead of the jigsaw altogether.
Good call. Why didn't I think of that? 😂
@@WaldosWorld learned it woodworking where a handsaw was the best way I could finish a skilsaw cut that ended flush in a corner. This trick is that in reverse, sorta.
Good tip, now I gotta remember that.
An oscillating multi tool works pretty good too. Especially in tight spots
Also if you use paraffin wax on the cutoff wheel, itll keep the aluminum from clogging up the wheel letting it cut faster. It does need additional cleaning if you are welding on that cut edge after though
Whereas I understand and appreciate your penchant for welding, Alu fabrication also included bends and angles, where the finish is seamless and fantastic, nonetheless, I salute your innovation and tenacity
Waldo, you may want to add split rubber grommets where you fed the wires through the headache rack holes.
Those areas are protected by split loom, which is adequate (although rubber grommets would be a nice addition). He added it after. The real problem spot IMO is the toolbox lights with just some silicone caulk. The wires are still very close to the sharp edge and may wear through.
@@haphazard1342, hey thanks for pointing that out, I didn't catch it in the video.
WOW WALDO THAT'S A BEAUTIFUL FLATBED! GREAT JOB!
Thank you so much! 🤠
Cant beat a Waldo video, Im already positive this bed is gonna look amazing
I appreciate it!
@@WaldosWorld Just have to say, you make this stuff look really easy, though ive never been over interested in this type of thing you do make me want to learn how to weld
For starting holes (pilot) try using harbor feight double ended 1/th in drill bits. They're cheap, and because they're short, they're a lot less likely to walk and break.
Impressive project! For your reference, I bought an 8 foot flat bed for my 2017 F-350 (single rear wheel) in late 2017. I bought a basic flatbed, but also priced ones with built-in tool boxes and an integrated bumper. They were ~$7,000. But that was in late in 2017. The price for anything made of aluminum has increased a LOT in the 4+ years since then, as has labor. My bet is that now, a comparable aluminum flatbed would cost at least $9,000 and more likely, $10,000. An alternative to disabling and painting the CHMSL light because it is incandescent is to get the adapters which enable use of LEDs in place of the incandescent without triggering an error code.
Appreciate the metric conversions!
Finished product looks great and is superior to anything you could have bought but your advice about buying instead of building is spot on. If you’re in business, where time is money, you CAN NOT build cheaper than mass produced store bought. And, I say that as a self-employed weldor/fabricator! Nice job.
Love the videos man! You’ve Inspired me to build a flatbed trailer with my Ag class.
That's awesome, I'm glad to hear it! 🤠
I enjoying living vicariously through you and your accomplishments. Besides, I’m almost 66 and my welding days are about 40 years in my rear view mirror. I instead chose a career as an IT consultant. Now that I have the time, I no longer have my health. Good luck with your channel, I look forward to seeing your new projects, especially the Range Rover.
Waldo the lights you added in the headache rack will suffice for the third brake light. I think I’ve also seen led lights that have red and amber in one. So you can have your headache rack have a red brake and amber turn.
Depends. Dot standards here are that if its equiped with a 3rd brake light and it has a flat deck. The trucks factory 3rd brakelights must be operational.
Here's a great tip: Before heat shrinking, coat the connection with dialectic paste, then heat shrink it. Offers a level of protection beyond the tube alone.
There are also heat-shrink with adhesive lining, which is guaranteed to prevent water intrusion. As long as you have a solid connection (his are twist and soldered) it's basically like having a continuous run of wire.
Yep definitely the heat sharing with the adhesive liner under that bed. Especially in the northeast where they use all kinds of corrosive deicer on the roads.
i recently ordered a 6 camera/ multi view camera system [$300ish] Front, Left, Right sides, Bed, Backup and Low under covering rear bumper and under trailer, I also adding a remove Backup for the Trailers, Adding a 14 channel/tire Inflation monitor system for truck, trailers including 2 spares for each. The camera, monitor systems are used with RVers a lot.
