So it started with a simple solution to a couple of problems and turned into a can of worms. The plan was to add a spare tire carrier and to raise the reveiver hitch. The hitch was under the bumper and bottomed out while backing into the street...plus it was too low for most trailers.
The bumper came off in 2 pieces. It was broken once before and was poorly welded back together. It broke in exactly the same place.
Once the bumper was off I could really see what poor shape the frame was in. So I hired a welder from work to help me with it and we replaced the frame rail ends. One side we had to go forward about 2 ' and the other about 5'. The steel is a 2"x5" 1/" thick section as original. To get to everthing I had to pull the generator and drop the propane tank...but they both needed attention anyway so not a big deal. I didn't get any demo pics because the helper was too fast but here's after fabrication with spare carrier and first coat of paint. I used Hammerite, silver first and followed with black so I could see where I missed.
On one side where the new rail met the old rail, the ends were cut on an angle to get more weld area. The other wasn't as easy to get to so it's a square cut and plated for support.
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Click on the link to see a picture of the Sioux River falls near my home. https://visitsiouxfalls.com/assets/i...uxfalls-og.jpg
Eastern South Dakota is very pretty with hills, rivers, and trees.
Generator is back in and running with a new carb, fuel filter, air filter and spark plug. I still need to change the oil but it's easier with the unit in it's compartment. The propane tank is painted and installed. I need to touchup the bottom because it came out easier than it went in. It took a floor jack and a lot of swearing but i won.
Here's everything back together. At first I wanted a more square hole but structurally this is stronger by spreading out the load. Plus it was a whole lot easier to cut, 2 hole saw cuts and removint the center. Also I added 4 extra screws arround the opening to hold the bumper on for extra support.
This isn't exactly related but I also sand blasted and painted both emblems.
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