Scratch built bed.
Thread Starter
|
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 191
Likes: 0
From: Old Fort TN
I got to thinking about another tip on your custom bed...I used a length of 2x4x0.120 wall rectangular tubing instead of that flimsy sheetmetal sill. This really stiffens up the bed. I rounded the lower corners of the stake pockets and used a modified Pros Pick hiding hinge setup. Here is a pic of the work in progress, the pic in my previous post shows it ready for paint.
Thread Starter
|
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 191
Likes: 0
From: Old Fort TN
I got started on the bed tonight. I only got a few hours of work in but I made good progress. I started off by making the front frame work. I cut 3 pieces of 1x1 49" long. And 2 pieces 15 1/2 inches long. Then I squared everything up and welded the front frame together.
Then I clamped the frame to my sides and used the 3rd 49" piece of 1x1 to go across the rear of the bed. Next was cutting 2 pieces of 1x1 77" long to run down the middle of the frame work. I also cut some 1x2 and angel cut the ends to go on top of my header panel. Next was to cut some cross braces and side braces. Before I finish up the bottom frame work I need to mount my rear tires and see if I need to tub the bed or see if I can leave the bed sides smooth.
Then I clamped the frame to my sides and used the 3rd 49" piece of 1x1 to go across the rear of the bed. Next was cutting 2 pieces of 1x1 77" long to run down the middle of the frame work. I also cut some 1x2 and angel cut the ends to go on top of my header panel. Next was to cut some cross braces and side braces. Before I finish up the bottom frame work I need to mount my rear tires and see if I need to tub the bed or see if I can leave the bed sides smooth.
Thread Starter
|
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 191
Likes: 0
From: Old Fort TN
I will definitely take plenty of pics....but I'm far from a pro but thanks for the kind words.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,159
Likes: 28
From: manitoba
Looks really good! Keep up the good work!
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Ford Super Duty: 5 Things Owners LOVE, 5 Things They LOATHE!
Joe Kucinski
Every 2026 Ford Truck Engine RANKED from WORST to FIRST!
Michael S. Palmer
The Best F-150 Deal of Every Trim Level (XL through Raptor)
Joe Kucinski
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 508
Likes: 1
So no need to cut the tube to butt joint it to the bed side? I was going to but if I don't have to would save a ton of work.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 133
Likes: 0
From: Shelton Nebraska
I did mine the same way Badmoonreizn did. I did weld mine solid all the way along the seam. You position the tube so the curve is at the top of the bed side and the edge of the sheet metal side is down the curve slightly. The easiest way to get it right is to use a straight edge on the top of the lip on the sheet metal and top of tube. After I dressed the weld down I didn’t need any filler just primmer sand and paint. I also built my tailgate, latches and hinges.
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 508
Likes: 1
I did mine the same way Badmoonreizn did. I did weld mine solid all the way along the seam. You position the tube so the curve is at the top of the bed side and the edge of the sheet metal side is down the curve slightly. The easiest way to get it right is to use a straight edge on the top of the lip on the sheet metal and top of tube. After I dressed the weld down I didn’t need any filler just primmer sand and paint. I also built my tailgate, latches and hinges.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 1,094
Likes: 235
From: Howell, Michigan
On my 9' bed, the sides are 19 1/2" high, and then a 45 degree bend. the bend is 2 3/4". Got my measurements from Pros Pick.
No butt joint necessary. Stitch welding prevents warping.
Mark.
No butt joint necessary. Stitch welding prevents warping.
Mark.
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 508
Likes: 1
What diameter pipe did you end up using?