After several months of careful planning and fabrication, I have finally completed the flatbed that will be placed on my 1953 f250. My whole goal with the truck was for it to be a daily driver and work truck so I didn't feel like it would be wise to ruin an original bed. So I went ahead and made a budget of no more than $800. And boy was it close, but I made it! Total bill came out to $797.87! I was the sole designer and fabricator. There are some additions I will make after it returns from being judged at my local county fair.



Pieces cut to allow for frame hump, and front and rear crossmembers set into place





Crossmember cut to length for headache rack.

 

 

Impressive job.

 

Great job, What did you paint it with ? Lets see a picture of it on the chassis.

 

That's Great!

 

That's a nice looking bed. I bet it's more sturdy than the original script bed when unmounted.

 

Very nice! Be sure to show us pictures of it on your truck.

 

I coated it with Rustoleum brand roll on bed liner and painted the tailgate with cobalt blue metallic spray paint. The flatbed is being exhibited at fair right now, so it'll be at least a couple weeks before it's on the truck.

 

I figure it's about as strong as the frame of the truck itself! With all the material being .120 wall square or rectangular tubing, I'd be willing to bet it's got an edge over the frames c-channel. Every opening was boxed in to prevent rust as well.

 

Nicely done, very creative use of the tailgate!

I gotta ask though, how much does it weigh? Looks heavy....

 

I'm not sure on total weight but I do know the metal only weighed about 400 lbs total. That's without me cutting it up and I didn't even come close to using it all (still have bumpers to make). My guess is that the steel alone weighs 300 lbs. Add another 100 lbs for the wood just to be safe and that's my guess. 400-500 lbs total