My 56 is still a in a bad way and will need lots of work to the rear axle and rear suspension, gas tank etc. A nice wood bed is many years down the road if ever. I am tired of working upside down. I hope to put a diamond plate bed in that I can remove to expose the area without the need to take off the bed each time. The longest span between cross supports is 26" so 26"x 49"ish is the largest area of unsupported plate. I already have a work truck so this bed will not require more strength than it takes to support itself. I would prefer to use aluminum to avoid rust issues and my wife will likely be my helper. Can use steel if aluminum is not an option. Anyone have an opinion on what gauge? Anyone done it already? My supplier is far too busy with corporate contracts to help. Thanks for reading this book.

 

When I got my 56, the previous owner had removed the wood slats and had 4x8 sheet of marine plywood cut down and covered with indoor/outdoor carpet. That was easy remove and check our the axle, springs and suspension.

 

The steel is cheaper, I put a steel one in my Jeep Scrambler by myself so it is not that heavy. i bought my steel diamond plate at a trailer supply shop. They cut it to size for me and it was a drop in. Good luck with your project.

 

If I were me.. I would just uSe plywood as a temporary option

 

Thanks for the options. Oddly enough the width of my bed is forty nine inches so I didn't originally see plywood as an option. I could use some trim pieces to make it wider. Was thinking that I might use some roll on or spray on bed liner inside the whole bed and thought that the metal bottom would accept that coating better. Really curious what gauge aluminum or steel others have used.

 

I work with this stuff all the time on fire trucks. It looks good but will oxidize over time. Be aware that when you put it over steel it will react with it when moisture gets between it. It comes in 1/8, 3/16,1/4, 3/8s and on up. Watch out for sticker shock $$$ too!

 

Aluminum diamond plate will corrode particularly on the underside if laid upon wood flooring and anyplace that dissimilar metals touch. The shiny side holds up pretty well. If you go that route I recommend that you paint the backside with spray on bed coating, something that will not abrade away too easily.