While I shouldn't touch the box yet, I just couldn't resist getting started on it a bit. I'll just mess with this once in a while when the mood strikes me but not full time. The rest of the truck is the part I need to focus on right now.
I started out just cleaning the leaves out but somehow wound up getting carried away like usual.
Shown below I used my engine hoist to stand it up on end so I could work on it easier. (this thing is SOOOO crazy heavy!) Got all the leaves out though!
Getting a better look at the bottom shows me I will have to replace the main frame rails as they are flaking badly between them and the floor plate. I got lucky in that a new place opened near me that sells all kinds of metal so I got 2 new C channel pieces for the rails as well as some 3/16 inch square tube that I'll cut in half to replace the cap trim that runs around the box. I am also replacing the metal rods that work the winch as the new rod is very inexpensive.
I cut out a section of the box as shown using my sawzall and a cut off tool but quickly found this thicker material takes a long time to go through. The perfect excuse to buy myself a plasma cutter! Got one from Eastwood and it works great! Cutting the bad spots out won't be any problem now! lol
I also decided it was time to buy an arc welder since I'll be working with thicker metals. I could use my mig welder but an arc welder is better for this. (and another excuse to buy a new tool)
I haven't arc welded since I was in high school's metal shop so wasn't sure how it would go but I caught on very quick while practicing with it.
More to come...