Bed “wood” options
Thread Starter
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 1,530
Likes: 534
Bed “wood” options
I know there have been lots of discussions on the topic but I wanted to get a few specific opinions.
First, I know I could buy my own wood, plane it, rout it and cut it to size, but I don’t have the tools for it. I know it can all be done pretty simply with basic tools but it is just not on the table right now for me.
Based on research here it seemed that Bruce Horkey wood beds were one of the best options. I have a price for Ash boards, stainless strips, cross member support blocks and all the hardware. It is $1300 of which $400 is shipping alone.
Also searching on here I found the aluminum replacement bed with the composite boards from Smokey’s roadhouse. That is $1529 including shipping of $130.
It seems for the incremental cost of an aluminum bed which requires no staining or sealing or maintenance or concern with future rot that if it is a good product that might be the way to go. Prep alone on the wood bed is 10-20hrs of work and the shipping is the real killer….
Link to aluminum bed
https://www.smokeyroadrodshop.com/Al...ed-Floors.html
Opinions or other options?
First, I know I could buy my own wood, plane it, rout it and cut it to size, but I don’t have the tools for it. I know it can all be done pretty simply with basic tools but it is just not on the table right now for me.
Based on research here it seemed that Bruce Horkey wood beds were one of the best options. I have a price for Ash boards, stainless strips, cross member support blocks and all the hardware. It is $1300 of which $400 is shipping alone.
Also searching on here I found the aluminum replacement bed with the composite boards from Smokey’s roadhouse. That is $1529 including shipping of $130.
It seems for the incremental cost of an aluminum bed which requires no staining or sealing or maintenance or concern with future rot that if it is a good product that might be the way to go. Prep alone on the wood bed is 10-20hrs of work and the shipping is the real killer….
Link to aluminum bed
https://www.smokeyroadrodshop.com/Al...ed-Floors.html
Opinions or other options?
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 9,737
Likes: 823
From: Wentzville, MO
Smokey's Roadhouse has been at the last few years Grand & Super Nationals. They seem to be a really good bang for your buck. I especially like the idea of them being able to customize your bed floor with anything you'd like. And you don't have to worry about them getting wet. Just my 2˘
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 1,360
Likes: 418
From: Monmouth County, NJ
The wood beds themselves are probably one of, if not the most interesting feature of the whole truck hobby and restored truck presentation endeavor. Everyone looks for the natural wood finished off against the paint and steel. Even the most ardent stock restorer will succumb to the allure of a varnished set of gleaming oak boards.
Then there’s aluminum made to look like wood?
Then there’s aluminum made to look like wood?
5th Wheeling
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 39
Likes: 16
From: Omaha
I know there have been lots of discussions on the topic but I wanted to get a few specific opinions.
First, I know I could buy my own wood, plane it, rout it and cut it to size, but I don’t have the tools for it. I know it can all be done pretty simply with basic tools but it is just not on the table right now for me.
Based on research here it seemed that Bruce Horkey wood beds were one of the best options. I have a price for Ash boards, stainless strips, cross member support blocks and all the hardware. It is $1300 of which $400 is shipping alone.
Also searching on here I found the aluminum replacement bed with the composite boards from Smokey’s roadhouse. That is $1529 including shipping of $130.
It seems for the incremental cost of an aluminum bed which requires no staining or sealing or maintenance or concern with future rot that if it is a good product that might be the way to go. Prep alone on the wood bed is 10-20hrs of work and the shipping is the real killer….
Link to aluminum bed
https://www.smokeyroadrodshop.com/Al...ed-Floors.html
Opinions or other options?
First, I know I could buy my own wood, plane it, rout it and cut it to size, but I don’t have the tools for it. I know it can all be done pretty simply with basic tools but it is just not on the table right now for me.
Based on research here it seemed that Bruce Horkey wood beds were one of the best options. I have a price for Ash boards, stainless strips, cross member support blocks and all the hardware. It is $1300 of which $400 is shipping alone.
Also searching on here I found the aluminum replacement bed with the composite boards from Smokey’s roadhouse. That is $1529 including shipping of $130.
It seems for the incremental cost of an aluminum bed which requires no staining or sealing or maintenance or concern with future rot that if it is a good product that might be the way to go. Prep alone on the wood bed is 10-20hrs of work and the shipping is the real killer….
Link to aluminum bed
https://www.smokeyroadrodshop.com/Al...ed-Floors.html
Opinions or other options?
