The Howler goes on a diet
The Howler has gotten too fat. Before we snap an axle or trip off a rock it's time to lose some weight.
The completely enclosed bed was made from 1x1 & 1x2 tube and 3/16" diamond plate. Heavy stuff. Actually, too heavy. I took the top plate off a couple of years ago.
Now it's time to replace the remaining diamond plate with something lighter and move the tool boxes, propane tank and hi-lift down to lower the CoG.
The 1st step was easy, unbolt the tool boxes. The next step wasn't so easy, cut out the diamond plate bed walls, the header and the floor. It was also the most fun. Cut the plate 75% loose and then rip it out.
To ease the remaining work, I welded in the new floor next.
The 1x1 platform that the tool boxes and propane tank sit on got the sawzall.
4" cut off the verticals.
And weld the platform back on.
Bed sides
and the header panel
Next:
The tailgate needs to get cut down and get the support chains welded back on.
and the fuel filler hose needs to clear the propane mount.