Metal Bed Floor
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Joined: Mar 2006
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From: NW Valley AZ
Metal Bed Floor
I decided to go with a metal bed since I haul stuff from time to time. I already took the wood out when I did the frame notch and fuel tank.
I picked up a bed floor from a late 70’s GMC pickup. This is how I got it home.
This is what I started with. Not too bad but had some pitting and rusted edges. The really bad rust was in areas that I knew I was going to cut off so it was ok.
The first thing I did was cut off the corners that I didn’t need.
I cut it to size for the width. It was only about 1/8” from each side after the corners were removed.
I also removed all of the braces I didn’t need. Then welded up any holes and hammered out the dents. It didn't have to be perfect since I planned on using bed liner.
More to come...
I picked up a bed floor from a late 70’s GMC pickup. This is how I got it home.
This is what I started with. Not too bad but had some pitting and rusted edges. The really bad rust was in areas that I knew I was going to cut off so it was ok.
The first thing I did was cut off the corners that I didn’t need.
I cut it to size for the width. It was only about 1/8” from each side after the corners were removed.
I also removed all of the braces I didn’t need. Then welded up any holes and hammered out the dents. It didn't have to be perfect since I planned on using bed liner.
More to come...
Roast em' if you got 'em
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 21,978
Likes: 9,817
From: Rio Rancho, NM
Excellent!
I did the same with my 49. I picked up a 2005 GMC bed for free, it was fairly easy to cut it down to size and drop it in place.
I'm looking forward to seeing the rest of the pics
Bobby
I did the same with my 49. I picked up a 2005 GMC bed for free, it was fairly easy to cut it down to size and drop it in place.
I'm looking forward to seeing the rest of the pics
Bobby
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Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 283,511
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From: northwestern Ontario
That's how I brought mine home too...
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Joined: Mar 2006
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From: NW Valley AZ
I built a 1” square tube frame to support the metal bed. I also built the frame so it sits over the original cross braces.
The frame sits on top of the original bed flange which makes the new bed sit about an inch higher than the original wood.
I mounted the floor using all of the original bolt holes along the left and right sides of the bed. To finish the edges I used the paintable bed strip side angles from Mid-Fifty.
I had the bed liner applied to the bed, tailgate and top rails.
The frame sits on top of the original bed flange which makes the new bed sit about an inch higher than the original wood.
I mounted the floor using all of the original bolt holes along the left and right sides of the bed. To finish the edges I used the paintable bed strip side angles from Mid-Fifty.
I had the bed liner applied to the bed, tailgate and top rails.
Tuned
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 299
Likes: 1
From: West Chester, PA
I have to agree with bobby - that looks much better than I thought it would! I normally don't like it when people put the metal beds in, but I actually like that! Nice job smallello
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FTE Legend
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 283,511
Likes: 8,202
From: northwestern Ontario
That turned out very well, looks really good. I'm curious about those two box type items bolted to the sides of your box, what exactly are they for ? Anchors?
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Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 806
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From: Madera Ranchos
Looks like brackets for a cross bar that stops your load from moving. I am curious also. Nice work, your truck really looks good and has the look of a labor of love
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Joined: Mar 2006
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From: NW Valley AZ
Thanks everyone I'm pretty happy with how it turned out. Took longer than I thought but then, it always seems to..
The box looking items are mounts for the bed extender. I had to move the mounts out to clear the tailgate cables and latches (seat belt buckles). It also helped with a way to mount it all. I welded 1" tubing to a 1/8" plate and bolted the mount to it.
The box looking items are mounts for the bed extender. I had to move the mounts out to clear the tailgate cables and latches (seat belt buckles). It also helped with a way to mount it all. I welded 1" tubing to a 1/8" plate and bolted the mount to it.
FTE Legend
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 283,511
Likes: 8,202
From: northwestern Ontario
Thanks everyone I'm pretty happy with how it turned out. Took longer than I thought but then, it always seems to..
The box looking items are mounts for the bed extender. I had to move the mounts out to clear the tailgate cables and latches (seat belt buckles). It also helped with a way to mount it all. I welded 1" tubing to a 1/8" plate and bolted the mount to it.
Attachment 132094
Attachment 132095
Attachment 132093
The box looking items are mounts for the bed extender. I had to move the mounts out to clear the tailgate cables and latches (seat belt buckles). It also helped with a way to mount it all. I welded 1" tubing to a 1/8" plate and bolted the mount to it.
Attachment 132094
Attachment 132095
Attachment 132093
You added a real cool and handy feature never seen in them old trucks. That was an option that came with the explorer's wasn't it?
You deserve reps my friend.
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Joined: Mar 2006
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From: NW Valley AZ
Thanks. I don't think I have seen a bed extender in these trucks.
The guy I got it from said it was from a Ranger or an F150, he wasn't sure. It was definitely too wide when I got it.
I had to take it apart and cut down the tubes about 3 inches per side to get it to fit.
The guy I got it from said it was from a Ranger or an F150, he wasn't sure. It was definitely too wide when I got it.
I had to take it apart and cut down the tubes about 3 inches per side to get it to fit.
