Sliding welder mount on top of service body

[ronsii]

Hi everyone , I need some ideas and suggestions on how to mount a TB325 on this Stahl service box, it needs to be a sliding mount because the plan is to extend the doghouse forward to the front of the box to enclose the welder with side access doors. I've looked around a bit and most the sliding bed/cargo systems seem to be fairly tall at around 5-7 inches in height... right now with the height of the doghouse at ~36" and the welder at ~33.5" I don't have much room to play with... short of major surgery on the box/doghouse although thinking outside the box suggestions are most certainly welcome also.

So any ideas you all might have on commercial or home made slider mounts is certainly welcome. I have plenty of room on the sides of where the welder would sit and extra room in front and behind the welder for longer slides to get the most extension from it. Sorry don't have a lot of measurements yet as just got this project thrown at me yesterday.

Thanks again for all the help

[Bls repair]

What about a cover over the welder mounted on a piano hinge,with actuators to raise cover to access welder?

[ronsii]

Hmmmm, I'll have to do some measuring and see not sure how hard it would be to make the whole perimeter of the cover rainproof but probably not too much more than doors; access to the side facing the back of the cab would still be somewhat limited but would sure simplify the mounting. something to think on....

[cd19]

I get the idea but seems like more hassle than it's worth, I'd just bolt that welder down and roll. If you don't use it much just get one of the fabric covers they sell for them.

[6Boys]

I haven't had a cover on mine in years and it's no worse for wear. They're designed to be outside. Might sound bold, but I never put the cover on because it was always too hot and then by the time I could put it on it was already wet.

[sky hy ironman]

Here's a idea for you.

Unknown builder.



Also checkout CargoGlide

They seem to offer many styles to fit different needs.

http://www.cargoglide.com/

[ronsii]

Nice!!! Now I'm drooling really like the cable carrier setup... just like my cnc's only bigger!!!

Yeah, I looked at Cargoslide,bedslide,slidezilla and a few other I came across on the web... most all of them put all the sliding mechanism right under the slide which adds to overall height unfortunately.... I've drawn up a starter design that only adds 1.5 inches under the welder and puts the bearing and channels outboard with a vertical offset which should work now it's just a matter of finding time to fab up everything unless the plans get changed before I get to it.... I'll post up pics with updates when I can, Thanks again for the suggestions and input.

[Baloo2327]

You might want to look into RV drawer glides. When I built my service van I found some that were 4ft and full extension. There might be some others that will handle the weight of the welder without any problem. I thought I saw some for 1,000 lbs rating which would be plenty for the Trailblazer.

[ronsii]

Good idea the more I can find pre-made the quicker this will get done.

[docwelder]

I haven't had a cover on mine in years and it's no worse for wear. They're designed to be outside. Might sound bold, but I never put the cover on because it was always too hot and then by the time I could put it on it was already wet.

good thinking 6b. bossman got a brand new blue cover for the welder. first day out one of the geniuses on the truck put that brand new cover on the smoking hot machine and the muffler melted a big hole in the cover. the boss was less than best pleased.

[matyboom808]

I get the idea but seems like more hassle than it's worth, I'd just bolt that welder down and roll. If you don't use it much just get one of the fabric covers they sell for them.

X2 on this. Bolt her down. We have to cover ours here, with the intense sun the paint would be gone in a year.

[Bls repair]

Had a cover on mine ,within 1.5 years dry rotted and tore to pieces.

[scsmith42]

Here's a idea for you.

Unknown builder.




Also checkout CargoGlide

They seem to offer many styles to fit different needs.

http://www.cargoglide.com/

That is one sweet looking setup! Would love to see more pix of it if they are available.

[ronsii]

The above pic seems to be from these guys---> http://northskagitsteel.com/ didn't find any other pics on their site... but could be, also found a cool body here ---> http://www.nicholsfleet.com/products...-service-truck

[scsmith42]

The above pic seems to be from these guys---> http://northskagitsteel.com/ didn't find any other pics on their site... but could be, also found a cool body here ---> http://www.nicholsfleet.com/products...-service-truck

Thanks!

[sky hy ironman]

Yep, Thanks for the info

The above pic seems to be from these guys---> http://northskagitsteel.com/ didn't find any other pics on their site... but could be, also found a cool body here ---> http://www.nicholsfleet.com/products...-service-truck

[ronsii]

Well, pretty much decided to go with a slide versus hinged cover. just too hard to access the side panels on the welder for servicing and stuff. So I got the sled for the welder to sit in fabbed up today.
The flat plates are where the welder bolts up I left extra room in case it needs to move fore/aft a few inches.

[sky hy ironman]

File this away for the future

[ronsii]

Made a bit of progress today: got the doghouse extended and the sled mounted on it's bearings. I went with 3/4x1-3/4x1/2 bearings as they were plenty good for more than 2x on the static load i calced for this design. Also didn't put any side rollers in... if it needs them I'll add em' later

[ronsii]

[scsmith42]

Looking good!

[ronsii]

Thanks

Gotta find a door for it now... would like to find a matching door from a wrecked service body but can't seem to find any near here... so probably just go with a plate of aluminum 1/8 - 1/4 for now.

[ronsii]

Found a piece of 1/4 inch aluminum plate to cut the door out of, also got the door frame welded on the box





Just gotta find some hinges and a latch and we'll be in business!!!

[ronsii]

Things are moving a little slow on this rig... but I did manage to get some time into it today after regular work


Found some stainless hinges online that had enough offset when put on backwards to work out pretty slick, also found an Eberhard multi point latch that matches the rest of the trucks hardware



The latch isnt fastened on the door yet, I have to make a gasket for it then will be all set!!!

[ronsii]

Thought I'd post up a quick update: shot some paint on it yesterday evening, so making a little progress... it's hard when busy season hits all at once