Mountain Man's K5 Extended Cab Flatbed Project

[6872xtc]

I will tell you that back when I drove truck full time, I got a little tired of no back window in the sleeper. The first wrecker that I got with a sleeper AND a back window was nice. It was dark tinted, though. I just liked the little bit of light even though there wasn't much to see out of it.
Good mirrors would be a necessity to me. A camera would probably be nice, but I would guess that personal preference is going to be a big factor in how much it gets used.

 

[imiceman44]

Is

Yeah I'm going with a CUCV type camo job when I'm done with the mud (bondo). I HATE BODY WORK. Especially chasing grooves in the top layer so a gloss paint looks good. I'm pretty much going to weld most of the lap joints and then do enough bondo to cover the hard edges and tack welds then sand it and go with the khaki base coat.

The big question is do I weld the back window shut and run a camera out of the third brake light hole at the top of the back of the cab or try to cut makrolon to make a rear window I can RTV in place. All of my rear bumper lights are on the way and I ordered a 7" display back up camera that mounts on the rear view mirror.

it because you don't have the window?
I have a solid and I have the one with a sliding glass.
I also drive a big rig with a sleeper and I wish I had a rear window.

 

[MountainmanID]

Is

it because you don't have the window?
I have a solid and I have the one with a sliding glass.
I also drive a big rig with a sleeper and I wish I had a rear window.

Mostly. I kinda like the idea of total privacy too, but I've also had cops approach my GTI during traffic stops with their guns at low ready because I painted the back windows black from the inside. You get used to putting your hands out the window fairly quickly......

 

[KirsL]

I'd run a back window that's heavily tinted. But thats me.

 

[imiceman44]

Mostly. I kinda like the idea of total privacy too, but I've also had cops approach my GTI during traffic stops with their guns at low ready because I painted the back windows black from the inside. You get used to putting your hands out the window fairly quickly......

If I wasn't clear I was offering a window.
You're choice just cover shipping or figure a way to get it

 

[MountainmanID]

Stitched up the drivers side:

and started slinging mud:

 

[MountainmanID]

If I wasn't clear I was offering a window.
You're choice just cover shipping or figure a way to get it

I appreciate it! I'll do some local looking first and see whats around, I can't imagine that being cheap to ship......

 

[MountainmanID]

Small progess today. Smoothed mud and started plasma work on the 4x6" steel rear bumper.

 

[MountainmanID]

Quick update. Rear bumper is finished and mounted.

Most of the bondo work is done, just a little more sanding needed til its good enough for the flat khaki paint job.


The vinyl shark mouth kit showed up and it should look decent. Here's a mock up:


Had to cut the corners of the cab to allow rear travel. Filled in with 16ga and bondo is nearly complete:



Got my leathers from a 01 Tahoe and got them mounted. Need to build a gun rack between the seats so my truck guns are easily acessed:


Gotta lot of wiring to do between HF/VHF/UHF/CB/radio/subwoofer/RF amp/woofer amp. I need a few more batteries:



And last but certainly not least, the quintessential interior accessory has been installed:

 

[83ChevyK5Blazer]

Not going to stretch the rear wheel base any?

 

[MountainmanID]

Not going to stretch the rear wheel base any?

I may in the future. I kinda like the jeep length wheel base. If i had gotten 40" tires I probably would've done the 63" spring's in the back and moved the axle back 4", but I like the current look on the hummer 37"

 

[MountainmanID]

Getting the comms installed:

Rear bumper:

Front bumper:

Heres the question: Do I cut off the bottom of the front of the fenders to get the approach angle back or leave it as is? See dotted line:

 

[6872xtc]

I personally would cut them, but my bumper is tucked closer than yours. Maybe try trimming less than what you have marked there first.

 

[83ChevyK5Blazer]

I trim them, I think with anything but a stock bumper it looks funny with the shape of the fang hanging down.

 

[imiceman44]

Yeah mine is defanged and it's much better

 

[HankScorpio]

Cut the fender. The inner fender will show you where the cut needs to be.

 

[MountainmanID]

I can't believe it's been 8 months since the last time I was on here but life happened, the project slowed etc.


Here's where I'm at, figuring out the flatbed right now.

 

[Bent77]

Both the dog and truck look good

 

[Blazooki]

DIY4x4 is making custom sized aluminum Molle panels. might check those out for inside somewhere..Greyman Tactical makes a gun lock set up that attaches to a Molle panel...You could do a cover for the back window..Molle on the sides and below and then a wider pattern over the slider. To keep someone from getting in thru the slider but still big enough to see out of.