I'm relatively new to your channel, and have to say I really appreciate the quality of your work. Not only your projects, but the videography andnediting and everything all work together very well!
Keep up the great work Waldo!
to avoid blow outs at the end of welds, weld back into your weld 1/4"
What do you mean exactly, weld forward and then reverse again over the last 1/4”?
@@markusthiel7687 make4 your weld to the end, then weld back into your blow out allowing the puddle to form as you move away from the edge, it takes practice
Really nice build! I didn’t make it, but just put a flatbed on an old ambulance. One thought I had was the stainless hardware (hinges/bolts) and the aluminum will corrode I think? That’s what I’ve always heard at least…
Wow Waldo!!! So happy to see you posted!!
The flatbed looks amazing!!!💯👍👍👍
Thank you!
Waldo your fabrication skills are very impressive and I’m a time served fabricator, I used to work in the oil rig fabrication industry and used steel up to 4 inches thick (100mm) but I have worked with aluminium and it can be a pain. Your attention to detail and design detailing really impressed me, thanks again for another fantastic video see you next time 👍🏻🏴
I appreciate it!
Nice truck dude. Also love the amber indicators (turn signals). Here in the UK, they are standard. I think they stand out far better than the brake/turn signals together. Perhaps some protection around the back and side of the filler neck?
That looks very nice and I have several years fabricating. Good job.
Well done Waldo!! I have really enjoyed the series and thank you for taking us along on the build!! Enjoy the Memorial Day weekend as well!!
Thank you!
You did a outstanding job on the bed of the truck,it looks like a new truck that can get any job done now that you transformed it .
As a resident of Europe I really appreciate that you take the time to translate all measurements to metric as well.
Keep up the good work!😊
I appreciate the feedback!
Awesome start to a holiday weekend! Cold beer after work and some Waldo!!!
Happy Memorial Day! 🤠
Thanks Waldo, same to you! Let's go Brandon!
Not sure about “lets go Brandon” but happy memorial for sure!
I personally think that you are one of the best youtubers out there.
18:22 - for much of the world, the amber turn signal is normal and mandatory. Here in Australia, I couldn't imagine not having it. When I went to the US, I thought it was bizarre seeing the combined red one!!
I wish we had the mandatory amber turn signal so much more visible I love that my 01 chevy truck had the amber from the factory
Amber is really hard to see in early morning/late evening when the sun is yellow. Red is easier to see, plus 100%/0% intensity is far less subtle. It's possible to "not see" a poorly-designed amber signal; it's impossible to not see a red light flashing on and off.
If you make another I'll buy it, looks phenomenal and would love to support the channel
I build one tons, invest in a motorcycle jack the wide surface area helps a lot when setting up boxes and other things
Fuel filler work blew me away. Incredible work.
Great job with your flat bed. You are amazing!
It would require running extra wires but you can get away without the convertor for the headache rack lights by tapping into the trailer plug wiring
That's a good point! Why didn't I think of that? 🤔
@@WaldosWorld I was going to mention that as well. Benefit of using the trailer wiring is the lights won't alternate when they flash.
You are obviously a talented guy , I think next project would be to have a warmer shop instead freezing you butt off ! 😂. Really like your show. I just retired and you have inspired me to build my own stuff.
Ah yes my favourite youtube channel
If you attach piano hinge before cutting door, then remove , cut and reattach, you will always have a perfect fit.
I am a computer and wiring junkie as well. I solder all my wiring, I don't crimp anything except big battery lugs and i use a hydraulic crimper with tinned copper lugs. Just a tip, use tinned copper wire. Not just OFC, but TINNED OFC... copper corrodes and tinned wire is they key to a long lasting installation Get tinned everything if you can. You'll thank me a few years down the road :)
Good call 👍
The bed turned out extremely well. Great job
Absolutely amazing workmanship!!! You are very gifted & do some amazing work !
