[bobs409]

Just some more metal work on the box shown here. Get used to it there’s a lot more to come. Here I’ve started working on the driver side panels. The outer panel near the toolbox that is rotted in the center will have a new piece of metal welded in, I won't be replacing the whole panel. (area under the word VICS on the front side panel shown in last pic) The rest of the side will be replaced as the area around the wheel well opening was rusted and thinned out badly. This truck had an aluminum trim that ran around these openings which caused the rust. Those moldings will not be re-installed due to damage and not being available anywhere. Most tow trucks do not have wheel well trim anyway so will look better without it.

I was able to put the new plasma cutter to work to make the new panels. An awesome tool for sure. While I’m only on the driver side for now, I burned out the passenger side pieces I’ll need later while I had all the tools out. Material is new 11 gauge sheet steel shown in photo #1.

There is a box shaped piece that is built into the back of both sides on the box where the mud flaps attached. Photo#2. It also boxed in the winch control handles. I removed what was left of the driver side so I could make a template. Again, I used the plasma cutter to cut these out, this time from a piece of used metal. Photo #3. I then soaked the pieces in rust remover and welded up to make the new box. These will be POR coated later after the install. (photo to come later)

Since this truck won’t be “in service” any longer, I think I’ll delete the mud flaps. There’s really no need since it won’t see any bad weather.