View Poll Results: What kind of back end?
Flatbed
2
18.18%
Stakebed
5
45.45%
8' Long Bed
4
36.36%
Voters: 11. You may not vote on this poll
Flatbed, Stake or Long Bed?
Thread Starter
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Posting Guru
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,057
Likes: 2
From: Kalamazoo MI
Flatbed, Stake or Long Bed?
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.
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.
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 16,152
Likes: 4,750
From: Burbank, WA
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.
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.
Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 9,669
Likes: 1,249
From: Jefferson City, MO
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.
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.
Thread Starter
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Posting Guru
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,057
Likes: 2
From: Kalamazoo MI
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.
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.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 237
Likes: 0
From: Niles, MI
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...
Thread Starter
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Posting Guru
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,057
Likes: 2
From: Kalamazoo MI
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.
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.
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