SeattleMike's cargo project

[SeattleMike]

I might as well update this:

We found a home for Dutch with Summit Assistance Dogs. They train dogs to work with a wide variety of disabilities, one of which is vets returning with PTSD. Apparently Dutch scored really high in the PTSD area when he was being evaluated and they are anxious to get him started with a training group. Personally, I couldn't think of a greater purpose for him and am grateful for the opportunity we had with him. Letting him go was the hardest thing I have ever done; knowing he will help a vet helps ease that particular pain.

My oncologist gives me less than 50/50 on living a year, so we are frontloading our lives with fun stuff... just in case. Thanks for the well wishes, but we didn't catch this in time due to the total lack of symptoms from the original tumor.

java has been a great help and I am really grateful for his willingness to make time in his life to help me get my 4Runner ready for my wife to drive it when I am gone. I look forward to revealing the finished product, which I freely admit is a collection of other people's work combined to fit her needs. I'll give credit where due, promise.

 

[java]

Mike,
Lets hope for the better 50%. I am happy your willing to let me help with what you want your 4runner to be. I am grateful for what you have done for me, even in your time of need. There is alot of support and love out there for you. Dont give up hope

 

[darkie3495]

Hey mike,

That's good news about Dutch. Try and keep your head up and focus on the good 50% as Gabe mentioned. Looking forward to our next snow run this season.

Prayers go out to you and your family.

Kevin

 

[Tucson4runner]

prepare for the worst and expect the best. you dont seem like the type of person to give up just yet. if you guys plan a trip you should come down here to az and we will show you a good time

 

[4ShoreRunner]

The glass is always half full! :beer:

Let me know if your adventures bring you out this way and we can check out some monuments and memorials in DC.

 

[kmiller8821]

Carpe Diem Mike! Awesome choice for Dutch!

 

[Antman]

Judging by your past posts, if you argue with those percentages I'm sure you will win. :thumb3:

 

[java]

one drawer almost done,



screw holes getting filled, need to be sanded before carpet,



paint on the inside

 

[nashman69g]

I really hope for a miracle and the best odds...

 

[pawzitiv]

Mike,

My thoughts are with you as you commence your battle. Don't succumb to the odds game .. the human mind and spirit can be invincible.

"Once you choose hope, anything's possible." ~Christopher Reeve

 

[java]

 

[darkie3495]

Looks awesome!! good work!

Are those notches in the drawer face for a latch/lock system of some sort?

 

[java]

Looks awesome!! good work!

Are those notches in the drawer face for a latch/lock system of some sort?

Yes the slides lock in and out and have a little handle right there that releases it

 

[java]

Clamshell box to hold maxtrax, hilift, walking stick and anything else we can pack in it.

open

closed


drawer boxes got carpeted


drawer dividers


bed liner on the drawers

 

[Titanpat57]

Looks good java....keep up the good work!

 

[java]

Looks good java....keep up the good work!

Thanks pat!

 

[SeattleMike]

As you can see, java has been a bit busy getting my cargo area sorted. Last night, we finally got the two drawers installed and the fit is perfection. I drove every bad road (including places where they have torn it up in prep for new pavement) and the only noises I heard came from the half filled water bottles. An absolutely perfect job by java.

He can provide details on the materials, he has my original templates that were used to contour the edges to meet the interior plastics, so don't be shy about asking him to build you something if you like it. I don't claim any ownership of the frame idea (but I don't mind getting credit, either) so feel free to find someone who can copy it if you decide to go that route.

Here's the pics:

This is the clearance inside the door with it closed:

And I still get my slide-out tray function:

Next step is the clamshell box and then stuffing the empty spaces with all the other "doomer wagon" stuff we can fit in and around the sides.

On a personal note, I want to thank everyone for the wellwishes, prayers, and words of support. Unfortunately, one of the side effects of my chemotherapy resulted in a heart attack on 8/21 that left me with 3 new stents and a new outlook on life. While terrifying to suffer a massive coronary at the age of 41, the experience has turned out to have positive results. It forced me to either get busy living or get busy dying, and since I am NOT dying today... I was left with one choice. Apparently, the stents are doing their job, too. I am doing radiation therapy for the brain tumors and the massive tumor in my chest was reduced greatly. When the radiation is done, I will resume some other form of chemo to address whatever is left of the tumor and then reassess.

But first, I am taking my wife to Tahiti. :guitar3:

 

[Antman]

Rock on Mike. You are a true fighter! :thumb3:

 

[1engineer]

Rock on Mike. You are a true fighter! :thumb3:

I have never met you nor spoken to you. The only thing I have to form any opinion of you is your written words. Those words have formed an image and that image is not one of a guy waiting around to see what happens next - but of a guy who will do everything possible to influence the outcome to be positive not only for you but for your wife as well.

Keep your powder dry and have fun on your trip! G

 

[Dlak]

Great job on the drawers but mite importantly glad to here you arr fighting thus with everything you've got. Tahiti is awesome, are you going island hop?