Flatbed or styleside bed

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Dec 3, 2013 | 10:24 AM

ltharper

Thread Starter

Freshman User

Joined: Sep 2013

Posts: 41

Likes: 0

From: Snow Hill, NC

Flatbed or styleside bed

I have a 1968 Ford f350 cc drw that does not have a bed. I have been somewhat torn between putting a flat bed on it, buying a stock bed and adding fenders, or a service body. After college, I'm planning on doing a mild resto-mod such as adding newer seats, a/c, power steering, upgraded audio, maybe dropping in a cummins, etc. The truck is still mainly going to be used for work (landscaping and farming). So, the question is which bed would work and look the best, and which would be more cost efficient. If I went with the flat bed, should I go steel or wood? Would a stock bed even mount on my frame being that the truck is a chassis-cab? Thanks!

Dec 3, 2013 | 01:47 PM

JEFFFAFA

Hotshot

Joined: Mar 2013

Posts: 14,255

Likes: 199

From: Phoenix, Az.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ltharper

I vote for which ever one best fits it's style of work.

Dec 3, 2013 | 03:56 PM

51MHF5

Senior User

Joined: Jun 2009

Posts: 415

Likes: 1

From: Bearspaw Alberta Canada

If the truck is going to be used for landscaping & farming I think a flatdeck is your obvious choice. Steel or wood or a combo would depend on your finances and ability. Wood is easy, cheap, but not very durable if your loading & unloading hard landscape materials. Removable or hinged sideboards are nice for loading/unloading and toolboxes under the bed are handy.

Dec 3, 2013 | 04:12 PM

rogue40

Posting Guru

Joined: Oct 2007

Posts: 1,144

Likes: 0

From: Sedro-Woolley, WA

For landscaping I would put a steel frame 7'6"w x 9'6" or 10' long steel frame, plank deck flat bed on hinges.
That way you could bolt the front of it down and if you decide it needs a dump then just mount a wet kit and hoist.

Dec 3, 2013 | 06:37 PM

wyoming4x4

Posting Guru

Joined: Nov 2008

Posts: 1,937

Likes: 2

From: wyoming

photo of aluminum flatbed.

check out my photos albums and can see several photo of aluminum bed. I really like but depends on your application. i was thinking of keeping my weight down for fuel mileage and able to load a 4wheeler. I have a gooseneck hitch setup also in truck now. something to consider?

Dec 3, 2013 | 08:55 PM

crazed87bronco

Logistics Pro

Joined: Nov 2003

Posts: 4,371

Likes: 7

From: PA

I like flat beds made of all steel. I've been considering one for my project for awhile since I can't find a decent regular bed around me. I'm with everyone when they say to go with the type of bed that will be most beneficial to you and your line of work Since you want to use it as your work truck. A dump bed can be very handy also if you have the skill to adapt that into your bed I'd do so

Dec 8, 2013 | 09:17 PM

ltharper

Thread Starter

Freshman User

Joined: Sep 2013

Posts: 41

Likes: 0

From: Snow Hill, NC

Thanks for all the replies guys, I think im'a go with a wooden flatbed if I have to build one, due to it being the cheapest option. I am going to search a few local salvage yards ,that specialize in old farm equipment, machinery, and trucks over Christmas and see if I can find a complete steel flatbed or small dump bed for a reasonable price though.