I thought I had original bed wood here but, it can't be. Bruce Horkey's crossmember kit only has 6 crossmembers. They look like these but there are too many here. Is this just a beefed up repair from a previous owner?

 

Notice the oddball narrow plank in the mix. These planks were 1 1/4" thick.

I am going to buy some 2 1/2" square tube to make new crossmembers. I'll just put 6 in if that's all it needs.

 

If they are 1 1/4" thick then they are not original. And I thought the cross members were steel. At least the cross members in the F100's are.

 

Six is correct. Does the Horkey kit include the metal insert strips that go at the ends of the two smaller middle cross members? I'll be needing to order the kit myself down the road. Stu

 

Thanks Stu, Those pics help. Yes they do include the metal strips. Looks like a nice kit.

Wood and Arizona don't mix so I am going to go with steel square tube crossmembers. Still undecided on the bed wood.

 

Another kit question. Does it include the rubber seal/tubing that runs along the bed sides? The bed in my second above pic is untouched and still has that seal. Stu

 

Man, yours is truly original. No, I think it is just 6 wood crossmembers and the steel plates. No hardware or seals. $335.00. Says 60 lbs. Not sure what shipping would be.

 

Abe, thanks for the reply. Mine will be steel soon. Wood just drys up, shrinks and splits really bad in this climate.

I can get the steel for about $100. Not original but, should really secure the bed to the frame well and not get loose and wobbly. If anybody down the road wanted original, they can unbolt it and chuck it for the wood. It'll be after I'm gone.

 

Keep in mind that the first cross member at the front has a lip that fits under and supports the headboard. The headboard bolts to it. Stu

 

My 56 has metal cross members ,8' box. Iam going to have shop with a big break make new ones for me. Mine have sheet of chipboard in it when in I got it but isaw no sign of wood cross members.

 

Scott,
Did you go with the steel cross members?
If so, what did you use?

 

I did go with steel. I posted the details and images here. I used 2 1/2" square tube x .120 wall.

It needs to be 2 1/2" tall and it was all I could find locally. I later found that there is another size available I would have used instead if it was available at the time. It is 2 1/2" x 1 1/2" x .083.

MY original wood was 2 1/2" tall by 2" wide. It had been replaced so I don't know what Ford put in.

The front cross member needs to be wider and attach to the front bed panel.

 

1949 F68 Canadian 8 foot box had wood crossmembers


1949 F68 Canadian. Used hardwood with marine sealant.