So I have come to the point on my 1954 F250 build where I need to decide. Do I restore a factory 8' long bed and put it on my F250? Do I build a custom steel and wood flatbed? Or do I build a flatbed with stake sides? I am seeking opinions and ideas.

I believe the truck originally had a flatbed but not sure. I purchased a complete F250 long bed last year but honestly it needs a lot of work and I am still missing the correct tailgate (F250's have wider tailgates). I have a background in wood boat building and the thought of a cool steel and wood flatbed appeals to me. I know ultimately it is my truck and my decision but wondering what others think.

Also, does anyone have a photos of the original flatbeds/stakes they put on the 54's? How did they do the taillights, license plates?
I will be posting some photos of the long bed and some drawings of the flatbed soon.

 

Restoring an old, used box is usually an effort in futility. It's nearly impossible to get both sides of a beat up piece of sheet metal flat and straight again. If you like the idea and look of a flatbed, I would suggest going that direction. It'll be easier to do, and you'll be happier with it in the end.

That said, there's no reason why you couldn't build a flatbed designed to accept stake sides at some point, if you so decided to run them. They would be optional, so it could work either way.

I can't say for sure about the lights, etc., on a '54, but my '52 originally had one tail light with a bracket off the frame rail under the bed. The license plate hung below, just like on the pickup. Very good reproduction brackets (L&R) are available from Mack Hils, although they do say they are for a much earlier truck. They were correct for my application, and would likely be perfect for yours, too.

 

I'm for the stakebed option, Wayne said it right. If you build the stakebed you have both the flatbed and stakebed.

Harleymsm is building a wood stake bed for his 50 F5. Check out his album, awesome stuff.
1950 Ford F450 4x2 - 1950 F5

Here is a truck that a friend to pictures from a car show last year. I want to do something like this with my 55 F250.

 

Joe, thanks for those pics. It inspires me.

Wayne, you are correct. The steel on the long bed that I have is in far condition, it's more of a surface rust and prep issue and less about dents and dings in the steel. I agree though, straightening flat steel for both side showing is a pain.

If I go the route of the flatbed, I would put in stake pockets so I could add stakes later. I want to keep the cool look of the old Fords on the rear of the truck because the fronts have such awesome curves. Trying to figure out a way make a flatbed with a little more roundness. I also have a great set of steel rear fenders that are in epoxy that I hate to not use. Oh the issues! Maybe if someone buys the rear fenders I will be free of that issue. lol

I am working on putting up some drawings.

 

If you are concerned with the fenders (and maybe even the box) not being used.... I would love a set of rears without the spare notch....... and I need a longer box than stock for my DarkLord in progress... maybe we can work out a deal...

 

I once considered building a set of wooden running boards for my 52, seeing those in these pics almost makes me wish I had

 

Hey Kid,

I built a set of wooden running boards for a guy last year. He had a 54 F350 and needed the longer running boards. We used maple and marine grade epoxy. They came out great. I use to have photos of them but they disappeared around the shop somewhere. I have been contemplating building another set.