WaterH
Well-known member
That only does V-belts. I have a serpentine belt.
edit, I guess they call them micro V belts
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Amphibious HEMTT
- Thread starter WaterH
- Start date
That only does V-belts. I have a serpentine belt.
edit, I guess they call them micro V belts
WaterH
Well-known member
Note on last post, I ordered one of those Gates belt tension gauges. It a POS. Never thought Gates would build something of such poor quality.
Anyways I have another up date.
While working on the never ending task of wiring, I realized I need a dimmer switch. I've always liked a floor dimmer and I truly delight in explaining it to younguns on my Bronco. I also wanted a left foot rest. I figured I should incorporate them together. I made a foot rest on the pax side next to the window. The main purpose is to have something to push against in the event of a exciting situation. (Other than the window) On the driver's side there wasn't any room for a rest next to the window, so I needed it to go over the window. Of course, it couldn't be solid or it would defeat the purpose of the window. So those were the goals.
I decided to make the whole thing out of stainless so it wouldn't rust after I scratch the paint off. It was to be fashioned into a grating to be "see through".
I started with stainless flat bar 1" x 1/8" welded in to some stainless angle. Since I wanted it to be as invisible as possible, I welded the rails at a slight angle. This proved to be quite a chore to set up.
I clamped a spacer in between to keep it straight, spaced and at the correct angle.
I had to make a location for the dimmer switch, so I just flipped a some section of angle around to form a pocket.
I kept moving the spacer and welding new rails in at the same angle.
After making some mounts to raise it about an inch over the glass, I tried it out.
Not real noticeable from the outside. I think it will be less noticeable after paint, glass and the bumper is back on.
It looks decent.
When sitting in the driver's seat, you can see how the slats line up with your eyes.
Of course, if I'm using the rest or the dimmer, most of the view is blocked.
It took a long time to make, but I'm happy with it. Its heavier than you would think. It also appears to be very strong when pushing yourself into the seat.
Anyways I have another up date.
While working on the never ending task of wiring, I realized I need a dimmer switch. I've always liked a floor dimmer and I truly delight in explaining it to younguns on my Bronco. I also wanted a left foot rest. I figured I should incorporate them together. I made a foot rest on the pax side next to the window. The main purpose is to have something to push against in the event of a exciting situation. (Other than the window) On the driver's side there wasn't any room for a rest next to the window, so I needed it to go over the window. Of course, it couldn't be solid or it would defeat the purpose of the window. So those were the goals.
I decided to make the whole thing out of stainless so it wouldn't rust after I scratch the paint off. It was to be fashioned into a grating to be "see through".
I started with stainless flat bar 1" x 1/8" welded in to some stainless angle. Since I wanted it to be as invisible as possible, I welded the rails at a slight angle. This proved to be quite a chore to set up.
I clamped a spacer in between to keep it straight, spaced and at the correct angle.
I had to make a location for the dimmer switch, so I just flipped a some section of angle around to form a pocket.
I kept moving the spacer and welding new rails in at the same angle.
After making some mounts to raise it about an inch over the glass, I tried it out.
Not real noticeable from the outside. I think it will be less noticeable after paint, glass and the bumper is back on.
It looks decent.
When sitting in the driver's seat, you can see how the slats line up with your eyes.
Of course, if I'm using the rest or the dimmer, most of the view is blocked.
It took a long time to make, but I'm happy with it. Its heavier than you would think. It also appears to be very strong when pushing yourself into the seat.
CDA 455 II
ANFAQUE2
Nice dead-pedal. 
Mr Stubs
Taste my rainbow, bitches
WaterH
Well-known member
In a perfect world!
WaterH
Well-known member
So even though I've been working on the time machine, I still work on the HEMTT.
The same day I bought the Delorean I also bought these rollers. I plan to use them to make it easier to paint the cab.
I covered the bottom of the sleeper bed with some Kilmat. It's supposed to deaden sound and insulate heat/cold. I hope it stays stuck hanging upside down over a hot engine.
I painted my first big part with the HF spraygun. Not sure if you can see here, but it didn't really come out nice. It should go on wet and dry flat. This went on flat and dried uneven.
It also was rough. I'm not looking for concourse here, but that won't do. So I thinned the paint 2 parts paint, one part thinner. Sprayed a second coat.
Again, you probably can't see it here, but it's much better.
In other news, I'm almost finished with wiring. What a mess. Now that it works, I have to "neaten" it up.
This would be so so much easier if it was a buggy with no heat and AC.
The same day I bought the Delorean I also bought these rollers. I plan to use them to make it easier to paint the cab.
I covered the bottom of the sleeper bed with some Kilmat. It's supposed to deaden sound and insulate heat/cold. I hope it stays stuck hanging upside down over a hot engine.
I painted my first big part with the HF spraygun. Not sure if you can see here, but it didn't really come out nice. It should go on wet and dry flat. This went on flat and dried uneven.
It also was rough. I'm not looking for concourse here, but that won't do. So I thinned the paint 2 parts paint, one part thinner. Sprayed a second coat.
