What size sqaure tube?

[LazarusMJ]

I'm planning on making a new bed w/ integrated rollbar and a set of sliders. What is the best size to use? 2x2 or 2x4? I know that 2x4 stock is stronger, and that is what i plan to use for the sliders. But will the 2x2 hold up well enough for a rollbar/bedcage?

I plan on making a "stepside" bed with tubes for support and J series stepside fenders.

 

[davidt]

.120 wall will be fine for the bed, I wouldn't make the cage out of square, do it with round. Depending on design, .120 wall or .188 wall for the cage is plenty. good luck and post some pictures. Here is my (unfinished) bed. Still needs some diamond plate...

 

[LazarusMJ]

The reason I was asking about square tube is because i am a Novice fabricator and I wanted to keep it simple.

 

[davidt]

The reason I was asking about square tube is because i am a Novice fabricator and I wanted to keep it simple.

I am too, one thing you will learn about fabrication is...there is nothing simple about it. Good luck and keep us updated.

 

[LazarusMJ]

Well I jsut finished the schematics for my bed. I don't know how much all the material is gonna cost but it looks expensive. I'm gonna need 15' of .120 wall 2"x4', about 35' of 2"x2" and at least 5 4'x8' sheets of 1/8" steel. I'm gonna call the local dump body fabricator (Osgood's Welding, for any familiar with my area) to see what their prices are.

 

[davidt]

I have about $150 in to mine if that gives you an idea. I would concentrate on the bed for now, it is less critical. The roll cage should wait until you get mor eexperience.

 

[LazarusMJ]

The bed is the only part that I was going to cage, to support the 1/8 inch panels. In the front i am going to make a rollbar out of 2x4 sticking above the cab so in the future i can add an exo-cage.

 

[CRASH]

Well I jsut finished the schematics for my bed. I don't know how much all the material is gonna cost but it looks expensive. I'm gonna need 15' of .120 wall 2"x4', about 35' of 2"x2" and at least 5 4'x8' sheets of 1/8" steel. I'm gonna call the local dump body fabricator (Osgood's Welding, for any familiar with my area) to see what their prices are.

Sounds lightweight! Why in gawd's name would you need 5 sheets of .120 for a bed???

 

[Jeff 98XJ WI]

Just for some inspiration, take a look at the xjdatabase that billy has. I posted some pics there of an MJ a guy near be built into a stepside. You might find some good ideas there. Jeff

http://www.xjdb.com/modules.php?set...ame=gallery&file=index&include=view_photo.php

http://www.xjdb.com/modules.php?set...lery&file=index&include=view_album.php&page=7

http://www.xjdb.com/modules.php?set...lery&file=index&include=view_album.php&page=8

 

[LazarusMJ]

Sounds lightweight! Why in gawd's name would you need 5 sheets of .120 for a bed???

You think 1/8" would be to thick? I am making a built in toolbox and area for a fuel cell to be stored. I might be able to get away with only 4 sheets. I am going to finish my blueprints with measurements and will post them.

 

[LazarusMJ]

Well, I would be posting the blueprints in this post, but my damn scanner isn't working. I have been f*cking with it all day and it has successfully pissed me off. Hopefully I will have them posted soon, so you fine folks can give me your opinions.

 

[MaXJohnson]

You think 1/8" would be to thick? I am making a built in toolbox and area for a fuel cell to be stored. I might be able to get away with only 4 sheets. I am going to finish my blueprints with measurements and will post them.

@ 5lbs/sq ft, 1 sheet would weigh 160lbs and 5 sheets would add a modest 800 lbs to your Jeep. Good bye weight advantage...

 

[LazarusMJ]

@ 5lbs/sq ft, 1 sheet would weigh 160lbs and 5 sheets would add a modest 800 lbs to your Jeep. Good bye weight advantage...

wow! Looks like im only using 1/8th on the floor. thanks for the info.

 

[LazarusMJ]

Here are the plans for my bed.

Bed Project album.

http://community.webshots.com/user/lazarusmj

Any and all opinions welcome.

 

[XJ_ranger]

i kinda like the wooden flares on the bed you got...

:gag:

 

[mwm]

i kinda like the wooden flares on the bed you got...

:gag:

Same thing i was thinkin, thats some hard-core custom fender design right there!

 

[LazarusMJ]

i kinda like the wooden flares on the bed you got...

:gag:

I do also but I'm tired of the hillbilly redneck hick looking twisted 2x6 bedsides.

 

[Lincoln]

The only advice I could give is rethink your use of the sheet steel. You should need 1/8" anywhere if you have a large span stitch a piece of small angle across the back side to make it stiff.

From what I could see (can't see anything tonight ) you have enough framework to drop a lot of the tubes down to .095 or .083. If they aren't in a place that is going to get slammed by rocks or trees lighten it up. .120 for structure and thin stuff everywhere else. That will help keep the weight within reason.