M818 Rebuild w/ Deuce Bed

[Lonnie]

I have been reading up on here for about a year since I bought my M818 last year.

It is in pretty good shape, plus it already had 16.00's & a bunch of spare parts (including turbo & manifold).







After some pressure washing & cleaning....

 

[Lonnie]

I started on the bed last December....
Wasn't sure how my progress would be, so I didn't start the thread last year & keep everyone hanging.
This is how I spent a week between Christmas & New Years.

After Sandblasting






After Epoxy Primer...





After extensive hammering & smoothing....





And finally with some paint...

 

[gimpyrobb]

Wow, you been busy!

 

[Lonnie]

Yes it took way more time than I expected.

Bed lined the inside as well just to keep it in good condition.



Just my luck that 1 bed liner kit wasn't enough... at least I have enough to do the cab floor now.

 

[gimpyrobb]

It always amazes me how much time it takes to accomplish things on MVs.

 

[Ford Mechanic]

Good looking truck!

 

[Lonnie]

The cost overruns are typically similar as well.

Good looking truck!

Thanks, I'm slowly improving things.

 

[gimpyrobb]

Yes, I know cost overruns well!

 

[Lonnie]

I started gathering parts up with the intention of hitting it hard this past spring.

Found a set of new HEMTT rims locally & picked up a set of new bead locks from a vendor here.







Bought a new Camo soft top & got a very nice cargo cover from a member here.

I found a new set of roof bows & corners to complete my parts list.

At this point I had most of what I needed, just had to find the time to start working on it.

 

[Lonnie]

Started removing the 5th wheel. It appeared to be unused.
I bet it weighs 500lb.




The front rack was also removed.
Another heavy part.



Finally I'm down to the frame.



The next step is to start pulling the wheels & drums to check brakes & replace seals etc.

 

[Lonnie]

Pulled the tires, wheels & brakes to check everything out.







Started cleaning/pressure washing the frame in preparation for paint.




Frame is primed.



& finally in paint



Next will be the brake rebuild..

 

[Lonnie]

Here are some pictures of the brakes, bearings etc.

Had 2 bearing seals leaking & 1 wheel cylinder was wet.
All bearings checked out good. Repacked bearings & put in all new seals.
Wheel cylinders were nice, so I put in new cups & put it back together.
Also replaced all brake hoses.

 

[jeremymx26]

Looks great!

 

[Lonnie]

Thanks,
Still going to the parade Saturday?

Figured I would post a few pictures since I took about a hundred over the summer.

 

[jeremymx26]

Yes still the plan.
Post some more the truck looks awesome.

 

[Lonnie]

Tires w/ old wheels


New bead locks

 

[Lonnie]

Painted cab & tanks.
Used Behr on the frame & Gillespie on the body.

 

[Lonnie]

Putting on new top & cleaning up the roof supports.

 

[Lonnie]

Time for some body pictures.





Had the help of my friend to get the bed on.
A couple machines made it easy.



Here is it installed.



It's definitely tall...

 

[Merc1973]

WOW, well done! I just found my new laptop wallpaper!