Again, you probably can't see it here, but it's much better.
In other news, I'm almost finished with wiring. What a mess. Now that it works, I have to "neaten" it up.
This would be so so much easier if it was a buggy with no heat and AC.
Provience
Kill!
awesome. paint always looks better in pictures 
WaterH
Well-known member
awesome. paint always looks better in pictures
To be clear, the only color paint is the panel hanging on the paint rack. I know the front of the truck looks like it, but it's just primer. I screwed the panel on the cab and it looks good. I need to take a pic. Can't wait till the cab is done.
WaterH
Well-known member
So I got some more work done. Not lots to show.
Painted wheels.
I'm pretty sure the wheels are going to stay green. I think it looks good against the black tires. The only prep I did for the wheels is scuff them with sand paper and wipe em down with acetone.
Two coats with some scotch brite in between. My paint booth is the outside wind. The first time I wore a mask since covid began was painting the wheels. (The deep dish seems to blow it back in my face.)
I painted the bed floor with rustolium "bedliner". The finish is nice, but I couldn't get it to go on without streaks. I might remove it later and get it done at a LineX place.
Before screwing down the bed, I changed the intake tube. Not sure if I have a pic earlier in the thread, but originally I had one long flex tube. It is aircraft high temp tube of good quality, but I didn't like so long a run of flex tube. So I put aluminum tube on the long straight runs.
The aircleaner on the end is temporary. The real one is mounted to the bed side with some more of the red flex hose.
The truck looks funny with the rollers on it. I'm soon going to paint the cab green. (The black camo comes later)
Paint is going slow because I have to deburr, scotch brite, acetone, and prime every piece first. Some pieces I have to rivet also. It's a lot of work and I still think I'm not really doing a good job. On top of all this, right now I'm getting a lot of work teaching people to fly.
Painted wheels.
I'm pretty sure the wheels are going to stay green. I think it looks good against the black tires. The only prep I did for the wheels is scuff them with sand paper and wipe em down with acetone.
Two coats with some scotch brite in between. My paint booth is the outside wind. The first time I wore a mask since covid began was painting the wheels. (The deep dish seems to blow it back in my face.)
I painted the bed floor with rustolium "bedliner". The finish is nice, but I couldn't get it to go on without streaks. I might remove it later and get it done at a LineX place.
Before screwing down the bed, I changed the intake tube. Not sure if I have a pic earlier in the thread, but originally I had one long flex tube. It is aircraft high temp tube of good quality, but I didn't like so long a run of flex tube. So I put aluminum tube on the long straight runs.
The aircleaner on the end is temporary. The real one is mounted to the bed side with some more of the red flex hose.
The truck looks funny with the rollers on it. I'm soon going to paint the cab green. (The black camo comes later)
Paint is going slow because I have to deburr, scotch brite, acetone, and prime every piece first. Some pieces I have to rivet also. It's a lot of work and I still think I'm not really doing a good job. On top of all this, right now I'm getting a lot of work teaching people to fly.
WaterH
Well-known member
So we have some good painting weather and I got busy. First I set up my paint booth fan.
Masked the cab, hit it with final rub of scotch brite and let the HF paint gun loose. First coat looks a little light.
One more coat and it looks fairly uniform.
Pulled it out in the sun to bake.
I looked it over good and I only found one run. It was small and up high by the rain gutter. I'm pretty happy.
I'm working on fenders now.
Masked the cab, hit it with final rub of scotch brite and let the HF paint gun loose. First coat looks a little light.
One more coat and it looks fairly uniform.
Pulled it out in the sun to bake.
I looked it over good and I only found one run. It was small and up high by the rain gutter. I'm pretty happy.
I'm working on fenders now.
WaterH
Well-known member
Haven't you read those ads in the back of "popular science" where water injection gives you more power/economy?
subybaja
E. Spengler
Bitchin rimz, brah1!!1
You're just like Calvin out there screwing around in the back yard building army trucks, aren't you?! WIN!
You're just like Calvin out there screwing around in the back yard building army trucks, aren't you?! WIN!
WaterH
Well-known member
Thanx Subybaja, you got me pegged. Lol.
Still plodding along painting stuff. Working on the Delorean definitely slowed my progress. Not much to show, but I did need to make an cold air intake. I just whipped one up. It just screws on the side of the bed. I didn't get a pic of the hole in the side, but you get the idea. A hose clamps on the bottom that goes to the aircleaner.
With that done, I painted the bed sides. I'm going to round up some help to mount the sides on the truck without scratching it to hell.
Still plodding along painting stuff. Working on the Delorean definitely slowed my progress. Not much to show, but I did need to make an cold air intake. I just whipped one up. It just screws on the side of the bed. I didn't get a pic of the hole in the side, but you get the idea. A hose clamps on the bottom that goes to the aircleaner.
With that done, I painted the bed sides. I'm going to round up some help to mount the sides on the truck without scratching it to hell.
Last edited:
gt1guy
Apparently a racist
Great progress.