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 16,192
Likes: 4,805
From: Burbank, WA
Personally, I think it's pretty impressive. The benefits of long life and low maintenance over traditional wood are certainly attractive. It's worth a look unless you just have to have the richness and depth of multi-coated hardwood.
Your price estimate might be a little on the high side, from what I saw. Unless I'm missing something, the floor for our F1/F100 beds, all done, ready to install with polished stainless skid strips and hardware, is $1084 delivered, in any color. That sounds like a bargain compared to the labor involved with wood.
https://form.jotform.com/62467405210145
Your price estimate might be a little on the high side, from what I saw. Unless I'm missing something, the floor for our F1/F100 beds, all done, ready to install with polished stainless skid strips and hardware, is $1084 delivered, in any color. That sounds like a bargain compared to the labor involved with wood.
https://form.jotform.com/62467405210145
Thread Starter
|
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 1,530
Likes: 534
Personally, I think it's pretty impressive. The benefits of long life and low maintenance over traditional wood are certainly attractive. It's worth a look unless you just have to have the richness and depth of multi-coated hardwood.
Your price estimate might be a little on the high side, from what I saw. Unless I'm missing something, the floor for our F1/F100 beds, all done, ready to install with polished stainless skid strips and hardware, is $1084 delivered, in any color. That sounds like a bargain compared to the labor involved with wood.
https://form.jotform.com/62467405210145
Your price estimate might be a little on the high side, from what I saw. Unless I'm missing something, the floor for our F1/F100 beds, all done, ready to install with polished stainless skid strips and hardware, is $1084 delivered, in any color. That sounds like a bargain compared to the labor involved with wood.
https://form.jotform.com/62467405210145
Thread Starter
|
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 1,530
Likes: 534
I think I am going with the aluminum bed with a grey weathered board they call Irma’s Rosewood .
They are at a big car show somewhere and when I called they said I would get the car show deal. $1,199 and free shipping. That is cheaper than the wood bed option and the reviews on the product and it’s realism are very good. If a board gets ruined you can replace it for $80.
When it comes in and I do the install will update this post and my build thread.
They are at a big car show somewhere and when I called they said I would get the car show deal. $1,199 and free shipping. That is cheaper than the wood bed option and the reviews on the product and it’s realism are very good. If a board gets ruined you can replace it for $80.
When it comes in and I do the install will update this post and my build thread.
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Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 25,410
Likes: 5,422
From: Central PA
The wood beds themselves are probably one of, if not the most interesting feature of the whole truck hobby and restored truck presentation endeavor. Everyone looks for the natural wood finished off against the paint and steel. Even the most ardent stock restorer will succumb to the allure of a varnished set of gleaming oak boards.
Then there’s aluminum made to look like wood?
Then there’s aluminum made to look like wood?
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Brett Foote
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From: northwestern Ontario
Long bed..8 or 9 foot..? I've been considering the aluminum planks for when I do my flat deck..
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 16,192
Likes: 4,805
From: Burbank, WA
Thread Starter
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2018
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Likes: 534
It is the standard F250 bed. 8ft. I ordered I today. $1199 with shipping.
Here’s what I understand.
There is a vinyl insert on top of the aluminum plank which is very similar to the modern vinyl plank flooring. I imagine it’s gets around the same temp as wood, maybe a little warmer as the aluminum is not exposed on the top. Will be interesting to see.
in terms of movement and squeaking that is another great question and I guess I will just have to see. I know that there are rubber inserts that go between the flooring and the bottom of the bed flange where they overlap.
LMC as an installation video but it is for Chevy trucks and is different but you get the idea. It also gives you a good idea of what the “wood” and steel planks look like. I don’t believe you have to drill all the cross members on the Ford installation but it’s a little murky. I did not purchase through LMC.
LMC Aluminum bed installation
Here’s what I understand.
There is a vinyl insert on top of the aluminum plank which is very similar to the modern vinyl plank flooring. I imagine it’s gets around the same temp as wood, maybe a little warmer as the aluminum is not exposed on the top. Will be interesting to see.
in terms of movement and squeaking that is another great question and I guess I will just have to see. I know that there are rubber inserts that go between the flooring and the bottom of the bed flange where they overlap.
LMC as an installation video but it is for Chevy trucks and is different but you get the idea. It also gives you a good idea of what the “wood” and steel planks look like. I don’t believe you have to drill all the cross members on the Ford installation but it’s a little murky. I did not purchase through LMC.
LMC Aluminum bed installation
