| Author |
Message |
Luis (Sundancer) (67.120.233.131)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, September 05, 2004 - 2:43 pm: | |
I need some advise. I am getting to the point where I will need to cut holes in my bay floors and sidewalls for plumbing, air ducts for the generator, etc. I'll make sure this is no insulation or danger of starting a fire where I cut. My concern is I have a DDEC 6v92 in my MCI 102A3. Is there a possibility that I will do harm to my electronics system by using a plasma cutter? Will all problems by avoided by disconnecting my engine battaries? I have no coach battaries at this point, so that is not a problem. I am sure there are some of you who have experience with this or perhaps there is an electrical engineer out there that can expound on this subject. Thanks in advance for sharing your knowledge. |
madbrit (67.136.104.207)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, September 05, 2004 - 3:06 pm: | |
I have used one on my Freightliner with only disconnecting the batteries. However, I was working at the very rear of the vehicle and the DDEC box is at the front. We have welded using a MIG and Stick welder with only disconnecting batteries too, without any problems, but we were welding on the box body which may not have such a direct connection as the bus body could have.
They do recommend disconnecting all the connections to the DDEC box before welding or cutting, so to be real safe, I would do as recommended. Much cheaper than buying another box.
Peter. |
James Maxwell (Jmaxwell) (66.81.63.106)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, September 05, 2004 - 3:15 pm: | |
Disconnect the following: All connections to the DDEC computer (located on engine), all connections to the ATEC computer (for trans if u have an ATEC; I don't know where ure particular model locates it, perhaps rear bay or near rear electric panel), electronic Delco Voltage Regulator if u have one, all on board battries and there disconnects if equipped(physically remove cables from battery). Also, if u have electronic instruments, such as tach or speedo unit.
I suspect that I cooked the Delco VR on mine when I failed to disconnect it while doing extensive welding on the bus; manual didn't warn of it. $270 later, I know. |
John Rigbyj (24.174.238.253)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, September 05, 2004 - 6:43 pm: | |
Peter
I have a friend looking for a fl600 freightliner i think to pull a fifth wheel.
Any ideas were he can look for a good one at a good price.
John |
madbrit (67.136.104.207)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, September 05, 2004 - 7:11 pm: | |
John,
It really depends upon what he wants to end up with. I have seen long wheelbase ones converted to a 10 or 12ft day lounge with extra seating and others having a crew cab installed. The long wheelbase is probably more common as the FL60 is often used as a rental truck and the body can either be cut down in length and height, leaving a platform for the 5th wheel. The cab can be cut through for access to the accomodation.
He might consider what they call an expeditor, which has a sleeper cab and a box body, but he will have to shorten the frame for 5th wheel use as they normally run atleast 24ft box body too.
There are a few FL60 day-cabs around which he could use as they are, but nowhere for extra people or the ability for the co-pilot to make a snack whilst driving along the freeway.
If he keeps an eye on that E**y place under Freightliner, I have seen quite a few, some with automatics too. But many ex-rentals have small engines of around 190 hp. But the bigger 250 hp motors are around and some can be boosted with a chip change, but he should make sure he knows which ones can be boosted before he buys.
I went for the Class 8 FLD 120 which has the Series 60. Eventhough mine is only the baby with 11.1 liters and 350hp and 1350 torque, it should pull my 10K car hauler quite easily.
He could always call Penske or U-Haul and see what they are selling, I have heard of bargains, especially if one has body damage and that is the part he wants to cut off.
Peter. |
TWO DOGS (65.179.200.169)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, September 05, 2004 - 7:55 pm: | |
any truck lot has trade-ins...big trucks are CHEAP now....can get a GOOD used truck for 12 to 15 thousand...with MANY miles left on it...& most of them already have the 5th wheel on them...1000 if you have to have one installed...don't know where you are...come to Amarillo & I'll show you some good trucks at bargain prices... |
TWO DOGS (63.185.81.12)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, September 06, 2004 - 2:19 am: | |
on the plasma torch...they have them now,that will cut 1/2" for arround 1000 dollars...don't get one too small, I was kinda disapointed with the aluminum cutting.... |
TWO DOGS (63.185.81.12)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, September 06, 2004 - 2:27 am: | |
hate to keep adding things.....consider a holesaw,that's what I used,...get GOOD ones tho..a 1 inch & a two inch...expect to pay 50.00 to 75.00 for QUALITY.&.1/2 inch drill motor...about same price |
Luis (Sundancer) (67.120.235.251)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, September 06, 2004 - 12:31 pm: | |
Interesting how a plasma cutter question led into a conversation on trucks. But I did get the info I was looking for. There are too many unknowns about electronics and welding hazards on a coach. I think I'll take Two Dogs advise and just go the old fashioned way. Manual labor. |
TWO DOGS (63.185.80.110)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, September 06, 2004 - 1:12 pm: | |
think you will be happier with the outcome...no fire worry too...remember "QUALITY HOLESAWS" |
James Maxwell (Jmaxwell) (66.81.209.125)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, September 06, 2004 - 10:02 pm: | |
Hole saws, as TD says, good ones, are indispensable in doing a conversion. I have found that for smaller holes and even cutting out openings for access doors, etc., a roto-zip tool is a handy thing to have, along with a Sawzall. |
TWO DOGS (65.177.145.70)
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, September 06, 2004 - 10:14 pm: | |
and a 1/2" drill.....NOTHING smaller |