How much would I be expecting to pay to put a flatbed on my 1980 ford, would anyone be willing to give me some good ideas on how to make one. thanks

 

Many ways to make one, totally depends on budget, your experience, and ability, and what you really want out of it. I made one for my 1969 using 2 ich channel iron(channel facing out to be able to inset my marker lights on all 4 corners plus tail marker lights) I also used 1 1/2 square tubing, dropped slightly down to allow 2x6 planking to be used for the deck, and mounted it via personally made u-bolts(ready rod and 2 peices of flat iron drilled at slightly larger than frame width, wrapped in rubber inner tube between the frame and brackets to keep the bolts from rattling on the frame) I used 4x4 post chunks(pressure treated, and trimmed to fit the frame, and make the deck level) between the u-bolts. By the time I was done, metal, I did my own welding, and installed my own planks using carriage bolts, cost me a bit over 400 bucks, but was well worth the result. a year later I added a head-ache rack to it, as well as 6 inch high side rails, and it looked sweet. Wished I had a pic of it to show you, the truck is gone as of 2 yrs ago, and have no pics of it after the deck was installed.

 

average cost I have seen is $600 to $900 or so and then install cost if you want it all done for you. You can spend more, but not too likely less. These are all stee with headache racks on them, and built in rear bumpers of a sort. Drop bars would be more the appropriate name.

 

I used the factory bumper on mine...worked fine.