Wood Bed Replacement question
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New User
Joined: Jul 2004
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Wood Bed Replacement question
My '64 F100 will have the bed off for painting the truck this winter. I was planning on replacing the existing plywood bed with an oak kit while the bed was off. . Looking at it now I'm thinking it may be better and even easier to do the install with the bed on. Anybody out ther tackled this project ? Appreciate all input. Thanks for this great site.
New User
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 9
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From: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
do it with the bed off by all means, take the bed off and stand it on the header or turn it upside down on blocks. You have to get to both sides to work on it. If you need prices on the wood or hardware let me know!! We can supply you!
Thanks!
Steve
Thanks!
Steve
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,988
Likes: 14
From: Travelers Rest SC
Bed off- definitely. If you use wood, seal all of the pieces thouroughly with varnish, or whatever, before you put it all together. If there is any break in the sealer (like drilling a hole), it will rot quickly. Oak does not like to hold varnish outdoors. Best bet is to use an epoxy like they use on boats, such as the West system. Epoxy is not UV (sunlight) resistant, so you will then have to coat with UV resistant marine varnish. Varnish sticks to the epoxy, epoxy sticks to the oak; this set-up will last for years. I did a beautiful job on my '70, then drilled holes for a rack. The wood rotted away, starting at the holes! I recommend the extra expense of stainless steel strips and hardware, too, unless it's a 'trailer queen'.
New User
Joined: Sep 2004
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And of course make sure you get white oak. About 100X
more rot resistant than red (closed pores, versus porous). A lot
harder than red oak as well. Not sure if this is the default
in the "kits" but well worth it.
Jim
more rot resistant than red (closed pores, versus porous). A lot
harder than red oak as well. Not sure if this is the default
in the "kits" but well worth it.
Jim
Junior User
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 78
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From: Spring Valley Ca
I cut the wood and installed it on my 66 about 13 years ago. I installed the wood with the bed on but would imagine it would be much easier with it off, especially since it will already be off for paint.
