2017 POTD Thread Archive

[NEL957]

Paco
You have done a amazing job and your fellow workers should be proud of you. The only thing I can suggest is instead of the eye hooks, maybe a pocket hole to hook a ratchet strap to hold more secure than the bungee cords. Very nice
Nelson

 

[Firestopper]

Thank you NEL,
The Map books should have a better securing method, as far as the bungee that secures the small lite plastic trash can (centered between the two front seats) , it only holds used exam gloves and requires dumping frequently. I really needed to keep things as simple to use as possible and single hand operation as firefighters will simply not secure items if too much effort is required. I'm not implying any laziness, most just want simple or it wont be used. I think a heavier bungee is in order for sure. These units run on average of 15-20 calls in 24 hours averaging 40 -60 minutes per call. As always feedback is welcomed.

 

[hman]

I was asked to come up with a solution, I was also told by the maintenance superintendent (civilian) not to drill any holes in the floor, and bulkheads.

Congratulations on your overcoming what is, in my opinion, an absolutely ABSURD obstruction to getting it done.

 

[Firestopper]

Congratulations on your overcoming what is, in my opinion, an absolutely ABSURD obstruction to getting it done.

I specked out the truck and purchased all the radio equipment and code three lights to have a civilian contractor install it all. They did a fantastic job installing everything and where excellent communicating issues as well as resolving them. As you can imagine this required drilling, bolting and screwing for installation. Nothing from the maintenance boss on that front but for me to request four to six holes through the floor was like asking him to sacrifice his first born. I ended up calling a Ford chassis engineer and was told "No problem its done all the time". Its absolutely impossible to convert a off the lot truck into an emergency response vehicle and not drill any holes....Period! Everybody is so afraid of making a decision within their pay grade its counter productive and comes at a high cost. Ok, sorry for the rant. Thank you for the kind words John.

 

[extropic]

Paco,
Please clarify, did you design the boxes as well as the custom installation?
Nice job, either way.

 

[tq60]

Been in communications for 38 years and drilled 1000 ' s of holes including in a trunk lid of $186000.00 RR

Call it the price of admission.

No holes means no mounting.

But brackets can be bolted to seat mounts but cost is nuts.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337Z using Tapatalk

 

[Firestopper]

Paco,
Please clarify, did you design the boxes as well as the custom installation?
Nice job, either way.

Hi extropic,
Thank you, yes start to finish as well as converting a factory stock truck into a response vehicle x 4. This was a special project aside from my normal duty/responsibilities while on lite duty. My plate seems to stay full around here.

 

[mksj]

Added some racks to the lathe for the live centers and drill chucks for the tailstock, also fabricated a mounting bar for quick change tool holders and my chuck keys. I only mount the tool holders that I am using for that day and put them away when I am done. The rack can hold up to 6 tool holders if needed, and they lock into the bar via a wedge at the top and a guide slot for the height adjustment wheel. One would think that most holder dimensions with regard to the wedge would be very similar for a given size holder, but I have a few Dorian ones and the dimensions did not fit at until I added some more relief on the bottom of the rail. Moral to the story, do not assume, check and then double check. When ever I get a bit complacent I often make mistakes, although I like to blame it on old age when I remember.

 

[Firestopper]

Looks nice Mark! I wouldn't call it complacency on yourself when a manufacture (Dorian) cant hold to standards. Makes me wonder if they outsource those parts and slap their name on it. Seems more folks are finding issues with Dorian than before. Regardless, your tool rack turned out great and should increase efficiency.

 

[f350ca]

Back in the cabinet shop so no metal for a few days.
Building a trestle table from Ash. Had to buy the 2 inch for the base, thought I'd sawed some but guess not. The top will be quarter sawn Ash I cut several years ago.

Greg