kald
Well-known member
Very Nice Work!! Think in about selling my Bobcat 225g and picking up a mig.
That bulkhead looks like it's a cow catcher for a Jeep.
That bulkhead looks like it's a cow catcher for a Jeep.
1980 Datsun Flatbed Project
- Thread starter nathan_454
- Start date
OP
nathan_454
Well-known member
getting closer and closer to going to powder coating!
Last edited:
bad_idea
Well-known member
I'm digging the project. I can see the use of a small truck with a flatbed. But powdercoat?!! How much are you investing in this? Who do you know with an oven that big? Again, not bashing it, you can't take the money with you I guess.
rockchucker
Well-known member
Nice Fab work. Great Welding!!! Cool little Truck and Bed. Well done!
OP
nathan_454
Well-known member
I would say I have 3 to 4 hundred into it at this point. was quoted a hundred dollars to powdercoat it here locally, theres a real big coating shop that does lots of large industrial pieces, his oven is 15x40 or so, so no sweat doing my bed, He said he will put my bed in with a large lot or parts to be coated the same color (semi-gloss industrial black) which also cuts costs.
I can't paint it for what I can get it powdercoated for.
bad_idea
Well-known member
$100 ain't bad at all. What are your intended plans for use? Average home owner or business use? What kind of work do you do for a living? That is awfully nice fit up and welding for an average Joe, are you a welder by trade?
OP
nathan_454
Well-known member
5lima30
Well-known member
Nice work! Brings back memories, I had a 78' Datsun P/U when I first went in the AF. Good little trucks the bodies would rust out before you could wear out the drive-train.
Nice work! What did the light buckets come off of? Look like a semi trailer type? Anyway looks super nice and done right with the stake pockets and rail. I have a Dodge Cummins with a flat bed and although I was apprehensive as to going hillbilly style (flat bed) after owning one every man should have one they are super convenient!
HOTFR8
Banned
Those lights are an aftermarket LED as I have them on the back of my F4 (HOTFR8) with a chrome suround.
OP
nathan_454
Well-known member
the lights started as these:
http://www.truck-lite.com/webapp/wc...10001&storeId=10001&productId=24187&langId=-1
http://www.truck-lite.com/webapp/wc...10001&storeId=10001&productId=24187&langId=-1
HOTFR8
Banned
neonnblack
Well-known member
OP
nathan_454
Well-known member
yeah I know, I went over my bandwidth on photobucket, and dont feel like re-hosting all the photo's, they will be back up shortly
HOTFR8
Banned
You can host photos here although at present I am not 100% sure about that as I am having problems in a couple of other topics.
OP
nathan_454
Well-known member
Pictures should be back up now, also look for updates soon the bed is going to powder coat on Tuesday!
OP
nathan_454
Well-known member
decided at the last minute to add some running lights to the rear bumper:
got her on the trailer tonight ready to drop off at the powder coater after work tomorrow:
I am hoping they can have it done friday so I can pick it up and get it assembled next weekend!
got her on the trailer tonight ready to drop off at the powder coater after work tomorrow:
I am hoping they can have it done friday so I can pick it up and get it assembled next weekend!
smartmonkey
Member
Have a look on datsunminitruckin.com for some more info on your datsun
HOTFR8
Banned
Must be time for a project update.
OP
nathan_454
Well-known member
no real updates yet. The bed is at the powdercoater. Will probably pick it up Friday.
HOTFR8
Banned
Updates on Friday ? 
OP
nathan_454
Well-known member
as soon as I get it back i will start snapping pics, and updating the thread!
OP
nathan_454
Well-known member
here is some teasers that my buddy who coated it for me shot:
going to pick it up in the am
going to pick it up in the am
HOTFR8
Banned
Nice finish, is it gloss or matt ?
Duramax963
Member
- Joined
- May 15, 2012
- Messages
- 13
That thing is sweet.
e30bradley
Well-known member
the only word I can't of for this is AWSOME. I'd like to do basically the same thing with my ranger.. no where near this quality. I don't have the skills. and I don't have a welder..yet. Keep up the good work
OP
nathan_454
Well-known member
It is 60 % gloss with High UV protection, so it won't fade over time.
not too shiny yet not so flat that it can't be wiped clean.
not too shiny yet not so flat that it can't be wiped clean.
Last edited:
bad_idea
Well-known member
that turned out nice. well done.
OP
nathan_454
Well-known member
HOTFR8
Banned
Now that is looking very nice. Looking to see the lights fitted again now as that will make it lok very good.
bad_idea
Well-known member
That is way too nice for an 81 datsun pickup!
NASTYZEN
Well-known member
You know, now you just have to perfectly restore the 81 to be able to match that beauty flatbed. Nicely done project.
Anticipating the pic's !
Anticipating the pic's !
Cool project and looks great! How do you like the Millermatic? I've always wanted to weld, but haven't taken the plunge till I signed up for a welding class at a local college to start this Fall. How does the welder work on 110V? (or are you strictly using 220?)
OP
nathan_454
Well-known member
its an 80 ;-)
I run the machine on 220 just because I have it, I have tried it on 110 and it seems to do ok on the thinner stuff.
You know, now you just have to perfectly restore the 81 to be able to match that beauty flatbed. Nicely done project.
Anticipating the pic's !
I plan to paint the truck and purdy it up later this summer.
bad_idea
Well-known member
An 80? Well that changes everything! Is that flatbed good enough for the truck?