- Joined
- Jan 12, 2009
- Location
- Liberty Twp., Ohio
Ok, I've started the deck extension project on my trusty Sprint. This is "Part 1", where I'll deal with the frame work. "Part 2 will deal with the walking surface and attachment options.
The Frame:Using an adjustable square find all the angles you'll need to have for a good fit. I used 1" square aluminum tubing, but that doesn't mean you have to.
<img src="http://www.bassboatmagazine.com/PhotoPost/data/509/medium/1.jpg" />
<img src="http://www.bassboatmagazine.com/PhotoPost/data/509/medium/1a.jpg" />
Transfer all your angles to the aluminum tubing along with length. Just a hint, cut your tubing a little long and re-cut to get a perfect fit once you position it on your rig. "Measure twice-cut as much as you need to get the right fit". Once all your tubing is cut, start to fit it into the space to obtain a good fit. If your going to add carpet, you'll have to allow for it thickness, so your frame will have to be smaller where the sides contact other areas. 3/16" per side is an approx. for carpet clearence.
<img src="http://www.bassboatmagazine.com/PhotoPost/data/509/medium/2.jpg" />
I used my jig table to clamp all the pieces in the correct angle prior to tack welding each piece, remember to tack weld first and check your fit before applying a solid weld.
<img src="http://www.bassboatmagazine.com/PhotoPost/data/509/medium/3.jpg" />
<img src="http://www.bassboatmagazine.com/PhotoPost/data/500/medium/4.jpg" />
<img src="http://www.bassboatmagazine.com/PhotoPost/data/509/medium/5.jpg" />
So now it fits like a glove and I remove it to finish all the welds and add 3 stiffner ribs in the middle to spread the load.
<img src="http://www.bassboatmagazine.com/PhotoPost/data/509/medium/6.jpg" />
Ok, boy's that's where I'm at for now. Going out for some aluminum diamond tread plate in the next couple of days. Part 2 to follow shortly...............
The Frame:Using an adjustable square find all the angles you'll need to have for a good fit. I used 1" square aluminum tubing, but that doesn't mean you have to.
<img src="http://www.bassboatmagazine.com/PhotoPost/data/509/medium/1.jpg" />
<img src="http://www.bassboatmagazine.com/PhotoPost/data/509/medium/1a.jpg" />
Transfer all your angles to the aluminum tubing along with length. Just a hint, cut your tubing a little long and re-cut to get a perfect fit once you position it on your rig. "Measure twice-cut as much as you need to get the right fit". Once all your tubing is cut, start to fit it into the space to obtain a good fit. If your going to add carpet, you'll have to allow for it thickness, so your frame will have to be smaller where the sides contact other areas. 3/16" per side is an approx. for carpet clearence.
<img src="http://www.bassboatmagazine.com/PhotoPost/data/509/medium/2.jpg" />
I used my jig table to clamp all the pieces in the correct angle prior to tack welding each piece, remember to tack weld first and check your fit before applying a solid weld.
<img src="http://www.bassboatmagazine.com/PhotoPost/data/509/medium/3.jpg" />
<img src="http://www.bassboatmagazine.com/PhotoPost/data/500/medium/4.jpg" />
<img src="http://www.bassboatmagazine.com/PhotoPost/data/509/medium/5.jpg" />
So now it fits like a glove and I remove it to finish all the welds and add 3 stiffner ribs in the middle to spread the load.
<img src="http://www.bassboatmagazine.com/PhotoPost/data/509/medium/6.jpg" />
Ok, boy's that's where I'm at for now. Going out for some aluminum diamond tread plate in the next couple of days. Part 2 to follow shortly...............