Atta Boy Topper! Looks good!

 

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.

 

Looks really good Topper..

 

Looks real nice! How big will the metal surround be? And what color will you paint it?

 

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!

 

So where are the yearly updates topmoo?

 

Just another nudge post....

 

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.

 

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

 

Thanks Ben!
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.

 

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.

 

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

 

Thanks for the input about the mufflers, I always liked the sounds of the Mustang GT's. And we didn't flood where I am, we couldn't get to I-10 which is only about 1.5 miles south of our house. White Oak bayou runs near I-10 where we are and it was WAY out of its banks, flooding all the roads getting across or to I-10. Parts of I-10 were completely flooded, one area that dips down had over 15 feet of water. Thankfully no houses flooded in our neighborhood called the Heights for good reason.

 

And you won't get mud on the underside of your bed and you won't need mudflaps either!

 

Yes, I just didn't think it looked good without the fenders. Those fenders are too nice not to use IMO. I hadn't seen one either and was not sure how it would look, but after I tried it I liked it. I may make some small removable side boards but when I carry plywood (I use a lot when I am building cabinets) I won't want them since I will strap it down.
I will take some pics when it is out next time...