With the economy nowdays, you got to save a buck where you can... - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Tx Firefighter · 12-13-2008, 03:16 PM

I just wanted to post a bit of experience I've had lately on my truck.

I've been outfitting my 3/4 ton as a welding rig and in doing so, built a bumper, tailgate, and now racks and brackets inside the bed for the torch, welder, cables, etc..

I built everything myself, and painted it using that cheap Alkyd enamel Tractor Supply paint. It's 28 bucks a gallon right off the shelf. I also bought their store brand paint hardener. All total, for a gallon of paint, pint of hardender, and quart of reducer with tax, it was 51 dollars.

Overall, I'm 150 percent happy with the results. It takes awhile longer to fully harden, and I do expect a decrease in long term durability compared to name brand paint, but for less than 1/2 the price in materials compared to mainline paint, it fits the bill perfectly.

I highly recommend this route for non critical applications like frames, suspension, brackets, or in my case, rigging out a work truck.

With the money I saved I will be able to buy more stuff to make this turd better than ever.

**leddzepp** · 12-13-2008, 03:19 PM

Turd hell....that's a great looking truck!

BLAZERMAN · 12-13-2008, 04:08 PM

I think its a great looking truck as well..would love to see a closer look at that rear bumper. You do good work!

Tx Firefighter · 12-13-2008, 04:47 PM

It's 4 inch schedule 40 pipe with 90 degree elbows. 4 inch channel backbone. 3/4 inch angle iron smaller structure, diamond plate skin. Hidden reciever hitch behind the plate with recessed, hidden trailer light plug.

jholley · 12-13-2008, 05:36 PM

That bumper is awesome. You should market them.

harlyworkr · 12-13-2008, 05:41 PM

Pure class, love the helpfull hint and the quality of work.

Husker · 12-13-2008, 06:36 PM

NICE work
Ron

Pillow · 12-13-2008, 07:01 PM

That hidden hitch is awesome! Great work.

**LockDoc** · 12-13-2008, 07:16 PM

-
Tx, that bumper must weigh as much as my whole Short Bed pickup..... That thing is KILLER! I think you should market them too. I could do wheelies with that bolted on the rear..

LockDoc

chevychase · 12-13-2008, 07:24 PM

Heluva job, I'm lovin that hidden hitch too!

thirdstreettito · 12-13-2008, 07:26 PM

Wow! Really cool! Pics of the in-bed racks?

dfosh · 12-13-2008, 07:56 PM

Now that a Texas bumper . Me and my son built a new pull behind 6'wide12' long pull behind trailer for his mowers . HE a fire fighter and mowes on his days off . We used that paint and primer didnt use the hardner took it forever to cure . We had used it before on another trailer with hardner and it worked great holds up real well . Your bumper looks good .

toomanytoyz · 12-13-2008, 09:26 PM

Great Job on the Bumper & Tailgate, I use that Type Paint on Frames with Good Results..........

Rick

1972CheyenneSuper · 12-13-2008, 11:39 PM

I really like that bumper. Nice idea with the work lights. Now you just need a headache rack for some extra worklights, then you'll be able to work anytime of the day. Sort of like what my boss has on his truck, minus the beacons and arrow stick. The worklights can be turned in the square tubing to go out to the side. (I'd imagine you could do the same thing with tubing.) Then you could throw a few more lights on in the middle to illuminate your truck bed and welding equipment.

Also just wondering, do you have a spot to hook your trailer safety chains to?

thirdstreettito · 12-13-2008, 11:45 PM

Nice rack!

phipp13 · 12-14-2008, 02:07 AM

mighty shiney turd! good thing you got a real truck to hang your talents on. thats mobile art! wish we lived closer we got a lot in common. i'll fire you some pics of my handy work soon. you'll see v/r phipp13

Tx Firefighter · 12-14-2008, 03:57 AM

You fellas are mighty kind with the compliments.

Once I get the torch and welder installed, I will post some more pictures of the end result.

71 burb · 12-14-2008, 07:22 AM

real nice bumper are you going to mount a vise on it

retodd7711 · 12-14-2008, 07:36 AM

Without a tail gate a man still needs a place to sit and enjoy a cool beverage.
That bumper looks like a fine place to park a butt and relax.
Great idea and skill.

