Food Truck Build 1979 P60

I did start without approval, risking having to change something if they didn't approve.  The code specifically says you must get approval before starting construction, I was bad.

Lol, I see. Here there is a strict rule, if you get caught building before approval, you will be shut down. I didn't touch my truck until the day I was approved. What about the commissary? What are some things that are required on the truck to make that possible? Here in Michigan there are certain things the truck must have, like a mop sink. You have to basically be a self contained unit. Are there requirements? Just curious.

The requirements are specific to Mobile Units, if the unit is Full Service, no commissary is needed.  To be considered "Full Service" it has to have a prep sink if washing of vegetables is required.    A mop sink is required per the code but not on a Mobile Unit according to our Health Inspector.  From reading on this forum, Idaho rules are much more relaxed than elsewhere. 

BelCibo, send me a email at alice.mckenna1 at gmail dot com.
 
I built a trailer for someone who planned on operating in Northern Idaho, Sand Point area. This was a very low budget job and the cart reflect that, but it still passed with flying colors. Might be able to save yourself some money looking at these pictures. Overkill is totally not necessary in Idaho.
 
In reference to the electric questions earlier in this thread. I mount all electric exposed and run MC cable. One, health departments LOVE when things are visible, two it is easier to make repairs or additions on and requires minimal downtown for doing so.
 
As far as starting prior to approval. I never get approval, and have passed carts in 5 states lol.

Exterior lights, speakers, and awning installed. Lights are the 20w multicolor LEDs, they look pretty cool at night.

Where did you get your lights?I need some ext. ones.What is MC wire?As far as approval you can start you just don't tell the HD you did.and you do risk having to do over that way.
Here In ND 3sinks,+handwash,fire ext,light colored floors,and test strips and your golden.But when the come to inspect they are all over food temps.
Anyone intrested, if I start a post of some of the rules in my state, others chime in with what you need in their state and maybe we can make a sticky.

MC Wire

Got my lights off Ebay, Amazon has them as well.  After seeing them I would not recommend the 10W version unless it is for a menu board or something smaller.  If I get the time I'll get a nighttime picture of them.  They have 16 colors, can fade between them as well.  After the graphics get installed we'll find a color that pops and stick with that.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/V...mp;hash=item2a25d22e10
 
When I asked our HD guy what were the biggest reasons for failing the initial inspection he said 1) Not using commercial equipment, and 2) not finishing surfaces i.e. unpainted wood, rough surfaces and gaps.
 

MC Cable will be a bitch to keep clean.

Where did you get the cutting board insert for your sink? I've looked many places and they are very expensive. I have a full sink in my truck and need more workable space. Any ideas?

buffy1711


Where did you get the cutting board insert for your sink? I've looked many places and they are very expensive. I have a full sink in my truck and need more workable space. Any ideas?

 
I have not purchased mine yet.  Find a local plastic supplier and buy direct.  Interstate Plastics is a big one.  Online a custom cut 20x34 sheet is around $90 with shipping.
http://www.interstateplas...0&recalculate.y=16
 

chefbuba


MC Cable will be a bitch to keep clean.

Not if it is run right and you keep your trunks (bunches of wire) in areas away from greasy equipment, or mounted below counter level so it is not directly visible.

Worked on the generator access this weekend.  The genny was too tall to fit underneath so it is 1/2 in and 1/2 out. Layout dictated the location on the truck. It will be bolted to a shelf that slides in and out on a 500lb drawer slide.  Hinge will be in the front edge of the hole, not the top.  Framed the sides in with steel angle, you will see some of it in the picture but it's not done.  Will box in the area under truck to keep it clean.  Will spray with bedliner as well.
 
Theory of operation will be to pull into location, open door and secure.  Run Genny.  If space allows, slide the genny out so it is completely free air.  Will probably install a 120v fan as well to keep her cool.

Hey. Where did u get ur awning from? Great looking truck by the way!

Awning was from these guys:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/G...mp;hash=item43b0089ce8
 
Mine no longer has the valance, it's on the highway somewhere after the first road trip.

Floor is in, most of the walls inside except behind appliances.  Genny box done.  Next steps are finish the genny drawer slides and exterior door, FRP walls and ceiling. Really need my hood as it affects the FRP position, ceiling lights etc, ordered last week so 1-2 weeks wait.

Awning Pictures

Did all the hardware come with the awning or did you have to make brackets to mount it? Thanks BelCibo.

BTM676


Did all the hardware come with the awning or did you have to make brackets to mount it? Thanks BelCibo.

 
That's the hardware it came with, basic but a good match for a food truck.

Now keep in mind I've only used it in the driveway.  It looks sturdy but it has not stood the test of time.

a.mckenna

chefbuba
MC Cable will be a bitch to keep clean.

Not if it is run right and you keep your trunks (bunches of wire) in areas away from greasy equipment, or mounted below counter level so it is not directly visible.

 
I'm afraid Chef Buba is correct, and I have had numerous health department inspectors get on their hands and knees and remove all my extra steam table pans, and bulk condiment containers on a lower shelf in order to get a better view of the conduit and wall below my counters. Fortunately I'm a clean freak and we keep it very clean, but it takes a lot of time and labor. But just plain conduit is a PITA to keep really clean when attached to the wall. The area directly behind conduit is a perfect catch all for grease, dust and debris. The flex conduit will just be more of a hassle. Sorry. 

Solution to the inside gas door issue:
Before

After: Marine Deck plate
http://www.amazon.com/gp/..._i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Very nice build you have going on. Maybe I'll see it in person when you're up and running.

BelCibo


If I have a Veg sink we are considered a full service truck and don't have to have a commissary.  We will need to prep fruits and vegetables.

 
Where do you have to dump your grey water?

evanjohnson

BelCibo


If I have a Veg sink we are considered a full service truck and don't have to have a commissary.  We will need to prep fruits and vegetables.

Where do you have to dump your grey water?

 
 I will be using an RV dump station that's within a mile of home.  I don't remember the exact wording but it has to be an approved dump site.

I'm headed to Houston for a week on business, any food trucks or eateries I just have to visit?

You may want to move those speaker wires away from the power wires.the speaker will pick up a hum next to the wires when there is power.

FRP going up.
 

All the FRP is now installed, ceiling up, stainless back wall finished.  Still need to finish the trim work.
 
Installed the hood.  8 Footer from Superior Hoods.  Installed per their instructions with 3/8 threaded rod, used nylon lock nuts so they can't back out with 2x2x2 aluminum channel on the roof.
 
Gap at the top to be filled in after I finish the wall fan install.

 

Can I ask what size is the hood and what did it cost?? Looking for another supplier..

The hood is 8 foot made by Superior. 24 x 30 with a 4" front lip.  All stainless construction except for aluminum filters.  I got it from A City Discount for $1560 shipped, the lights were an adder.  They have a 10% off code, 12hoods10. Quality is descent, I think the Captive Air was a little nicer hood but the front was taller and they didn't make it without a 3" backwall spacer.
 
http://www.acitydiscount.com/Superior-Hoods-8-Ft-Stainless-Steel-Concession-Range-Grease-Hood-NSF-NFPA96-CS30-4-96.0.60258.1.1.htm