Thank you so much!
I keep snickering every time you use the welder in pulse mode, I'm such a child haha
Nice job. For the headache rack stop turn lights I would recommend tapping off the factory trailer harness. Then you can bypass the converter and the turn signals always blink in phase. Thank you for sharing and have a great day.
I am completely satisfied of CZcams videos after that one. Ok now I’m ready for your next one. Still smiling here😁
Great build, as usual! Just a tip from having cut and drilled a lot of 5mm aluminium... Usually you can deal with aluminum with any tool that cuts hardwoods (circular hand held saw, carbide tipped chopsaw, hole saws, regular metal drill bits, etc.) but aluminium is waaaaaaaaaay gummier than wood (more or less depending on specific alloy and grade), so it clogs the teeth easily. Using any cutting fluid (even plain WD40) on the blades or material to be cut makes a huge improvement. Cuts faster and cleaner. Beware that some of them may erase your marks (even permanent markers). Also if you plan on welding, you will need to clean them with acetone or some solvent after using any lube. Keep up the good work!
I stumbled across your channel, and,for someone who loves welding but doesn’t have the time, I subscribed so I can live vicariously through you😁.
Greeting from So.Maine
Looks awesome!!! Nice job! I'm not sure if you considered it or not, but a well cover for your goose neck hitch will come in handy when hauling stuff on the flat bed alone.
My 2018 f350 flat bed came from the factory with out a third brake light, so I think your good
I absolutely love it Waldo!!! Such a fantastic looking bed and functional as heck!!! My only suggestion if I may is to put chain to stop tool box doors from going down too far and getting warped. Otherwise it’s perfect!!! When you do a front bumper I hope you add tow hooks and small storage for hook accessories and possibly a snap strap. Aka tug em strap. You never know. Your video quality is through the roof buddy!! Thank you for taking us through the build!!!
Thanks Pete! I appreciate the ideas! 🤠
I am in love with that welding machine I have to have one.
That is a GORGEOUS truck bed!!
All that time spent building it just exactly perfect, it's irreplaceable. Some moron on the road crashes into that bed, I think I would be inconsolable with grief! Insurance will pay, but you can't just grab a replacement off the shelf and throw it on. Almost too nice to use! Amazing workmanship, sir.
Hi Waldo i have a similar background to your self and enjoy working on cars, one thing i found especially after a long time is solder joints with shrink tube sound good but depending on your environment it can be bad, I live in Australia Sydney we have really hot weather and cold weather plus its high humidity so i found that shrink tube and solder is not enough so i found some shrink tube that has a glue stuff in it to protect from water ingress, the other is off ebay crimp connectors but with a shrink tube that melts there common and they work really well just thought i would let you know they are also really cheap considering the downside is if you need to splice in ether of these its going to be a mess or not possible, but as for water no chance or dry joint not possible.
P.S i have been binge watching your truck vids as well and really enjoying the videos and learning some tricks and tips you have so please keep them videos coming.
That turned out fantastic!
Put the reverse lights that are on the headache rack on a switch so you can load or unload stuff at night.
Waldo I still think you could use flashing lights on the headache rack above the roof of the cab. I was almost hit while backing into a driveway. If I would have had the flashing lights the other driver would have seen me sooner.
Good job on the Bed I like your wire stripers we use them on the Rail Road for our wiring they work great Great video
this is really good
I put coil over load leveling shocks on my 1500 chevy Silverado to take the weight & it really helps & works
You don’t need a converter. Tap into the factory trailer light plug for combined stop and turn signal light.
Excellent job and very articulate presentation. Just a thought if u use boat heat shrink it has a sealant on the inside that’s waterproof
When put the truck in reverse only the headache rack lights come on. You should wire it so the reverse lights on the bumper come on in reverse as well.
Nice job
Turned out really nice!
The LED strips inside the boxes make it possible to film in there...
:-D
Thx for showing and the cost wrap up!
