My New Project/Toy

[WA4BRL]

For my latest Amateur Radio project, I've settled into something that should be a lot of fun.Here's the basic rig:





It's a 1952 Ford F3 (1-ton) truck. It has a beautiful flat-head V-8 engine. The engine, transmission, rear end/axle housing, and brake system have been rebuilt. There's new glass all around. All I need to do is replace the turn signal wiring; it works as is but they used lamp cord and I don't want to leave that in there. Many of you guys know about my wife's '65 Mustang and my '67 F-100, so what's the big deal? It's just another another old vehicle, huh!?

But "an Amateur Radio project?", I hear you asking. Well . . . yes! I bought his truck for the sole purpose of being a novel portable radio shack -- and I emphasize SHACK. Below is the idea I have in mind.





Of course the short wheelbase on my truck will require a bit of downsizing from that particular example, but that's fine because I intend it as a ham shack and not a camper/motorhome. Perhaps the drawing below better captures the scale I intend.





I'm working on my plans for constructing the shack. I'll be using standard wood framing with 2x4 walls, but I need to beef up some areas to support a push-up mast of some sort -- maybe an old style wooden a-frame mast -- to support a small beam antenna. Regardless, the framing will need to support it safely. I also want to include some arrangement of poles front, center, and back to support wire antennas, but of wood rather than fiberglass or such just to preserve the rustic feel.

So, what do you guys think? Super or Stupid? Great or Gauche? Sure it's a frivolous pursuit, but it should be a lot of fun just the same. Field day will be a natural application, but I imagine it will be a blast to show up at cruise-ins and car shows with this thing. It can be a fun tool for exposing a wider audience to the fun of ham radio. On the other hand, I can drive it to radio club meetings and hamfests and share the fun of classic vehicles with hams.

Please contribute your ideas, technical and otherwise, as to what I should include. Have at it!

[K9ASE]

That is so funny it's cool Would it be easier to start with some sort of prefab building or shed,and add rustic siding than build it from scratch?

[WF7A]

Buy a metal shed: instant groundplane and a Faraday shield on wheels.

One thing: Don't attempt to take it into a car wash!

[WA6MHZ]

I would have a problem with the overhanging roof over the cab. That would catch the wind while driving and try to break it off. So that needs alotta thought. Remember that all that wood will make it very very heavy, but it will look great. Maybe use an aluminum frame and just put a wood facade over it. But that is a WONDERFUL Project. If I hada Truck, I could build something like that too. Wish someone would trade me a truck for my black town car.

[WA4BRL]

That is so funny it's cool Would it be easier to start with some sort of prefab building or shed,and add rustic siding than build it from scratch?

Certainly easier! But I want to support certain things that I'll need extra structure for. Also the dimensions of the flat bed (not in the photo) will set the length/width of the shack so a custom build seems the way to get the right fit. We're talking 96" long by 84" wide (8 x 7 feet) so it's not that large, meaning a rather easy DIY project.

Buy a metal shed: instant groundplane and a Faraday shield on wheels.

I intend to use old galvanized roofing panels on top, so we're nearly on the same wavelength.

One thing: Don't attempt to take it into a car wash!

Heh, or the bank's drive-through window... might make more than the intended deposit!

I would have a problem with the overhanging roof over the cab. That would catch the wind while driving and try to break it off. So that needs alotta thought. Remember that all that wood will make it very very heavy, but it will look great. Maybe use an aluminum frame and just put a wood facade over it. But that is a WONDERFUL Project. If I hada Truck, I could build something like that too. Wish someone would trade me a truck for my black town car.

No indeed for any overhang to the front bumper. I might leave some overhang to the top of the windshield. It could conceal a window air-conditioner. And no drooping porch on the back either. Imagine how that would drag when driving over a low spot! I'm a bit concerned about the weight. But it'll only be in the shell -- there won't be a lot of appliances, cabinets, furniture, and water tanks inside as with a camper. I imagine little more than a countertop and chairs.

[W4HAY]

Personally, I've first give that Flathead some serious pimpin'...

[KK4AMP]

If that's to be your mobile, I fear images of your shack!!

Could be a fun thing for a cruise-in though!

[KD8FYI]

you must include a CB.


73,
Ed

[KD8FYI]

and an amber light-bar and a PA system and an over the top horn.

73,

Ed

[KL7AJ]

Can anyone here say "rat rod"?