Flatdeck conversion
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New User
Joined: May 2003
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From: Coquitlam
Flatdeck conversion
Got a request from a customer with a new F-550 C.C. to ditch the box and fabricate and mount a flatdeck with a headache rack and other long article carrying stuff. We already built the rack to go on the box and extend over the cab but they have changed their mind and said it's not going to be stong enough. I've now got this extra rack but it'll be more hassle to modify it than to start from scratch.
Has anyone done a flatdeck conversion or anything similar? Is a vehicle that was bought with a box any different than a cab an chassis once I pull the box?
Info and pics would be helpful. Don't wanna pull the box and wind up with a surprise.
Thanks a bunch
Crash
Has anyone done a flatdeck conversion or anything similar? Is a vehicle that was bought with a box any different than a cab an chassis once I pull the box?
Info and pics would be helpful. Don't wanna pull the box and wind up with a surprise.
Thanks a bunch
Crash
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 21,285
Likes: 16
From: Nutter Fort, WV
You can go buy a preman flat bed for 1000 or less depending on length and width. They already have a headache rack on them. Most of these are made with a 34" frame on the bed.
If the truck came from the factory with a bed on it, it probably has a 37.5" frame.
When I did mine which also dumps I just laid 2"x4" steel channels across the frame at the existing bed bolt locations and bolted them down. Then I welded the dump subframe onto the channels.
When the guy I bought my dump subframe and bed from saw how I did it, he asked if I wanted a job.
If you let the channel stick outside the frame about 20" you have something really strong to hang underbed tool boxes off of.
I have a few pictures on my gallery page and I will add a few with the bed up later today so you can see the frame mounting I used.
If the truck came from the factory with a bed on it, it probably has a 37.5" frame.
When I did mine which also dumps I just laid 2"x4" steel channels across the frame at the existing bed bolt locations and bolted them down. Then I welded the dump subframe onto the channels.
When the guy I bought my dump subframe and bed from saw how I did it, he asked if I wanted a job.
If you let the channel stick outside the frame about 20" you have something really strong to hang underbed tool boxes off of.
I have a few pictures on my gallery page and I will add a few with the bed up later today so you can see the frame mounting I used.
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 1,533
Likes: 2
The F-550 is going to have a 34" wide frame and the nicest part of all these trucks have straight frame rails which makes it so much easier to mount a body on.
I would say go with a premanufactured deck if you are unsure of building one if your confident you can construction one go look at some decks and take measurments and build you own.
I would say go with a premanufactured deck if you are unsure of building one if your confident you can construction one go look at some decks and take measurments and build you own.
Last edited by Kenworth; Jan 1, 2004 at 02:29 PM.
Junior User
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 62
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From: WA
I didn't know that F550s could be bought with a box. I know that 4 and 550s have straight framerails, while P/Us dont. We have an F350 CC 7.3 with a 12 foot flat bed. Had to strecth the frame, but it worked out pretty good.
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