R.L. · 12-14-2008, 09:02 AM

Yes fine work.

va_tlc · 12-14-2008, 09:37 AM

i agree you do some fine work,

12-13-2008, 03:16 PM	#1
Tx Firefighter Watch out for your cornhole ! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Azle, Texas Posts: 14,162	With the economy nowdays, you got to save a buck where you can... I just wanted to post a bit of experience I've had lately on my truck. I've been outfitting my 3/4 ton as a welding rig and in doing so, built a bumper, tailgate, and now racks and brackets inside the bed for the torch, welder, cables, etc.. I built everything myself, and painted it using that cheap Alkyd enamel Tractor Supply paint. It's 28 bucks a gallon right off the shelf. I also bought their store brand paint hardener. All total, for a gallon of paint, pint of hardender, and quart of reducer with tax, it was 51 dollars. Overall, I'm 150 percent happy with the results. It takes awhile longer to fully harden, and I do expect a decrease in long term durability compared to name brand paint, but for less than 1/2 the price in materials compared to mainline paint, it fits the bill perfectly. I highly recommend this route for non critical applications like frames, suspension, brackets, or in my case, rigging out a work truck. With the money I saved I will be able to buy more stuff to make this turd better than ever. __________________ I'm on the Instagram- @Gearhead_Kevin

12-13-2008, 03:19 PM	#2
leddzepp Moderator Join Date: May 2007 Location: Southern Cal Posts: 20,036	Re: With the economy nowdays, you got to save a buck where you can... Turd hell....that's a great looking truck!

12-13-2008, 04:08 PM	#3
BLAZERMAN Currently Blazerless Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: St. Joseph Mo. Posts: 4,828	Re: With the economy nowdays, you got to save a buck where you can... I think its a great looking truck as well..would love to see a closer look at that rear bumper. You do good work! __________________ 1972 C/30 133" W.B. C&C 1970 GMC 3500 157" W.B. single wheel C&C

12-13-2008, 04:47 PM	#4
Tx Firefighter Watch out for your cornhole ! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Azle, Texas Posts: 14,162	Re: With the economy nowdays, you got to save a buck where you can... It's 4 inch schedule 40 pipe with 90 degree elbows. 4 inch channel backbone. 3/4 inch angle iron smaller structure, diamond plate skin. Hidden reciever hitch behind the plate with recessed, hidden trailer light plug. __________________ I'm on the Instagram- @Gearhead_Kevin Last edited by Tx Firefighter; 12-13-2008 at 04:48 PM.

12-13-2008, 05:36 PM	#5
jholley Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: TX Posts: 737	Re: With the economy nowdays, you got to save a buck where you can... That bumper is awesome. You should market them. __________________ ------------------------------------------------- Jim Garage fillers... 85 Chevy C10 Silverado LWB 07 Nissan Altima 2006 Mini Cooper S

12-13-2008, 05:41 PM	#6
harlyworkr Registered User Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Kansas City Kansas Posts: 212	Re: With the economy nowdays, you got to save a buck where you can... Pure class, love the helpfull hint and the quality of work.

12-13-2008, 06:36 PM	#7
Husker Registered User Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Mid NE USA Posts: 2,212	Re: With the economy nowdays, you got to save a buck where you can... NICE work Ron __________________ Member #111 68 C-10 Daily Driver 70 4x4 Project 76 Jeep CJ-5 Help Support the Board: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/payments.php He who knows nothing is closer to the truth than he whose mind is filled with falsehoods and errors. Thomas Jefferson

12-13-2008, 07:01 PM	#8
Pillow Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Warrenton VA Posts: 144	Re: With the economy nowdays, you got to save a buck where you can... That hidden hitch is awesome! Great work. __________________ '71 C-10 with 5.3 LS2 cam & NWC T5 - Patina King! '83 Jeep Cherokee w 5.3 LS9 cam & SM465 NP208 swap in progress '92 Volvo 960 wagon w 5.3 LS7 cam & WC T5 swap in progress '79 Porsche 911 SC '48 Spartan Mansion 30' travel trailer '10 Porsche Cayenne S - Daily

12-13-2008, 07:16 PM	#9
LockDoc The Older Generation Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Montezuma, Iowa Posts: 25,818	Re: With the economy nowdays, you got to save a buck where you can... - Tx, that bumper must weigh as much as my whole Short Bed pickup..... That thing is KILLER! I think you should market them too. I could do wheelies with that bolted on the rear.. LockDoc __________________ Leon Locksmith, Specializing In Antique Trucks, Automobiles, & Motorcycles (My Dually Pickup Project Thread) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=829820 - Last edited by LockDoc; 12-13-2008 at 07:18 PM.

12-13-2008, 07:24 PM	#10
chevychase Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Boca Raton, FL Posts: 476	Re: With the economy nowdays, you got to save a buck where you can... Heluva job, I'm lovin that hidden hitch too!

