my "new" t/c hauler project "Revisited"

bka0721 wrote:

recycler wrote:
did a rough sketch for a home built hauler body for the f550..

the body would be tapered in toward the front at the end of the opening for the forward doors..spare tire would go in the middle toward the front pass through behind it..the little rectangle under middle door is a turn signal as the truck is getting converted to have seperate brake/turn/running lights..would be built of steel tubing and sheet steel

Looking at you sketch and seeing you live in the Rust Belt, I just wonder if you can really build a Service Body cheaper than you can get one delivered from a catalog. With materials, hinges, seals, rust prevention cladding, powder coating, location to assemble and jigs all come with a price. I will look forward to watching your project move forward. I am also interested in how you work around the EPA regs in putting a non conforming engine into a Ford truck, living in a state with strict emissions. Personally it would be great to see a Cummins in your F550.

well if i build the hauler body it will be built with some reclaimed materials.. some of which would be from the last hauler body i started with that construction method for a d150 dually shortbed conversion i started..ended up being 4x4 mud truck instead..so hopefully cost would not be as high though things like handles and such will be big part of the cost..as for the engine swap my 550 is old enough it didn't really have any emission systems on it..no dpf or egr so far as i have been able to tell so i figure that should help that..best part is i will be using the dodge transmission which has a higher overdrive gear .69 instead of .71...