I have had the box rebuilt for my '49 F1 (new front panel, 1 new stake and new tail gate). The original box had the metal pan over wood boards. I am replacing this with an oak bed and the stainless steel strips. Everything is fitted and I am ready to cut the rabbits on the oak boards. My question is the outside boards where they meet the sides of the box. Naturally, the old sides aren't perfectly straight and the gap between the outside board and the box side varies for 0" to approximately 3/8". What have members found to be the best method for finishing this gap? I have considered compressible rubber or possibly a high quality caulk. I would be interested in any suggestions that you might have.

Dennis Krumenauer

 

Spot weld a angle to the bed sides like some of the later models have. rabbit out the wood so it will slip under the angle.

 

Exactly what Don said or use U- channel to the same effect.

I'd want the wood coming under the metal about 1/2 inch and a gap from the bed wall (hidden by the metal discussed) of about 3/8 inch....

But i'm sure you'll 10 different answers....

 

Ah yes, BUT, does everyone know that our frineds at MAR-K sell a Polished Stainless steel strip just for this purpose?

Well, they do. And after seeing one on a truck, it looks like something that was original. I'm planning on buying a set for my bed side wall ends as they are really rough from being cut or having been rusted.

Call the folks at MAR-K (an FTE sponser). Here is their link:

http://www.mar-k.com/

 

Thanks for the help. I'll give MAR-K a call. Otherwise, I'll find and angle that I can use.

Dennis