Hi, i've experience through bringing my 2wd hilux mk4 back to being on the road. I fabricated a new back which is how I learnt to MIG weld.
I'm intending to purchase a 4wd version though and want to make it a tipper with a legal 1 ton capacity. I've only welded steel so far, but i'm prepared to learn to TIG weld aluminium.
It's quite a difficult dilemma as I have calculated the frame, body and associated tipping gear (for example hydraulic pump) must weight under 220k.
One advantage I have is that i'm about to enter my third year at uni of which I study Mechanical Engineering. I've got access to lecturers, cad, FEA so theoretically I can validate it will work.
One material which has come to my attention is high strength carbon fibre sheets. In the grand scheme of things they're not massively expensive and I considered utilising them for the floor?
Any suggestions, criticisms or comments are welcome.
The first stage I guess is to choose between aluminium or steel for the structural frame?
I'm intending to purchase a 4wd version though and want to make it a tipper with a legal 1 ton capacity. I've only welded steel so far, but i'm prepared to learn to TIG weld aluminium.
It's quite a difficult dilemma as I have calculated the frame, body and associated tipping gear (for example hydraulic pump) must weight under 220k.
One advantage I have is that i'm about to enter my third year at uni of which I study Mechanical Engineering. I've got access to lecturers, cad, FEA so theoretically I can validate it will work.
One material which has come to my attention is high strength carbon fibre sheets. In the grand scheme of things they're not massively expensive and I considered utilising them for the floor?
Any suggestions, criticisms or comments are welcome.
The first stage I guess is to choose between aluminium or steel for the structural frame?