M818 Rebuild w/ Deuce Bed

Lonnie · Sep 28, 2014

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 · Sep 28, 2014

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 · Sep 28, 2014

Wow, you been busy!

Lonnie · Sep 28, 2014

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 · Sep 28, 2014

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

Ford Mechanic · Sep 28, 2014

Good looking truck!

Lonnie · Sep 28, 2014

The cost overruns are typically similar as well.

Ford Mechanic said:
Good looking truck!

Thanks, I'm slowly improving things.

gimpyrobb · Sep 28, 2014

Yes, I know cost overruns well!

Lonnie · Sep 29, 2014

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 · Sep 29, 2014

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 · Sep 30, 2014

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 · Oct 2, 2014

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 · Oct 3, 2014

Looks great!

Lonnie · Oct 3, 2014

Thanks,
Still going to the parade Saturday?

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

jeremymx26 · Oct 3, 2014

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

Lonnie · Oct 3, 2014

Tires w/ old wheels

New bead locks

Lonnie · Oct 3, 2014

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

Lonnie · Oct 3, 2014

Putting on new top & cleaning up the roof supports.

Lonnie · Oct 4, 2014

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 · Oct 13, 2014

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

M818 Rebuild w/ Deuce Bed

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