Chassis and Tray
The tray was removed to allow full access to the chassis and underlying components for inspection and refurbishment. With the tray out of the way, the condition of the chassis rails, crossmembers, mounting points and associated hardware could be properly assessed. This stage of the project focused on cleaning, inspection and identifying any areas requiring repair or attention before reassembly, ensuring the truck has a solid foundation for the remainder of the restoration.
Chapter 4 - Chassis and tray
While the truck was largely complete and operational when purchased, removing the tray provided unrestricted access to the chassis and allowed a much more thorough inspection of the vehicle's structural components. I should have done this right from the word go as working, under and around the tray was a pain in the arse
The tray assembly was carefully detached from the chassis and lifted clear to expose the chassis rails, crossmembers, mounting points and ancillary components hidden beneath. This also provided an opportunity to assess the condition of components that are often difficult to inspect while the vehicle remains assembled.
With the tray removed, the chassis could be cleaned and inspected for signs of corrosion, cracking, distortion or previous repairs. Given the age of the vehicle and its military service history, understanding the true condition of the chassis was an important step before progressing further with the restoration.
The inspection confirmed that the chassis remained in generally sound condition, providing a solid foundation for the remainder of the project. Any areas requiring attention were identified and documented for repair during subsequent stages of the build.
Tthe focus is on mechanical integrity and reliability rather than cosmetic perfection. The chassis and tray work forms a critical part of ensuring the vehicle is structurally sound and capable of many more years of service.
Key Takeaways
Removing the tray provides unrestricted access to inspect the chassis properly and is well worth the effort.
Clean the chassis thoroughly before inspecting it, as dirt and grease can hide cracks, corrosion and previous repairs.
Check every crossmember, mounting point and bracket while they are exposed, not just the obvious areas.
Photograph and label all tray mounts, spacers and hardware to simplify reassembly.
Repair or protect any surface corrosion while the chassis is accessible to prevent future deterioration.
Take the opportunity to inspect and service components mounted to the chassis before the tray is refitted.