Cheetos Crew Build
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 1,494
Likes: 347
From: SE Iowa
Looking good Cheeto. At least your working on a project vehicle. I'm still stuck working on the chity old house of mine.
To answer the question of how to calibrate a tape measure ( do this often at work).
Generally you have a precision machined block that measures in 1,3, or 6ft lengths depending on how much $$$$$ you want to spend. These blocks are laser etched with with a typical tape scale. in order for a tape measure to be accepted as "calibrated" the marks on the tape measure MUST line up with the marks on the block. Any deviation from this and the tape is rejected. You can order certified tapes from Starrett or other, but they are really expensive. Most of the time at work, we just order a high quality tape, check it to the block, and etch the outside of the tape how far its off. That way we just measure then +/- the difference for an exact measurement.
It should be noted that I only use a tape measure at work if the print tolerance is greater than 1/16in. Anything less than that and its either a digital caliper or a mic.
Keep up the good work.
To answer the question of how to calibrate a tape measure ( do this often at work).
Generally you have a precision machined block that measures in 1,3, or 6ft lengths depending on how much $$$$$ you want to spend. These blocks are laser etched with with a typical tape scale. in order for a tape measure to be accepted as "calibrated" the marks on the tape measure MUST line up with the marks on the block. Any deviation from this and the tape is rejected. You can order certified tapes from Starrett or other, but they are really expensive. Most of the time at work, we just order a high quality tape, check it to the block, and etch the outside of the tape how far its off. That way we just measure then +/- the difference for an exact measurement.
It should be noted that I only use a tape measure at work if the print tolerance is greater than 1/16in. Anything less than that and its either a digital caliper or a mic.
Keep up the good work.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 21,285
Likes: 16
From: Nutter Fort, WV
Letting a tape retract and slam against the end hook bends the hook and stretches the rivet holes in the tape.
In the carpentry business I have seen tapes vary over 1/4".
That is not that bad for rough framing, but terrible if you are cutting trim.
Setting up a vehicle frame is more like trim work.
Cheeto is probably using the flattest place in his yard for the build.
If he were any farther from the road, the truck would be setting at a 45 degree angle or steeper.
In the carpentry business I have seen tapes vary over 1/4".
That is not that bad for rough framing, but terrible if you are cutting trim.
Setting up a vehicle frame is more like trim work.
Cheeto is probably using the flattest place in his yard for the build.
If he were any farther from the road, the truck would be setting at a 45 degree angle or steeper.
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 782
Likes: 0
From: South Carolina
In west virginny you aint got much yard to build in. Its all mountainsides.
Lookin very good. I am interested on how this beast will turn out.
Post Fiend
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 6,221
Likes: 6
From: Cow Town, CA
i have been waiting for this....i am looking to do the same thing for very simaler reasons....i have a 70 crew long bed and want 4wd but as you still want the long bed and Ford for some lame reason did offer a 4wd long bed crew cab....cant wait for some good ideas......
Thread Starter
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Post Fiend
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 5,181
Likes: 3
From: Across from the neighbors
WEll dave its not the flattest part of the yard but the rest is still tore up from putting the new septic system in and i didnt wanna wait any longer so i started.
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Elder User
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 881
Likes: 0
From: dallastown pa
I thought in WV. To have a higher status you had to have a few yard ornaments. So Dave is accomplishing two things at once displaying his project which is temporarily a yard ornament and getting some work done. I’m jealous I’m not allowed to have cars as yard ornaments. Now that you got pictures I see what your talking about.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 13,873
Likes: 3
From: Atlanta GA
> make sure you get that tape measure calibrated
Not only that, but, I was building something and when I went to put everything together, nothing lined up exact. Checked my Home Depot triangle square against my ancient copper 3 foot roofing square and found it was off by a few degrees and not a true < 90 degrees. Wonder how many homes went up crooked by people not double checking those HD squares. A lot easier to correct wood joints then welded joints though
Not only that, but, I was building something and when I went to put everything together, nothing lined up exact. Checked my Home Depot triangle square against my ancient copper 3 foot roofing square and found it was off by a few degrees and not a true < 90 degrees. Wonder how many homes went up crooked by people not double checking those HD squares. A lot easier to correct wood joints then welded joints though