So, I bought a MIG TIG STICK welder from Peter of tokentools.com.au based in the Central Coast last week and everything including the gas got delivered a couple of days later. The price was double the ebay chinese welders but I wanted something that would last me a while and a safety helmet that would work and not make me go blind!
A mate, Joe came down from Brisvegas and helped out eith the welding. We practiced some on the old tow bar, so it was not too difficult. We started on a 0.6 wire but that had almost zero penetration, so we went on the 0.9 wire.
I took it for inspection yesterday. The bloke was happy with Marcus's excellent work and the welding, haa. Haa...
However, the tyres need changing as they > 7 years young and some cracks had developed. No worries, I have a few 16" x 29" tyres that I can put on. The bloke also expressed concern for the bearings being a bit loose, so I will replace them too.
Once it is registered, the rest of the build will be a lot easier.
Plans are to fit YJ leaves, springs on top, for 37" tyres.
The mud guard/wheel cover/flares will be cut out. Bigger/wider/longer ones will be welded in place.
Need to make a metal top cover, hinges, locks, struts, vertically extendible roof rack for the clam shell RTT.
Rear will a tyre carrier, water/jerry cans holder and a hitch receiver for bike racks and schtuff..
A removable tool box will be place on the drawbar.
I was racking my brains as how to carry 2 kayaks as well on top or under the RTT, neither is ideal. The solution I came up with is a couple of foldable kayaks or a blow up canoe carried either on the Jeep's roof rack or in the Jeep as luggages. The watercrafts should be strong enough for sharks or salties...no worries.