1953 bed- flatbed or full box?
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
From: Assiniboia, Sasktachewan
1953 bed- flatbed or full box?
Hello all,
I'll keep this simple. I'll list the options I'm facing and let the feedback sway the decision. I am working with with an 8 foot (longbox). The first option is to use a model a box I have which would leave 2' behind the cab which I have a Chrome tool box I can mount to fill the gap and which I plan to use regardless for storage and to house the battery. The second option is to build a flat bed that just fits between the rear tires and incorporates fenders. The third option is to build full size flat bed that goes right over the full back. The final option is to find a styleside (fleetside) bed and narrow wheel opennings to accommodate narrow wheel base. Thanks for any suggestions.
I'll keep this simple. I'll list the options I'm facing and let the feedback sway the decision. I am working with with an 8 foot (longbox). The first option is to use a model a box I have which would leave 2' behind the cab which I have a Chrome tool box I can mount to fill the gap and which I plan to use regardless for storage and to house the battery. The second option is to build a flat bed that just fits between the rear tires and incorporates fenders. The third option is to build full size flat bed that goes right over the full back. The final option is to find a styleside (fleetside) bed and narrow wheel opennings to accommodate narrow wheel base. Thanks for any suggestions.
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 9,714
Likes: 823
From: Wentzville, MO
You really didn't say what you were wanting to do with the truck. Sounds like you'll be using the truck (installing the toolbox) not just occasionally driving it.
I wouldn't opt for the gap between the cab and bed option unless you really have a plan to make it look right. The full size flatbed was a standard option on 53s but who wants to go thru all that work to be standard?
IMHO you should make it functional for the work you plan on doing with it. And make it your truck with differences that make it standout as different! But not so different it's no longer recognizable as a 53
I wouldn't opt for the gap between the cab and bed option unless you really have a plan to make it look right. The full size flatbed was a standard option on 53s but who wants to go thru all that work to be standard?
IMHO you should make it functional for the work you plan on doing with it. And make it your truck with differences that make it standout as different! But not so different it's no longer recognizable as a 53
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,100
Likes: 2
you can still get a replacement long box to fit your frame from Mid Fifty. Personally, I have two short box half tons which are standard box. I picked up a 250 (3/4 ton) long box and Im making a flatbed out of it with duallies and smoke stacks just for something different. If your going to use the tool box, in my opinion, it would look better sitting on a flatbed (full frame length) or standard long box (full frame length).
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
From: Assiniboia, Sasktachewan
Thanks for the suggestions. This truck will be a fair weather cruiser/ road tripper as the original M350 cab is sitting on a 2006 Ranger chassis with full drive train, etc. The original idea was a 50s style hot rod but its definitely evolved to be more modern than we thought. The original longbox was rusty, the fenders rough, and the hoist frame was bolted in so many points (don't build them like that anymore 
) and completely frozen so we didn't want to butcher it as our buyer needed the hoist for his project. Also long box step sides IMO look awkward and rugged. So at this point its a balance between style and function (and cost effectiveness, a new bed kit is definitely out of the budget- though likely the nicest option). Thanks for your ideas.
) and completely frozen so we didn't want to butcher it as our buyer needed the hoist for his project. Also long box step sides IMO look awkward and rugged. So at this point its a balance between style and function (and cost effectiveness, a new bed kit is definitely out of the budget- though likely the nicest option). Thanks for your ideas.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
90pioneer
1999 - 2003 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
17
Sep 30, 2011 01:49 PM
mercuryman
1967 - 1972 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
4
Jul 18, 2003 01:16 PM
