Need some advice
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Junior User
Joined: Jan 2020
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Need some advice
1978 F100, Custom, step side, Inline 6, 3 on the column. I am currently getting my wish list together to rebuild this truck. It's in good condition, very little if any rust (garage kept most of her life). My question is....the truck came factory with a wooden bed, around the late 1980's my Dad put a piece of diamond plate over the wooden bed. I think he got tired of the upkeep. I think I want to go back to the wood, if possible. See any issues? Truck will be for fun...not work, will not be hauling anything. If so, what kind of wood should I use?
Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 9,576
Likes: 1,161
From: San Jose, CA
Wood is great looking. And now that it's not going to be a work truck, could conceivably last the rest of the life of the truck. Well, almost anyway...
But like said, check out what it looks like now. Let it see the light of day and maybe you'll find you can just sand it and re-stain it and you're good to go. Maybe your dad just covered good wood so it would not get too beat up?
There is also a new-ish product that's made to have a wood look, but is really aluminum. Pretty slick actually.
Seen it before, but just saw on the show Trucks they used some of it in a white-washed wood look. Very slick.
Paul
But like said, check out what it looks like now. Let it see the light of day and maybe you'll find you can just sand it and re-stain it and you're good to go. Maybe your dad just covered good wood so it would not get too beat up?
There is also a new-ish product that's made to have a wood look, but is really aluminum. Pretty slick actually.
Seen it before, but just saw on the show Trucks they used some of it in a white-washed wood look. Very slick.
Paul
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Junior User
Joined: Jan 2020
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Wood is great looking. And now that it's not going to be a work truck, could conceivably last the rest of the life of the truck. Well, almost anyway...
But like said, check out what it looks like now. Let it see the light of day and maybe you'll find you can just sand it and re-stain it and you're good to go. Maybe your dad just covered good wood so it would not get too beat up?
There is also a new-ish product that's made to have a wood look, but is really aluminum. Pretty slick actually.
Seen it before, but just saw on the show Trucks they used some of it in a white-washed wood look. Very slick.
Paul
But like said, check out what it looks like now. Let it see the light of day and maybe you'll find you can just sand it and re-stain it and you're good to go. Maybe your dad just covered good wood so it would not get too beat up?
There is also a new-ish product that's made to have a wood look, but is really aluminum. Pretty slick actually.
Seen it before, but just saw on the show Trucks they used some of it in a white-washed wood look. Very slick.
Paul
I appreciate your response... unfortunately I will assume that when it rained the moisture stayed in the wood for long periods of time. The wood is almost gone. Do you happen to know what type of wood Ford originally used? That wooden floor is just too sharp to me not to show it off, and I really want to put back what it had.
Moderator & parts slinger
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 50,143
Likes: 5,780
From: S/W Missouri, Polk county
Pull the plate, insp the probably rotted stuff underneath. Remove it all and hope is has not rusted your cross members. Get a "kit" to replace it or if you are crafty get some treated lumber and cut to fit.
https://www.macsautoparts.com/ford_t...E&gclsrc=aw.ds
https://www.lmctruck.com/1973-79-for...-bed-wood-kits
Bed parts https://cgfordparts.com/wwwsectionfi...pside_bed.html
$$ but nice https://bedwoodandparts.com/?gclid=E...yAAEgLkgfD_BwE
https://www.macsautoparts.com/ford_t...E&gclsrc=aw.ds
https://www.lmctruck.com/1973-79-for...-bed-wood-kits
Bed parts https://cgfordparts.com/wwwsectionfi...pside_bed.html
$$ but nice https://bedwoodandparts.com/?gclid=E...yAAEgLkgfD_BwE
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Thread Starter
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Junior User
Joined: Jan 2020
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Pull the plate, insp the probably rotted stuff underneath. Remove it all and hope is has not rusted your cross members. Get a "kit" to replace it or if you are crafty get some treated lumber and cut to fit.
https://www.macsautoparts.com/ford_t...E&gclsrc=aw.ds
https://www.lmctruck.com/1973-79-for...-bed-wood-kits
Bed parts https://cgfordparts.com/wwwsectionfi...pside_bed.html
$$ but nice https://bedwoodandparts.com/?gclid=E...yAAEgLkgfD_BwE
https://www.macsautoparts.com/ford_t...E&gclsrc=aw.ds
https://www.lmctruck.com/1973-79-for...-bed-wood-kits
Bed parts https://cgfordparts.com/wwwsectionfi...pside_bed.html
$$ but nice https://bedwoodandparts.com/?gclid=E...yAAEgLkgfD_BwE
PERFECT! The pricey "bed wood and parts" seems to be where I will end up. I mean if you're going to do something, do it right, and I like that you can get everything all prepped and ready. Plus it's not too bad if you don't go exotic. I appreciate your help and comments...that is going to look awesome, and would make my Dad proud.
Brandon
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Moderator & parts slinger
Joined: Feb 2007
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From: S/W Missouri, Polk county
I forgot to say "Welcome to FTE" and make sure to join your FTE state chapter. SC https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/forum183/
Ask any questions along the way I am sure there are some folks that have replaced that bed wood before. Post up some pics of the job too.
Ask any questions along the way I am sure there are some folks that have replaced that bed wood before. Post up some pics of the job too.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 995
Likes: 317
Wow I did not know Ford still made wood beds in 1978. Not sure what the factory used but Oak would be my choice. Pretty easy to get, not terribly expensive, very tough, beautiful grain, and will outlast the truck!
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Junior User
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Just some notes for everyone. My Dad was a person who took good care of his things. This truck is literally stock. I think he put a dash cover in, the metal plate in the bed, and had the seat covered. Otherwise it's like it was in 1978. The old girl is running rough, but my goodness, there is no telling how many miles are on her. I drove her back and forth to college from 1992-1996...Clemson University (Go Tigers! Beat LSU). Only thing I don't like....No A/C.....
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