f-250 flatbed convertion
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Joined: Jan 2013
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f-250 flatbed convertion
I am in the process of starting a 250 project and I would like some tips on building a flatbed, should I go with steel or aluminum, both are available t me for this bed also can aluminum be powder coated and the truck has 6ft bed frame is it possible to custom make the flatbed for 8 feet?
Moderator & parts slinger
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 50,263
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From: S/W Missouri, Polk county
Steel-cheaper, easier to weld but heavy weight wise.
Aluminium- lighter, more $$ and a little more welding skill required and the correct welder than can weld aluminium.
A flat bed is easy and if you build it yourself (have skills and welder) can be a awesome addition. Under bed tool boxes (front and aft of rear axle can be added ,custom headache rack/light bar.
Steel frame with wood planks, steel frame with treadplate, aluminium frame with treated lumber planks. Make some low profile stock racks for the side and a butt board.
Here is what is going on my F250, I took it off a F150 parts truck....the old pic was when I first bought it, way to big and to long a flat bed.
First getting it repainted, new fenders, outer grill shell, cab lights and slicking up the interior. Then maybe sale it, who knows???
If shopping for one remember most are built for rear duel wheel trucks.
Aluminium- lighter, more $$ and a little more welding skill required and the correct welder than can weld aluminium.
A flat bed is easy and if you build it yourself (have skills and welder) can be a awesome addition. Under bed tool boxes (front and aft of rear axle can be added ,custom headache rack/light bar.
Steel frame with wood planks, steel frame with treadplate, aluminium frame with treated lumber planks. Make some low profile stock racks for the side and a butt board.
Here is what is going on my F250, I took it off a F150 parts truck....the old pic was when I first bought it, way to big and to long a flat bed.
First getting it repainted, new fenders, outer grill shell, cab lights and slicking up the interior. Then maybe sale it, who knows???
If shopping for one remember most are built for rear duel wheel trucks.
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 1,244
Likes: 1
its hard to beat a bradford built flatbed. built right and built in the usa with usa steel. i have one and it does everything i need it to do. i have had 2 round bales of grass on the back. for the cost i cant see spending the time or money to build one.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 1,742
Likes: 5
From: Near St. Joseph,MO
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Cargo Master
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 3,172
Likes: 101
From: darlington
treadplate
Hey Rich off hand do you know the thickness of your treadplate on your flatbed? I need to modify my fb ,remove the skin and i would like to go with treadplate.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 1,186
Likes: 1
From: townsend DE
i went with an 8x6 sheet of .125, the sheet weighs like 300 lbs
Cargo Master
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 3,172
Likes: 101
From: darlington
fb
thanks impalaslayer,my bed skin(just sheet steel) is I beleive 14g,I have to cut it down to 7x8-3,,,maybe i will just leave it as is and grind it down and primer and paint,,,,,I was thinkin of removing it but what a pita thanks
id rather have a real bed. just looks cooler 
Cargo Master
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 3,172
Likes: 101
From: darlington
fb
I have always liked the cream colored bradford pickup,I beleive that young man lives in Wyoming or montana,it was his Grandfathers.I have always owned trucks since i was a young teenager,,but for a working truck you can not beat a fb,,,,naturally you love looking at factory bed with that nice looking Dent or Bump,,,but loading a load of wood or coal or stone its night and day,its part of survival 1/8 inch 3/16 hum,,,,,,thats why I wanted to remove my skin 14g is light although awesome under carriage
