FLATBED--What do I need to relocate?
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FLATBED--What do I need to relocate?
Hello all...It has been awhile since I posted on here. Just as the title states. I am wanting to build a flat bed for my truck. At first I wanted to use steel, but since the price is so hi on steel and I don't know how to weld, I am going to make one almost entirely out of wood. I know I know...I can hear the groans now, but I have some pretty good ideas I think. I just need to know what all I am going to have to relocate. I know the obvious such as the fuel fill neck, the tail lights, and the license plate. And it will have to be raised to clear the rear tires. What am I leaving out?
Thanks guys and gals,
Christopher
Thanks guys and gals,
Christopher
Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2005
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From: Calgary Canada
Using wood isn't a terrible idea. Many trailers use wooden decking since it doens't rust and it is lighter than steel.
Are you considering making the outside from steel, or the entire thing from wood?
Are you considering making the outside from steel, or the entire thing from wood?
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Well, my idea centers around using ply wood to make a 6ft by 8ft or 7ft bed. I would use some industrial sort of glue to help hold it all together initially. I was down at the local tractor supply store and saw some steel that I could use to attach to the flooring both across and length ways for additional support, rigidity, and weight. Then I would attach more wood for the sides and ends. Once it is all done I would try and coat it in the do-it-your self bed liner that you can buy from any auto parts store. I have a few ideas kind of bouncing around to mount the lights and license plate.
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Joined: Mar 2006
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hey cobra, i put a wooden bed on my 78 last year. my tin was all shot and i was putting an addition on my house, so i needed my truck fast (and i don't weld either) i used treated 2x10's for the floor and treated 4x4's for the cross supports. front & back supports i used as they were but the 2 middle ones took some work because of the arch in the frame.(its a 6ft. bed) bolted them down & screwed the 2x's to them. i made it so the sides are removeable in case i need a flat bed & even put a tailgate on it. used the square trailor lights (w/ back-up lite) for tail lights. i've had alot of compliments on it & hauled alot of heavy crap in it. i might have $300 into it.
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Joined: Aug 2003
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From: Glen Burnie, MD
my 76 has a wood bed on it.. its all presure treated lumber..
I use a pair of "trailer" lights for the brake/reverse lights.. thou the pictures in my gallery show a set of stockers hangin there, they broke off and were replaced with the trailer lights..
basically the same setup as above. i'd love to get rid of my flatbed thou, my buddies make fun of it calling it the fruit stand truck..
I use a pair of "trailer" lights for the brake/reverse lights.. thou the pictures in my gallery show a set of stockers hangin there, they broke off and were replaced with the trailer lights..
basically the same setup as above. i'd love to get rid of my flatbed thou, my buddies make fun of it calling it the fruit stand truck..
Last edited by Veeb0rg; Jul 28, 2006 at 04:46 AM.
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Good ideas guys...now what did you use to block/shim the new bed so that is fits on the frame right?
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Also guys..this is my daily driver/ hunting truck..so eventually it will be camo...do you think it will look better with some sort of poly on top or with the entire thing done in the do it your self bed liner?
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hey cobra, if your talking about actually mounting the bed to the frame(block/shim). like i said i used presure treated 4x4's they're actually like 3 1/2 x 3 1/2, but they give you enough highth to clear the arch of the rear wheels. the 2 middle ones i had to cut an angle on the one side because they mount on either side of the arch. i used galvinized hex bolts about 4 inches long, countersunk & drilled the 4x's & mounted them in origional holes of the frame. i left them about 2inches short on either side so later i can mount some 1x's on the sides to finish it off a little. i don't know about the bed liner thing i just have a rubber mat in mine.
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From: Easton, Pennsylvania
Cobra,
Take a look at the one I built for my 1977 4x4. I used all pressure treated lumber. Ran 4x4's down the frame notching out for the hump over the rear end and the fuel filler.
Pics are in my gallery.
Don
Take a look at the one I built for my 1977 4x4. I used all pressure treated lumber. Ran 4x4's down the frame notching out for the hump over the rear end and the fuel filler.
Pics are in my gallery.
Don
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Flatbed392,
That is actually one of the first pictures of flatbeds I saw when I first joined on here. I reallylike it alot. THe sides of the bed I want to make out of 2x12s, which will make the sides 12in tall. I can always go back and add the wood to build it up later. I always liked the rear bumper and light set up you have. If I am not mistaken, I think I recall that either you made the bumper, or a friend helped. Is that right? What did you use for the lights?
That is actually one of the first pictures of flatbeds I saw when I first joined on here. I reallylike it alot. THe sides of the bed I want to make out of 2x12s, which will make the sides 12in tall. I can always go back and add the wood to build it up later. I always liked the rear bumper and light set up you have. If I am not mistaken, I think I recall that either you made the bumper, or a friend helped. Is that right? What did you use for the lights?