The bed looks awesome
Awesome video as always
If you use candle wax on your jig saw blade it lubricates the blade when cutting aluminium. Also try a stainless steel wire brush to clean your aluminium before welding.
A+ for everything.
C- for no night shot of taillights.
Lol, amazing work!
For your wire splices you can get glue lined heatshrink with a low temp solder pre installed INSIDE THE HEATSHRINK, just heat them with hot air.
Not that there's anything at all even slightly wrong with the method shown here. These just don't need a soldering iron and are a tiny bit quicker.
I see the live free or die plate glad you did aluminum the salt here in NH sucks on steel vehicles
Turned out great
I would so pay you to do this to my truck. Great Job!
That sounds always gets me on aluminum welding 😂🤣😂
You killed it. This bed looks fantastic.
Looked at an aluminum flatbed similar to this that's professionally built for an '07 Ram 3500. $12,000 for the bed. It also didn't have box lights. So when my buddy totaled his drop deck 48' semi trailer, I offered a custom flatbed for his pickup in trade. Going to be maybe $3k total on the high end for 3 custom flatbeds.
Thank you - the quality of your builds and your videos is outstanding - you make it look so simple, easy and straightforward but we all know that is due to the huge amount of time and effort spent in planning, designing, editing and scripting each episode - thanks again.
Nice looking bed. I like your design.
I can't even, the whoopee cushion welder gets me every time...
Nice job! One change I would make it the tool box latch. Switch over to Boltlock brand and you can use your ignition key for all of the locks. I changed everything I have, tool box, trailer hitch receiver, and all of my trailers. Now I only have two keys on my key ring, ignition key and my house key. And I would have went sequential on the hash mark taillights. I did on my custom build. Since I was in the Navy, mine look like chevrons on a first class petty officers sleeve turned sideways and I even include a lighted cutout of Hero's Aeolipile, since I was a Boiler Tech.
Can't really picture it but sounds cool, make a vid of it and describe how it's done
Get yourself some magic tap fluid for cutting aluminum. You will be glad you did.
02:40 I'm so glad you mentioned this.."Sound", b/c I was always told that when you weld properly it sounds like bacon, at least with carbon steel.. so hearing that particular noise.. I was like "wtf is something wrong?"
*Edit* SO I mowed my yard in between watching this video, coming back to finish watching...
You said you don't know how "non youtubers" get anything done without the snap... ah we don't.. we just absorb content, & live vicariously through the youtubers.. lol.
I'm really curious how you did the wiring.. itself. & made it work, since the truck didn't originally have a headache rack/flatbed. You probably have another video that explains its pretty simply..? *goes to look*
CM aluminum flatbed side skirt has two tool boxes per side costs 5795.00 in my area dual wheel runs approximately 2000.00 more.
I've been binge watching all your videos for the past week and am inspired by you to start building my own stuff. Thanks Waldo!!
Also, please don't use wheel spacers!!! At least remove them when you plan to tow/haul anything!!!
Just started watching around last week and instantly subscribed I’ve been waiting for this as well as other videos. Love the content
Thank you so much!
@@WaldosWorld thank you for the content man I especially love the welding just finished welding and pipefitting school
Cant wait to see bumper build
Some people just don't stop this guy makes me tired just watching how much work he does. Gd
My tip for you as a fellow fabricator is invest in slim cutting discs and a large candle. Coat the disc with candle wax as you cut as well when you drill Aluminium. Makes life easier.
That welder works great, but the noise it makes is just too funny 😂
Wow that turned out great!!
you could replace upper lens with amber and a single stop light on top of the center headache rack
Really nice looking flatbed
Great filming Waldo !! What an education on welding aluminium , Grand job looking really good , thanks for sharing !
Thanks Steve! 🤠
Nice job. The flatbed looks killer!
it may be too late... but in future projects when welding aluminum, try turning your pre flow up a bit. that will help keep you from getting contamination in your weld as soon as it starts up.