Plasma cutters sure are fun! There's just something about using 40,000*F worth of plasma to cut steel! I checked out a used unit today, a Miller 375 X-treme, but if this other guy calls me back, I might spring for a Hypertherm PowerMax 45, which would be a lot of overkill, but it's got enough balls to gouge and blow out welds, which would be super baller.
I've been trying to get in touch with the painter to get the ball rolling on the truck again, but not much luck so far.
One of the first fab projects for the Yota will be some box steel rockers. I got the idea from the Jeep forums looking up stuff for my buddy's XJ. It'll look like this, except obviously sealed on the end:
Whole thread:
http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f11/rockers-labor-day-1260797/
I need to make some measurements first, but I'm thinking now 2 x 6 x 3/16 based on the sizes the guys were using for Jeeps.
I want to tie it into the frame, too. The Jeeps are unibody, so they just weld it right on to the frame. I don't want to do that in case for some reason the cab needs to come off in the future. Yes, I know it can be ground off or whatever, but why make things more complicated? I don't want to drill or weld the frame, so I think I'm going to take a leaf out of this guy's book and make some frame "clamps" for the supports. I'll need to pick up a shop press and press brake kit first, though. Always more tools to buy....
Example:
Whole article:
http://home.comcast.net/~explorer4x4/rock_sliders.htm