My build thread
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Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 3,222
Likes: 6
From: Houston
Flat bed
So, I finally took a good look at the bed that was on my truck when I got it. The PO did some crazy work on it including a huge bumper that was welded to the sides. He also cut up the rear support bar below the tailgate. And the sides are full of dents. I decided to build a flatbed instead. Here are few pics, no metal surround yet, but that will come. Ash supports on top of treated 4 x 6 cut to conform to the frame. The deck is Accoya, wood that has been altered to change the cellular structure so that it doesn't rot (gauranteed 50 years) and it doesn't contract or expand. Not the most beautiful wood, but good for this.
Got the gas inlet installed and two LED lights installed.
Got the gas inlet installed and two LED lights installed.
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Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 3,222
Likes: 6
From: Houston
Thanks Abe and John!
I haven't decided for sure, but probably 3 x 2 inch angle iron that I can then weld on stake pockets with a flat welded to the outside on the sides. I am going to do a removable headache rack too that I may never remove. I may build it and the sides out of wood, not sure yet. As slow as I have been going who knows!
I haven't decided for sure, but probably 3 x 2 inch angle iron that I can then weld on stake pockets with a flat welded to the outside on the sides. I am going to do a removable headache rack too that I may never remove. I may build it and the sides out of wood, not sure yet. As slow as I have been going who knows!
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Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 3,222
Likes: 6
From: Houston
I have been bad about posting, mostly because I hadn't been working on the truck enough. Finally back to work and now have a flatbed, carb problems fixed, wiring completed, and ready for State Inspection. I just got insurance which is needed for inspection and of course to drive. It runs good now and will soon post a driving video (after inspection). Once it gets inspected I can get it registered and get a License Plate. Here are a few of the latest pictures. Still need to finish the interior with carpet, headliner, door panels, paint, etc.
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Logistics Pro
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 3,793
Likes: 19
From: Austin
Hey Topper,
Your truck looks really good! Go get it licensed & let's see that
first drive! So.... what are your plans for the flat bed? Are you going with some sort of stakes?
Ben in Austin
1950 F1
Your truck looks really good! Go get it licensed & let's see that
first drive! So.... what are your plans for the flat bed? Are you going with some sort of stakes?
Ben in Austin
1950 F1
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Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 3,222
Likes: 6
From: Houston
I am going to make a headache rack connected to the angle iron border, probably no side rails. No precise plans yet, still deciding. I wan't one to not only protect the cab but also above the roof so that I could carry longer wood when needed. The bed that came with the truck was in really bad shape so I decided to build a flatbed but keep the rear fenders.
I traded woodwork for (from a friend who has a great shop whose specialty is exotics and hot rods) a R700R4 because I wanted overdrive. I think he had it built with a high stall torque converter. Not the most fun to drive on local streets unless since it has to have a lot of RPM's to shift. Plus I have some drips from my oil pan so more setbacks. I really don't want to take the trans back out but I may have to. I'll fix the leaks and try driving it some more, so far I have only gone about a mile in the neighborhood. I have already decided that the glass pacs are too loud, so more work ahead!
By the way, I do have a repop front panel for a bed that I never used (got it 5 years ago!) and the original tailgate which is fair condition if anyone is interested to pay for shipping and crating (unless you are close and can pick them up) to any FTE member who needs either or both.
Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 9,688
Likes: 1,255
From: Jefferson City, MO
I don't think I have ever seen a flatbed with fenders before. When you get it out, you need to take pictures from farther away. It's a pretty cool and unique look.
If you will be using the bed to haul stuff, you will probably want sideboards. Progress is progress even if it is slower than you would like.
If you will be using the bed to haul stuff, you will probably want sideboards. Progress is progress even if it is slower than you would like.
Logistics Pro
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 3,793
Likes: 19
From: Austin
HeyTopper,
We did our initial exhaust as turn downs directly under the bed....
that was mind numbingly loud and not great on gravel or dirt. Our next set up was
with Magnaflow 40's .... little children & dogs ran from the street when we drove by..
I switched to some Mustang GT mufflers everyone was getting rid of to soup up their Mustangs.
Ahhhh... much better. It takes a couple of attempts to get the sound right...
You know you are the only person in Houston driving a truck with that look. That's kind of satisfying
and you did it yourself. I was worried about you during Harvey... did the water get close to your truck?
Ben in Austin
1950 F1
We did our initial exhaust as turn downs directly under the bed....
that was mind numbingly loud and not great on gravel or dirt. Our next set up was
with Magnaflow 40's .... little children & dogs ran from the street when we drove by..
I switched to some Mustang GT mufflers everyone was getting rid of to soup up their Mustangs.
Ahhhh... much better. It takes a couple of attempts to get the sound right...
You know you are the only person in Houston driving a truck with that look. That's kind of satisfying
and you did it yourself. I was worried about you during Harvey... did the water get close to your truck?
Ben in Austin
1950 F1
Thread Starter
|
Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 3,222
Likes: 6
From: Houston
HeyTopper,
We did our initial exhaust as turn downs directly under the bed....
that was mind numbingly loud and not great on gravel or dirt. Our next set up was
with Magnaflow 40's .... little children & dogs ran from the street when we drove by..
I switched to some Mustang GT mufflers everyone was getting rid of to soup up their Mustangs.
Ahhhh... much better. It takes a couple of attempts to get the sound right...
You know you are the only person in Houston driving a truck with that look. That's kind of satisfying
and you did it yourself. I was worried about you during Harvey... did the water get close to your truck?
Ben in Austin
1950 F1
We did our initial exhaust as turn downs directly under the bed....
that was mind numbingly loud and not great on gravel or dirt. Our next set up was
with Magnaflow 40's .... little children & dogs ran from the street when we drove by..
I switched to some Mustang GT mufflers everyone was getting rid of to soup up their Mustangs.
Ahhhh... much better. It takes a couple of attempts to get the sound right...
You know you are the only person in Houston driving a truck with that look. That's kind of satisfying
and you did it yourself. I was worried about you during Harvey... did the water get close to your truck?
Ben in Austin
1950 F1
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 25,410
Likes: 5,421
From: Central PA
I don't think I have ever seen a flatbed with fenders before. When you get it out, you need to take pictures from farther away. It's a pretty cool and unique look.
If you will be using the bed to haul stuff, you will probably want sideboards. Progress is progress even if it is slower than you would like.
If you will be using the bed to haul stuff, you will probably want sideboards. Progress is progress even if it is slower than you would like.
Thread Starter
|
Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 3,222
Likes: 6
From: Houston
I don't think I have ever seen a flatbed with fenders before. When you get it out, you need to take pictures from farther away. It's a pretty cool and unique look.
If you will be using the bed to haul stuff, you will probably want sideboards. Progress is progress even if it is slower than you would like.
If you will be using the bed to haul stuff, you will probably want sideboards. Progress is progress even if it is slower than you would like.
I will take some pics when it is out next time...