Flat bed conversion

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Aug 1, 2005 | 10:20 AM

estrenge

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Flat bed conversion

Good morning,

I've got a 1981 f250 4x4 with a bed that's a little banged up, and the tailgate is inoperable at the moment. I was contemplating taking the bed off and building a flat bed with a rack to replace it. I was concerned if this is something that is feasible or not.

Could anyone offer any suggestions/opinions if it is even worth trying?

Thanks

Aug 1, 2005 | 11:02 AM

SmokyOlFord

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From: Black Hills South Dakota

We scratch-built one on my former boss's '60 pickup. Started with I think 4 treated 4x6's widthwise, bolted these to the frame. Next, 3 lengthwise 2x8's. To this we lagged 5/4 decking. Ran angle iron along the sides and to this we welded square tubing uprights for inserting the stock sides. Tailgate was a 2x12 that slid in more angle iron attached to the stock racks. We fabbed trailer lights for the rear. We'd haul full pallets of lumber with it. I think it's still holding up some 20 years later.

Seen them done in steel with diamond plate top, too. Probably more than one in the gallery here I bet.

-Ed

Aug 1, 2005 | 11:22 AM

estrenge

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The idea I had in mind was similar. I'ld use some 2x4 c channel iron to form the frame for the bed, and bolt some 2x6 t&g to the top/inside of that. I was wondering if the tires would rub on the bottom of the bed if it got weighted down to much. If you bolted straight to the frame running from front to the rear of the truck, would you have enough clearance for the tires?

Last edited by estrenge; Aug 1, 2005 at 11:51 AM.

Aug 1, 2005 | 11:44 AM

fordborn

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From: Northwest, Arkansas

"estrenge"

Welcome to FTE Glad to see you come to us for your research and questions. Hope to hear how your project goes.

Aug 1, 2005 | 11:54 AM

estrenge

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Thanks Fordborn. This place seems like such a great resource, especially for an 'automobile mechanically challenged' individual like me.

Aug 1, 2005 | 05:57 PM

proud_redneck

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From: in the middle of nowhere

my ex-girlfriend has a 1987 F250 diesel with a flatbed diamond plate thet is fully loaded with tool trays and the works, and i believe she still wants about $500 for it. i believe it is a 9 foot bed.

Aug 1, 2005 | 06:52 PM

Franklin2

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From: Virginia

About 7 years ago I checked on a diamond plate steel black flat bed for my 1980. It had the headache rack on the front. They wanted $750.00 installed, and $50.00 more if you wanted the dress up plates that go underneath along the frame.