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Author Topic: Bed end caps out of 18 guage (.018") sheet metal  (Read 3596 times)

Offline JChapoton

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Bed end caps out of 18 guage (.018") sheet metal
« on: September 04, 2005, 01:14:05 PM »
Is it strong enough?
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1984 Apache Ramada I purchased by my Grandparents on May 19, 1984 from Pete of Camers Paradise RV  in Hazel Park, Mich for $5723.60. Given to me in 2001 w/broken lift system. Fixed w/parts from Good Ole Pete in 2005 by me.

Offline f5snopro

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Bed end caps out of 18 guage (.018") sheet metal
« Reply #1 on: September 05, 2005, 05:19:43 PM »
I don't see why it wouldn't be. I'm looking to replace the caps on mine as well. Interested to see how it works out for you.
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Offline f5snopro

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Bed end caps out of 18 guage (.018") sheet metal
« Reply #2 on: November 04, 2005, 09:32:46 AM »
Ever test this out?
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DDLTexan

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Bed end caps out of 18 guage (.018") sheet metal
« Reply #3 on: November 04, 2005, 10:14:05 AM »
Why are you making bed end caps when they are available for sale from Apache Sales?  I can understand making something when a part is not longer for sale.

Just curious.
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Offline JChapoton

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Bed end caps out of 18 guage (.018") sheet metal
« Reply #4 on: November 04, 2005, 06:17:16 PM »
Quote from: "DDLTexan"
Why are you making bed end caps when they are available for sale from Apache Sales?  I can understand making something when a part is not longer for sale.

Just curious.


cause they'll just crack and they are way overpriced when sheet metal ones can be fabed cheaper as I have enough material to do this. Also they won't dry rot and crack again either.
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1984 Apache Ramada I purchased by my Grandparents on May 19, 1984 from Pete of Camers Paradise RV  in Hazel Park, Mich for $5723.60. Given to me in 2001 w/broken lift system. Fixed w/parts from Good Ole Pete in 2005 by me.

Offline JChapoton

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Bed end caps out of 18 guage (.018") sheet metal
« Reply #5 on: November 04, 2005, 06:18:14 PM »
Quote from: "f5snopro"
Ever test this out?


Nope not yet.
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1984 Apache Ramada I purchased by my Grandparents on May 19, 1984 from Pete of Camers Paradise RV  in Hazel Park, Mich for $5723.60. Given to me in 2001 w/broken lift system. Fixed w/parts from Good Ole Pete in 2005 by me.

Offline timsch

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Bed end caps out of 18 guage (.018") sheet metal
« Reply #6 on: November 04, 2005, 07:14:19 PM »
I made mine out of corn husks and red clay.
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Offline JaVelin

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Bed end caps out of 18 guage (.018") sheet metal
« Reply #7 on: November 04, 2005, 07:38:24 PM »
18 might be strong enough but the edges are always sharpish on it because it's so thin. i'd hate to bang my hand on it
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Offline JChapoton

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Bed end caps out of 18 guage (.018") sheet metal
« Reply #8 on: November 04, 2005, 07:55:37 PM »
Quote from: "timsch"
I made mine out of corn husks and red clay.


Seriously, what's your take?
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1984 Apache Ramada I purchased by my Grandparents on May 19, 1984 from Pete of Camers Paradise RV  in Hazel Park, Mich for $5723.60. Given to me in 2001 w/broken lift system. Fixed w/parts from Good Ole Pete in 2005 by me.

Offline timsch

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Bed end caps out of 18 guage (.018") sheet metal
« Reply #9 on: November 04, 2005, 11:28:12 PM »
Im with Alan on this one. The original parts are available so I dont see any reason to reinvent the wheel. If you can form sheet aluminum into bed end caps, how about using those skeels to do the roof vent cover instead?! The time it will take a new set of plastic ones to deteriorate is not prohibative to making them out of steel, besides steel will rust, aluminum would be a better choice. But, still...
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Offline Kript

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Bed end caps out of 18 guage (.018") sheet metal
« Reply #10 on: November 05, 2005, 07:34:34 PM »
Quote from: "timsch"
I made mine out of corn husks and red clay.


Don't they call this cob? Like clay and straw?
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ript
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DDLTexan

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Bed end caps out of 18 guage (.018") sheet metal
« Reply #11 on: November 07, 2005, 12:09:29 PM »
Quote from: "JChapoton"
Quote from: "DDLTexan"
Why are you making bed end caps when they are available for sale from Apache Sales?  I can understand making something when a part is not longer for sale.

Just curious.


cause they'll just crack and they are way overpriced when sheet metal ones can be fabed cheaper as I have enough material to do this. Also they won't dry rot and crack again either.


If you close the bed ends gently, you won't have the caps to ever crack.

If they are aluminum and the ends are pushed shut hard, the aluminum caps will bend and wrinkle and have folds in it, unless they are made really really thick.

I think you could use your aluminum skills for other areas that replacement parts are not available.
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Offline Pilotpete

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Bed end caps out of 18 guage (.018") sheet metal
« Reply #12 on: August 28, 2006, 07:27:15 PM »
I've been considering the metal end caps, after much study I'm making mine from diamond plate aluminum.
It's possible to do w/o the all the compound 3/D bends. I only used a sheet metal shear and a break. I plan on attaching them with screws or rivets and alittle Vulcem to seal it.
I also re-enforced the end wall channels at the top (side walls slide into) with some thin aluminum glued inside the channel after repairing the ABS cracks.
I'll also be filling the underside of the end extrusion with "Great Stuff" foam for support and to eliminate wasps etc.
I'll be posting Pics.

Pete
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Offline Trailman

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Bed end caps out of 18 guage (.018") sheet metal
« Reply #13 on: August 28, 2006, 07:52:54 PM »
I think the metal ones would look nice if made right.
I fitted new plastic ones to mine, I figure if people make the parts we should buy the parts to support them when we can.
Next year i want  to add the updated gearboxes to my 74 and a few new lift chains would be handy to have too, its not a cheap hobby but its a fun one and thankfully the people are still making some parts for these things.
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Offline Pilotpete

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Bed end caps out of 18 guage (.018") sheet metal
« Reply #14 on: August 28, 2006, 11:39:04 PM »
Yes, I agree. Since the trailers are in many cases cheap or even free its about the most inexpensive hobby around these days considering it benefits the whole family too.
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