Operation Vortex/Aerotech "FENSTER-STEIN" is underway

[AshleyMckendree]

That last post messed up.

As long as I tack everything first, it gets pre-heated nicely and doesn't warp, I also "Pulse" the petal, when dipping the filler I lay on the pedal and when moving the arc I let off it to about 20%. Before I was keeping it constant and burning through it like butter. even at a relatively low amperage.

Justin, what tig welder do you have?

I'm running an 200 amp Squarewave AC/DC from Eastwood, it is actually easier to do Aluminum than stainless for me, Ill be working on those giant holes in the alum. floor tomorrow.

 

[JS41035]

I knew what you meant.
My cousin has a fab shop. Does mainly ornamental stuff. But has 12' shear and 8' press brake. Plus iron worker for punching out holes in plate. We're spoiled I guess. Honestly my favorite TIG is the little miller 180 MVP. Multiple voltage plug. You can go 220 or 110. Does pretty good on either. And super portable with a small tank.


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[BLewis]

Last week we were over in Ashley's hood doing a small church and stopped to have lunch in front of his shop. Called to invite him to join my son and I for lunch but he declined saying he was covered in grease. So after lunch we stopped by his shop to visit the "Grease Monkey" and see his project.

I only wish I had 25% of the knowledge and talent of this young man! Project is coming along great! Oh and we would have took him lunch but the wifey already had that covered.

Oh, and Ashley keep working on those projects so these jobs you can't get to keep calling me! Everyone should be so lucky to have a friend/competitor that works together like Ashley and I. During the recent water emergencies I had to call on him to help with 2-3 emergency water extractions because I couldn't get to them, he reluctently did them although I know he was cursing me under his breath!

 

[AshleyMckendree]

Last week we were over in Ashley's hood doing a small church and stopped to have lunch in front of his shop. Called to invite him to join my son and I for lunch but he declined saying he was covered in grease. So after lunch we stopped by his shop to visit the "Grease Monkey" and see his project.

I only wish I had 25% of the knowledge and talent of this young man! Project is coming along great! Oh and we would have took him lunch but the wifey already had that covered.

Oh, and Ashley keep working on those projects so these jobs you can't get to keep calling me! Everyone should be so lucky to have a friend/competitor that works together like Ashley and I. During the resent water emergencies I had to call on him to help with 2-3 emergency water extractions because I couldn't get to them, he reluctently did them although I know he was cursing me under his breath!

I enjoyed seeing you and Allen! I wish I had something heavy to lift during your visit to put you guys to good use

I would gladly keep doing these projects if I could without going broke, I think I enjoy tinkering in the shop more than cleaning these days... been getting a little burned out

 

[tmdry]

Wish Ashley was near me too, that way I could just drop off my truck at his shop (wishful thinking)

 

[AshleyMckendree]

Your only 8 hrs away! Bring it by and you wont be able to recognized it when i'm done,

I'll even put you up in our fancy hotel/castle while you wait... with what I''ll charge you, I can afford it
http://www.thecastlepost.com/

 

[Desk Jockey]

That's a cool hotel!

 

[tmdry]

Damm I just dropped it off yesterday @ my distributor!

 

[Erik]

Quick shot of the new vac hose going in the V, to match the color scheme of the Wrap. 300Ft of 2.5 and 2 15ft sections of 2" as whip hose for both wands/Zippers

View attachment 4116View attachment 4117

View attachment 4176 View attachment 4177 View attachment 4178


The salt on the black exterior looks like chit.

Spring can't get here fast enough. My trucks need douched.

 

[AshleyMckendree]

I remember seeing that hose when I came to get my Zippers, way cool. Gave me the idea for my hose!

 

[dealtimeman]

Just got truck 3 back from the painter. Can't wait to get her back up and running. Throwing new tires and wheel simulators on her today as well as insulating and carpeting the walls.

 

[AshleyMckendree]

Pics!


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[Desk Jockey]

+2

 

[tmdry]

Just got truck 3 back from the painter. Can't wait to get her back up and running. Throwing new tires and wheel simulators on her today as well as insulating and carpeting the walls.

Details on which insulation and carpet and 1.2.3 step for the technically challenged.

Thanks

 

[BradFenstermaker]

Bill have Ashley take some pics of the roof insulation I put in his Vortex. Tom Cermak counseled me on what and how to use mount it.

 

[dealtimeman]

Sorry guys didn't see this till now.

We just use marine grade carpet glued to Masonite, hung .5 inch off the floor. For insulation we are in texas, so we just use .5 inch Owens Corning r40 board that floats behind the hung Masonite with carpet glued to it.

Did take a shot with the new simulators, paint, bottom rails, corner radiuses, and tires. Oh and popped a new windshield in today as it had a star.


I think simulators make a big difference.

 

[Desk Jockey]

Looks nice, like new!

 

[tmdry]

Looks good, I gotta get mine like that.

What are the corner radiuses and bottom guards?

Is that the corners where the walls of the exterior box comes together and the bottom of the sides?

Mine are mostly dented, would be nice to know if they can be removed/fixed/purchased new.

Any inside shots?

 

[dealtimeman]

Yes they are polished stainless steel and cost about 600-700 each installed. So make sure you don't get ripped off.

I know it is self explanatory but this is how we lay out the Masonite and glue carpet in a way to minimize waste.



We change out most if not all the screws on the box as well as most of the hardware like fasteners and such. So we install longer screws and use the screw to hold the walls without putting any holes or screws in the walls of the truck.

 

[tmdry]

Thanks for the tip Michael.

Can you post the info where I can purchase the stainless corners?

 

[BradFenstermaker]

Bill I also researched but never did it.

Just get polished sheet metal and cover the dented corners. You will just need to pull all the screws then lay over and screw back. Silicone seal it up before paint

 

[dealtimeman]

corner radiuses are available from aerotech, give jeremy a call.

 

[Mikey P]

just wait til you Vortex hacks get to experience the pleasure of adjusting the blower belts on an AT..

Five minutes, one Allen, one socket, one handed..

 

[AshleyMckendree]

1/4" elephant bark went down today, double sided outdoor tape and black butyl rubber caulking for the seams.

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[dgardner]

Just get polished sheet metal and cover the dented corners. You will just need to pull all the screws then lay over and screw back. Silicone seal it up before paint

I assume most know this, but paint won't stick to most silicone sealers. If you smear it somewhere you don't intend it can spoil your paint job. You can get auto body seam sealer in caulking tubes that seals well and is paintable.

 

[dealtimeman]

Damn that empty truck gives memories of how we start out gutting each truck when we first buy them and gut them.

It is a project for sure.

 

[dealtimeman]

Oh and Ashley do yourself a solid and remove those doors and slap new rollers in, makes a huge difference and is easier to do with the truck empty.

 

[AshleyMckendree]

Mike, those doors are coming out, and new diamond shutter doors are being put in
View attachment 4224

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[AshleyMckendree]

Those pictures posted via TapaTalk blow, Here they are from the PC

View attachment 4225View attachment 4226

 

[Shane T]

Thanks for the tip Michael.

Can you post the info where I can purchase the stainless corners?

Are those polished corner the same as those found on some cargo trailers?