12-13-2008, 07:26 PM	#11
thirdstreettito Resident of Here Join Date: May 2008 Location: Wesley Chapel, FL, USA Posts: 7,716	Re: With the economy nowdays, you got to save a buck where you can... Wow! Really cool! Pics of the in-bed racks? __________________ ~Bradley~ 2004 Black GTO LS2/T56 too much to list Miss having a truck

12-13-2008, 07:56 PM	#12
dfosh Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: greeneville tn Posts: 237	Re: With the economy nowdays, you got to save a buck where you can... Now that a Texas bumper . Me and my son built a new pull behind 6'wide12' long pull behind trailer for his mowers . HE a fire fighter and mowes on his days off . We used that paint and primer didnt use the hardner took it forever to cure . We had used it before on another trailer with hardner and it worked great holds up real well . Your bumper looks good .

12-13-2008, 09:26 PM	#13
toomanytoyz Luv the Crewcabs Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Andrews, In. 46702 Posts: 4,097	Re: With the economy nowdays, you got to save a buck where you can... Great Job on the Bumper & Tailgate, I use that Type Paint on Frames with Good Results.......... Rick __________________ 55 Nomad 52 Willys Truck 67 Stepper 67 Fleet 68 Wrecker 68 Suburban 76 Crewcab 79 Gmc Dumptruck 84 Blazer 86 Crewcab Stepside 87 Iroc 89 GMC Plow Truck 91 Camaro Vert 96 Z71 Stepsde

12-13-2008, 11:39 PM	#14
1972CheyenneSuper Registered User Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: ND Posts: 229	Re: With the economy nowdays, you got to save a buck where you can... I really like that bumper. Nice idea with the work lights. Now you just need a headache rack for some extra worklights, then you'll be able to work anytime of the day. Sort of like what my boss has on his truck, minus the beacons and arrow stick. The worklights can be turned in the square tubing to go out to the side. (I'd imagine you could do the same thing with tubing.) Then you could throw a few more lights on in the middle to illuminate your truck bed and welding equipment. Also just wondering, do you have a spot to hook your trailer safety chains to? __________________ 1972 Chevy C-10 Cheyenne Super - Buckets, A/C, "The 17 Year Revival Project" Last edited by 1972CheyenneSuper; 12-13-2008 at 11:49 PM.

12-13-2008, 11:45 PM	#15
thirdstreettito Resident of Here Join Date: May 2008 Location: Wesley Chapel, FL, USA Posts: 7,716	Re: With the economy nowdays, you got to save a buck where you can... Nice rack! __________________ ~Bradley~ 2004 Black GTO LS2/T56 too much to list Miss having a truck



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12-14-2008, 02:07 AM	#16
phipp13 THE DAMN YANKEE Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Southern MD Posts: 551	Re: With the economy nowdays, you got to save a buck where you can... mighty shiney turd! good thing you got a real truck to hang your talents on. thats mobile art! wish we lived closer we got a lot in common. i'll fire you some pics of my handy work soon. you'll see v/r phipp13

12-14-2008, 03:57 AM	#17
Tx Firefighter Watch out for your cornhole ! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Azle, Texas Posts: 14,162	Re: With the economy nowdays, you got to save a buck where you can... You fellas are mighty kind with the compliments. Once I get the torch and welder installed, I will post some more pictures of the end result. __________________ I'm on the Instagram- @Gearhead_Kevin

12-14-2008, 07:22 AM	#18
71 burb Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: mount olive al Posts: 176	Re: With the economy nowdays, you got to save a buck where you can... real nice bumper are you going to mount a vise on it

12-14-2008, 07:36 AM	#19
retodd7711 chrome makes it go FASTER! Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Cleveland Tennessee Posts: 2,884	Re: With the economy nowdays, you got to save a buck where you can... Without a tail gate a man still needs a place to sit and enjoy a cool beverage. That bumper looks like a fine place to park a butt and relax. Great idea and skill. __________________ She can't cook and she won't clean. But she looks good in a skirt and she brings me beer. She can stay for now. EDIT:: But she left me anyway, So forget her. 1962 GMC Stepside V6 4 speed My rolling resto thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=324226 My old farm truck http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1#post3465005

12-14-2008, 09:02 AM	#20
R.L. Registered User Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Mobile, Al. Posts: 687	Re: With the economy nowdays, you got to save a buck where you can... Yes fine work.

12-14-2008, 09:37 AM	#21
va_tlc Registered User Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: VIRGINIA Posts: 905	Re: With the economy nowdays, you got to save a buck where you can... i agree you do some fine work, __________________ 1969 rs 1966fastback 1969swbc/10 2006gt 1972swb4x4

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