When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Since he is in CA, this wonderful state makes you have the DOT numbers with all of the insurance as if you are a over the road trucker, plus you are supposed to pull in the scales. Really stupid law for a flatbed pick-up. Our local radiator shop has a little Ford ranger with a flatbed, they were stopped by the CHP for passing the scale house and also not having the DOT numbers on the side of the door.
I seriously doubt you will find a new take off. Even a used one will be hard to find. Sounds like a cool project. I did a couple of those as car haulers years ago.