I always take a different approach when painting. I'm more of a "feed the runs" guy.
I always take a different approach when painting. I'm more of a "feed the runs" guy.
WaterH
Well-known member
Well I'm in training. Painting the rear bed sides I am getting much better at making runs.Great progress.
I always take a different approach when painting. I'm more of a "feed the runs" guy.
geckoadventure
Secret Volvo Restorer
I'm still watching your build and my build both started in 2011 lol but I'm now closer to completion lol.
WaterH
Well-known member
Yea, but your building three trucks and have to drive 200 miles through the jungle just to work on it. So your years ahead of me. Of course, the only thing my "hot pants" will help with is bleeding the brakes. Lol
WaterH
Well-known member
Slowly the truck is turning green. As I paint stuff, I bolt it on. The Black camo will be done after it's all assembled
.
Everybody says I should just "freehand the camo, but I'm not confident of that. I'm doing a test piece with masking. This bottom float can't be seen on the truck.
I sprayed the black today. If you look close, you can see in the upper and left spot I tried to feather the edge. On the lower right, I sprayed right up to the hard line of tape. I would prefer a soft edge, but we'll see how it turns out.
.
Everybody says I should just "freehand the camo, but I'm not confident of that. I'm doing a test piece with masking. This bottom float can't be seen on the truck.
I sprayed the black today. If you look close, you can see in the upper and left spot I tried to feather the edge. On the lower right, I sprayed right up to the hard line of tape. I would prefer a soft edge, but we'll see how it turns out.
WaterH
Well-known member
Ok, after the masking is removed, it looks like this.
If you look close, you can barely see where I tried to feather the paint. You can see the black on the lower left is real sharp line. In any case, I didn't like any of it. So I took a spray can of the same black paint and went right along the edge. I did this on both lower black spots.
They may look the same, but the one on the right is better. So that's the plan. Try to feather the edge and then go over it with the spray can.
If you look close, you can barely see where I tried to feather the paint. You can see the black on the lower left is real sharp line. In any case, I didn't like any of it. So I took a spray can of the same black paint and went right along the edge. I did this on both lower black spots.
They may look the same, but the one on the right is better. So that's the plan. Try to feather the edge and then go over it with the spray can.
arse_sidewards
Red Skull Member
- Joined
- May 19, 2020
- Member Number
- 71
- Messages
- 8,558
Wow. That thing looks 100% more professionally built now that you're painting it. 
AgitatedPancake
Frobot
Dude I've been quietly lurking on this thing over here, but you know I was watching it over on the other site. So fawking cool to see how far it's come, especially with you living that back to the future life on the side haha. Looking great
subybaja
E. Spengler
I'd do some reading on SteelSoldiers about camo patterns. DIY camo can look DIY real fast...
TTMotorsports
Red Skull Member
I would mask the camo out like you did that then tape a pool noodle type thing over the edge so when you paint it feathers the paint under the edge randomly and not so precise, OR unmask and fog on some paint on the edges to feather the edge a bit so it doesn't look so perfect.
subybaja
E. Spengler
Also, I agree that the fuzzy edge looks better, but the obvious rattlecan track that made it doesn't.
Camo paint
I want to keep the same camo patter but repaint it. Did you guys that have repainted camo use free hand or tape off each color? Can’t find any stencil online or anything like that. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
steelsoldiers.com
gt1guy
Apparently a racist
It must be a great feeling to begin getting color on it. Looks a lot better too.
WaterH
Well-known member
It even looks worse than the pic because up close I don't have the tape turn in nice radius. When I went over the sharp edge with the rattle can, it looks fine from ten feet, but up close you can see the previous line in the paint.
I'm hoping that it won't look so obvious. In that case I really sprayed allot out of the can making a dark ring at the edge. Now I plan to just dust it. The rattle can is the same paint, so it should blend. Also, in the test, the paint dried over night before I did the rattle can. When I do the truck, I plan to do it the same day.
I know the SS guys say freehand, but my HF paint gun drips and spatters now and then. They say just have a rag handy, but I know I will have issues. I'll be lucky if I can get it sprayed without dragging the hose against a painted surface.
I'm masking the truck now. (I'll have a pic soon) it's really hard to mask because I have to envision the unpainted as black. In the back of my mind I'm thinking I'm fucking it all up. The other thing I'm doing that might be stupid is I'm leaving the bumpers and side rails black. On the military truck, the camouflage would carry on over them. If I get done and I don't like it, I can go back and do them.
Lots of mystery for me. As you might have figured, I have no idea what I'm doing.
WaterH
Well-known member
Thanks for the kind words. Your name got me thinking about a trick corvette like buggy with cantilever coil-overs. One of my dreams that I'll never get around to building. What's become of that? If your driving it now, pics please!
In other news, here's the masked bandit. It took all day to mask this and I still have a few things to do. Tentative paint day is Monday. I plan to paint one coat. Let it dry over night and a second coat the next morning. Then I will rip the masking off and do the spray can thing while it's still tacky.