Rosco
31st May 2009, 01:06 PM
I decided a while back that a collapsing box would be handy to hang off the tail gate of our CT. For all the times you're out in the bush and need to collect some for your next camp. Esp like the OTL up the Cape where it has all been sourced within a few hundred metres of the various creeks.
http://img269.imageshack.us/img269/2381/10045009.jpg (http://img269.imageshack.us/my.php?image=10045009.jpg)
First off I had some reinforcing mesh lying around that was just the trick.
I also had some lighter gauge left over from the cargo barrier that I decided to put inside the box on the floor and ends to stop smaller pieces falling out.
As you can see the whole box folds up to fit more or less flush against the tailgate.
http://img269.imageshack.us/img269/4165/67127389.jpg (http://img269.imageshack.us/my.php?image=67127389.jpg)
I bought a bit of 35x3 ms flat to fashion up some round loops for hinges and cleats for holding the whole shebang together.
Here it is partly opened up.
http://img269.imageshack.us/img269/8469/58675953.jpg (http://img269.imageshack.us/my.php?image=58675953.jpg)
And here it is fixed together using lynch pins to lock it all together through holes in the cleats I welded to the frame.
http://img269.imageshack.us/img269/4636/52732619.jpg (http://img269.imageshack.us/my.php?image=52732619.jpg)
Another view of it all together. The diagonals on the sides and front are to stop it falling out of shape (much the same as on a gate).
Got the lot galvanized to keep it tidy and there you go.
All up cost was bugger all. Most expensive bit was $54 for the galv.
As a test I stood in it and it took my weight easily ... and I'm far from anexoric so I figure it should handle 40 odd kgs with ease.
I'm no welder or blacksmith so it doesn't look too flash, but I reckon it'll do the job. Best thing I did was get an auto darkening helmet ... brilliant!!
Turns an absolutely hopeless welder into a bad one .. :D
Edit .... Just in case you're wondering. I also had to use some short bits of 25x3 SHS as spacers on the sides to clear the folded section on the tail gate.
Should work for anyone, as long as the tailgate is strong. I expect we'll remove the wood first, before opening it just to be on the safe side.
http://img269.imageshack.us/img269/2381/10045009.jpg (http://img269.imageshack.us/my.php?image=10045009.jpg)
First off I had some reinforcing mesh lying around that was just the trick.
I also had some lighter gauge left over from the cargo barrier that I decided to put inside the box on the floor and ends to stop smaller pieces falling out.
As you can see the whole box folds up to fit more or less flush against the tailgate.
http://img269.imageshack.us/img269/4165/67127389.jpg (http://img269.imageshack.us/my.php?image=67127389.jpg)
I bought a bit of 35x3 ms flat to fashion up some round loops for hinges and cleats for holding the whole shebang together.
Here it is partly opened up.
http://img269.imageshack.us/img269/8469/58675953.jpg (http://img269.imageshack.us/my.php?image=58675953.jpg)
And here it is fixed together using lynch pins to lock it all together through holes in the cleats I welded to the frame.
http://img269.imageshack.us/img269/4636/52732619.jpg (http://img269.imageshack.us/my.php?image=52732619.jpg)
Another view of it all together. The diagonals on the sides and front are to stop it falling out of shape (much the same as on a gate).
Got the lot galvanized to keep it tidy and there you go.
All up cost was bugger all. Most expensive bit was $54 for the galv.
As a test I stood in it and it took my weight easily ... and I'm far from anexoric so I figure it should handle 40 odd kgs with ease.
I'm no welder or blacksmith so it doesn't look too flash, but I reckon it'll do the job. Best thing I did was get an auto darkening helmet ... brilliant!!
Turns an absolutely hopeless welder into a bad one .. :D
Edit .... Just in case you're wondering. I also had to use some short bits of 25x3 SHS as spacers on the sides to clear the folded section on the tail gate.
Should work for anyone, as long as the tailgate is strong. I expect we'll remove the wood first, before opening it just to be on the safe side.