Project EconoTow

Why the Hell not ..you dont have job to go So go out there and Get to work.

It will only sting a little bit!

dfree383 wrote:It will only sting a little bit!

LOL, only a little bit? It's an older Miller machine that can cut through 1-1/4" steel like butter

Hey any updates on this?? Waiting patiently .....

Nothing lately, too many projects going at the same time. I have the Mustang I bought from my nephew I've been working on, a boat I've been restoring, plus other various things I've been doing for family members. Econoline has been put on the back burner for now. Now that cooler weather is arriving I can get a little more done. Oh, and Mike is correct, I am enjoying retirement, I get to go fishing more often.

Gotcha! Pics of the boat?? Glad you are enjoying your retirement!!

jeffgfg wrote: Gotcha! Pics of the boat?? Glad you are enjoying your retirement!!

Here you go. 1984 Carver 2687 Monterey that I practically stole. It was originally listed for $16,000, but when they took a potential buyer out for a ride it throw a rod. I got it and the trailer for $5000. Best part is it has never seen saltwater, and kept under a covered mooring on a freshwater lake.

Nice, that trailer is worth more than that new!

jbozzelle wrote:Nice, that trailer is worth more than that new!

It sure is. Originally the trailer was not part of the sale, but the Broker convinced them (couple getting divorced) to include the trailer to close the deal. I priced the same trailer and it was almost $7000. It does need some work, a whole new surge brake system, but still a good deal!

Cool boat!! Sounds like a great deal!! Now get back on the hauler! Lol !!

Well, back to work again on the Econoline. I started making the fuel tank mounts, had a local shop cut the webs for me on their waterjet. Then I'm wrapping them in some flat bar so they are like an "I" beam. I got one finished but ran out of oxy and acetylene, so next week I'll have to run in town to Airgas and get some full bottles before going any further.

Very nice idea. I did something similar to mount an air tank. Used aluminum since tank was aluminum and not near as heavy as your tank will be when full.

Well it's about time you started working on this again!!! Thanks for the update!!! P.S. I have been "retired" for 3 years now and haven't been fishing one day!!!!! I envy you!!!!! Keep up the good work and can't wait to see it finished!!!

jeffgfg wrote:Well it's about time you started working on this again!!! Thanks for the update!!! P.S. I have been "retired" for 3 years now and haven't been fishing one day!!!!! I envy you!!!!! Keep up the good work and can't wait to see it finished!!!

Life's to short not to go fishin'! Now that my brother has the new motor on his center console, I'll be going a lot more. Damn thing will fly with the 275hp Mercury Verado with water cooled supercharger.

While I've been working on the fuel tank mounts, I've also been making the brackets for the engine cover airlift system. Even thought the cover will be made of aluminum framing and tread plate it will still be quite heavy with the spare tire and jack in the top. So I'm making an air lift system with two air cylinders since I will have an onboard air compressor for the suspension and air horns. Have not made up my mind yet on whether to use an electric compressor or engine driven type.



Here's a screen shot from my CAD drawing showing the whole system. I have David Willingham machining the actuator arms that are drawn in red and cyan color. Also it shows the cover in the open position drawn in gray dotted lines. I could have drawn it with the cylinders lifting directly on the cover, but that would require much longer cylinders, plus the fuel tanks would have been an issue too. The scissor action of the actuator arms will also increase the lifting power of the cylinders.

Just got this from David Willingham. I sent David my 2D drawing and he created a solid model in his program and will then run it on his machine. Nice job David, I will hate to see them get partially covered up.

After studying your 2D drawing that took some amazing calculations. With the hinge at what appears to be at 30% of the height of the box and the lift point above the midline that is some serious math going on plus cylinder force required for proper cylinder sizing. One location that puzzles me is how did you determine the lift point left to right? Also how did you determine the length needed for the equal length pivot arms? You are showing your years of mechanical design experience. I would say you are still being paid because you are using what you learned over all those years.

SandHillsHillbilly wrote:After studying your 2D drawing that took some amazing calculations. With the hinge at what appears to be at 30% of the height of the box and the lift point above the midline that is some serious math going on plus cylinder force required for proper cylinder sizing. One location that puzzles me is how did you determine the lift point left to right? Also how did you determine the length needed for the equal length pivot arms? You are showing your years of mechanical design experience. I would say you are still being paid because you are using what you learned over all those years.

I guess after 42 years of working with Engineers some of that stuff rubs off on you, plus knowing how the geometry and mechanical systems of our jets worked helped a lot. Oh, and I did have a little help from an Engineer friend that I stay in touch with, hahaha! Not to toot my horn, but I have had on numerous occasions the Engineers follow my recommendations on how a repair can be made.

I got the parts David made for me and the flange iolite bushings I ordered came today. So I spent a little time putting one side together. David, they sure are purrrrty and with the flanged bushings installed, the rod end on the air cylinder fit perfectly between the fork. ! Next step is to order some aluminum angle and start building the Engine Cover/Spare Tire Box.

Looking good Doug, can't wait to see this thing finished