Forgot one important detail in this description. On the bottom of every stake pocket where it meets the box sides I cut in 2 slots approx. 1/4" x 1/4". That will allow any condensation to drip out, I hope.

 

I have some time off this week so get to have more shop time then normal. So more updates. Next was building a tailgate. After several ideas and attempts I have a plan. The frame is built of 1 x 3 steel tube with a sheet metal skin. Cat the tube and epoxied in a connector nut.





Next was to weld the frame together and weld on the sheet metal.






More welding and grinding. Lots of practice here. and the final product.

 

The original plan for the ends of the roll part of the box was to look like this. It was the best looking of different covers I tried.



And then there was that moment of inspiration. The ahhhh moment as such. What if I were to bend some metal and do this.







So four corners later, a bunch of welding, grinding and priming and the box looks like this.

 

Sh$%^#t there goes more of my time . Love the finished look of the stakes .

 

Here is another style, I believe that this truck belongs to Terry at Terry's F100s...

 

That's a great-looking box, Marten! How are you going to attach the fenders? Thru-bolts or studs?

 

EBEAR, sorry hope you are not in a rush to get yours done, looking good takes time or in some cases plastic surgery.


CharlieLed, that looks great as well. Paint makes such a big difference as well. I love the look of that pocket with the lights in it.


ALBUZ F-1, I have thru bolts that are flat on the box side that I will use. They came with the truck. Would have bought some stainless button head bolts other wise. I have already spent a bunch of money on this build for new parts even though I had something already, ie the motor, it was cheaper to buy a new one then rebuild what I had. Seats the same thing.


I was at the Syracuse nationals on the weekend and now have more ideas. After looking at a couple of ways to widen rear fenders I am going to look at doing that myself as well instead of buy them.
And for those that are not sure you could do something like this, I have never welded or worked with steel in any form before this. I am a carpenter by trade and do some woodworking as a hobby, well until this truck showed upl

 

I tried to find out how he installed those lights but he was rather tight-lipped about it...I guess that when you have a business then your income relies on your innovation.

 

Life had gotten in the way over the last couple of years so I have done very little on the truck. I am back at it now. I have learned a bit more about welding. I also got some tires last fall so now was the time to try and rework my fenders. So I started with locating the existing fenders.

I drew a line around the outside of the fender and then cut a cardboard template out to make it the same on the other side later on.

Marked out where the first cut was going to be. Took a deep breath and started cutting the fender. Screwed the flange back on to the box using the existing lines I made earlier.

Then made some fingers to hold the other half of the fender where I wanted it to be. The goal is to have the outside of the fenders more vertical then the original ones where. Hence the tapered holes you see.


Need to do some reshaping of the mounting flange but this gets me in the right direction. After some testing, reshaping, I had things where I wanted them to be. Was happy with the way the flow of the fender is now. Next step was to have some breakfast and make some patches to fill in the gap.

Next step is to take the templates and cut some steel and shape it to suit.
This is all new to me so any advise is well received.

 

Life does get in the way and it's good to see you are back at it. Thanks for the update with pictures Marten.

 

https://www.powernationtv.com/episod...ider-is-better

Here's something that might help if you haven't already watched and saved it

 

Marten you have great skills, hard to believe it is your first use of a mig, or your first build of a bed box, it must make you feel good to say I made it.....

The top profile angle of the bed sides of the box,could you tell me the angle, as I have nothing to work off, or from other FTE members
greatly appreciated
Roger

 

Thanks so much Roger. It does feel great The goal is to do as much as possible myself, part for learning, part for cost savings. Worst thing I can do is mess up some material. For the most part it is not all that expensive but if I had someone do it all for me the labour would be a killer.
The angle I used is 45 degrees for that bend
Thanks, Marten

 

Slow progress but progress just the same. Cut out some metal for the filler. Tacked it in place. Then more tacks. Some hammer and dolly work to keep it close to the final profile. Some grinding, More tacking, hammer and dolly, repeat as required. Tacks are now about 1/2" apart. Fender is holding its shape. Any thoughts on how to do this better or differently. Also willing to learn. This is all trial and error for me.

 

I'd say you are going about it the right way, if you rush and create too much heat you'll make a mess you'll regret..