Install Steps
- Center the tub. Find the center of the axle — normally the center bolt hole in the bottom lip. Measure the opening in the tub and center the tub on the mark.
Step 1 - Mark the bed side. Place the tub on the bed side, even the lip on the tub with the bottom bed lip, and use a fine point sharpie to mark the inside of the tub.
Step 2 - Set up the cut line. Using magnetic pinstripe tape, place it on the bed side 1/8″ outside the mark where the plasma cutter will cut — this can also be done with a jigsaw and fine-tooth blade.
Step 3 - Cut and remove the panel. Plasma cut the opening for the tub and remove the panel.
Step 4 - Mark the tub lip. Place the tub back in the hole, mark the bottom lip, and saw out the bed side for the tub lip.
Step 5 - Grind for the bond. Grind 1″ all the way around where the lip will be bonded.
Step 6 - Deburr. Deburr the back side if you used a plasma cutter.
Step 7 - Check the fit. Test-fit the tub in the opening.
Step 8 - Grind the tub lip.
Step 9 - Clean the surfaces. Put lacquer thinner on a rag and clean the tub and bed side, then blow off all lint from the rag.
Step 10 - Apply adhesive. Use 3M Epoxy Metal Bond (3M #8115 Panel Bond Adhesive) with a solid bead.
Step 11 - Reposition the tub. Place the tub back in the bed side and line up the lip at the bottom.
Step 12 - Clamp and set. Begin with clamps and heavy steel to set the bond, and leave overnight.
Step 13 - Weld the lip. The next day, weld the tub lip to the bottom of the bed lip.
Step 14 - Mark the board. Place a board under the bed lip and mark the outside and inside of the board.
Step 15 - Clean up the edge. With the board marked and ready, use a Dremel to clean up the edge.
Step 16 - Cut the board. Jigsaw cut the first mark on the board.
Step 17 - Grind for fit. Grind 1/8″ so the tub fits.
Step 18 - Stain to match. Stain the board to match the original color.
Step 19 - Finish the boards. Boards are finished and ready to install.
Step 20 - Final result. This is a fitted and installed wheel tub.
Step 21
For any questions or concerns with your install, don’t hesitate to email us at info@ls-fab.com
Outstanding work on the instructions but what’s your recommendation on what to use to between the bed and the wheel tub on the inside? No cut will be perfect when cut by hand, there would some small imperfections that I believe can be hidden by a beat of silicone or other product.
TIA
Seam sealer is what they use in the newer automotive applications. It’s also paintable, unlike silicone. Should make a nice finish.