BillFitzmaurice.info

Quite a while back, I posted a thread on a new V-Plate design - but it seems to be gone now. There was a request to see it again, so I'm posting it again....

Here goes:

I didn't want to drill holes in my new T-39s, so came up with a clamp system that is pure DIY. The idea is to use compression to hold the v-plate in place. I've been using it this way for two years now and it works fine....with no holes in the subs.

The apparatus is built using square, flat electrical box covers welded to bolts (or attached with epoxy).

First, cut the corners off the box covers with a hack saw... Then, "curl" the edges so that it can easily slide across the mouth of the sub from any direction.... Drill a hole in the center to accept a bolt. I had my neighbor weld them for me, but epoxy would work, or you could use threaded rod instead of a bolt and put a nut on each side.... Continued below....

Build the V-plate as in the plans. I affixed guide blocks so that alignment was perfect every time. Drill the holes for the clamps.... Buy some star knobs....but, don't get them in the fastener section of your HD or Lowes...get them from the lawnmower section. About 75% cheaper for the same thing.
Put in the plates and screw on the knobs.. This is how it attaches to the subs looking from the bottom. Loosen the knobs so that it will slide easily onto the subs until it hits the guide blocks, then crank 'em down.

I also added weatherstripping along the edge to keep it from slipping and rattling..... These have worked flawlessly. You do have to reach in to hold the clamp from spinning until it's tight enough to grab hold. But then, just crank it down tight. I've never had it come loose and since it's self-aligning I don't have to hunt for the holes to connect it like you do if you just drill holes in the sub.

Thats awesome - thank you for reposting! Definately going to remember this design

looks good! did you put foam under it? where it's not clamped, i could see it vibrating on the cab

DJ Higgumz wrote:looks good! did you put foam under it? where it's not clamped, i could see it vibrating on the cab

I've always wanted to say this...... IITP!!!!

I also added weatherstripping along the edge to keep it from slipping and rattling.....

Immaculate timing Bruce!
I was going to ask about your method when I build my V plate very soon...
When I saw this a while back I immediately thought of the 5/16 plastic handled bolts off my K&M lighting trees. I replaced them with ordinary bolts and nylocs as they get in the way if you add a bar hook. Naturally this means I will weld a 5/16 nut to the steel.
It's an awesome adaptation and I love it.
Thanks a heap for putting it up again!

I've considered making the v-plank bigger so it covers more of the sub, and have holes/handles cut in to allow straps to pass through the plate and tie the sub stacks together.
Each pair of subs stacked vertically will get strapped to the plate, which could also act as a platform, so the whole unit should be sturdy and immovable.