50 F-1 Bed
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Freshman User
Joined: Jan 2001
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50 F-1 Bed
So, whats the deal with putting a wood bed in a 1950 F-1? The kits they sell don't seem to apply.
When I got it, there was no bed. What's there is an underframe that the bed sides attach to. The frame has 2 crossmembers in the center and one on each end. Will this work to lay bed boards on or do I need to modify the frame, etc.. Any help on what I need to do would be appreciated.
When I got it, there was no bed. What's there is an underframe that the bed sides attach to. The frame has 2 crossmembers in the center and one on each end. Will this work to lay bed boards on or do I need to modify the frame, etc.. Any help on what I need to do would be appreciated.
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 6,774
Likes: 552
From: Kalispell, MT
50 F-1 Bed
The 48 to early 50's had a wood subfloor with a sheetmetal pan over it. I'm installing wood only in mine, so I'm making it up as I go. I've laid the wood directly on the cross members, the number of strips determined by the width of the boards I use. Basically the wood bolts to the bed/box frame and then the whole unit bolts to the truck frame with 4 larger bolts with special counter sunk washers that are installed in the wood (unless you plan it so you have bed strips directly over the frame mounting holes). Rubber mounting pads go between the bed cross-members and the truck frame.
You can buy bed strips pre-drilled, but I went with plain strips 'cause I'm drilling where I need to. None of the pre-drilled holes seem to line up with anything on mine.
For the joint against the box sides, I found an "L" shaped piece that is perfect for covering the notch you have to make for the bed frame over the axle hump. You can get them from Obsolete Ford Parts, Inc in Oklahoma City listed as "bed angle strips" for 51-60 shortbox pn 1C-8312608-AS (plain) $26.95/pair or 1C-8312608-SS (stainless) $54.95/pair
This is probably clear as mud by now. Hope it helps some - tim
You can buy bed strips pre-drilled, but I went with plain strips 'cause I'm drilling where I need to. None of the pre-drilled holes seem to line up with anything on mine.
For the joint against the box sides, I found an "L" shaped piece that is perfect for covering the notch you have to make for the bed frame over the axle hump. You can get them from Obsolete Ford Parts, Inc in Oklahoma City listed as "bed angle strips" for 51-60 shortbox pn 1C-8312608-AS (plain) $26.95/pair or 1C-8312608-SS (stainless) $54.95/pair
This is probably clear as mud by now. Hope it helps some - tim
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 261
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From: Winnipeg, MB
50 F-1 Bed
Tim,
I have a '50 F-47, and your explaination was perfect.
The biggest hassle is the cutout for the axle-hump. I suspect if you found some larger boards, from an old building or boxcar floor, you could use a router to groove out a section for the hump and be left with a totally flat floor. The heavier wood may even help plant the wheels off the line. Either way, I agree that fabricating your own is the way to go, and buy the dress-up stainless after you know what you've got.
So many ideas, so little time!
Good luck to all,
/Kris
I have a '50 F-47, and your explaination was perfect.
The biggest hassle is the cutout for the axle-hump. I suspect if you found some larger boards, from an old building or boxcar floor, you could use a router to groove out a section for the hump and be left with a totally flat floor. The heavier wood may even help plant the wheels off the line. Either way, I agree that fabricating your own is the way to go, and buy the dress-up stainless after you know what you've got.
So many ideas, so little time!
Good luck to all,
/Kris
Junior User
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 69
Likes: 0
From: Denison, Tx
50 F-1 Bed
Tim,
My 51 F-1 still has the original Oak bed (fairly intact with little rotting), but I am replacing the oak with "Bois D' Arc" wood (Osage Orange) if you've ever heard of that.
I found a place here in Central Texas that is failry cheap as far as that kind of wood goes, and they will cut and plane the wood to your specs.
My needs require 8 planks of 7'8" X 5.5" X 3/4", and I'm bolting them directly to the box (inside the L-Shaped angle).
I'm buying the new metal strips that go between the wood planks and just "marking / drilling" everything myself.
Good Luck,
Mike
http://207.21.202.17/ford.jpg
My 51 F-1 still has the original Oak bed (fairly intact with little rotting), but I am replacing the oak with "Bois D' Arc" wood (Osage Orange) if you've ever heard of that.
I found a place here in Central Texas that is failry cheap as far as that kind of wood goes, and they will cut and plane the wood to your specs.
My needs require 8 planks of 7'8" X 5.5" X 3/4", and I'm bolting them directly to the box (inside the L-Shaped angle).
I'm buying the new metal strips that go between the wood planks and just "marking / drilling" everything myself.
Good Luck,
Mike
http://207.21.202.17/ford.jpg
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 6,774
Likes: 552
From: Kalispell, MT
50 F-1 Bed
Mike
That's a great looking pickup you have there. I was leaning toward yellow, but ended up painting mine Dark Amethyst Pearl (99 Accord color).
Your box wood should look good with the yellow too. Are you finishing it natural or staining it? I'm familiar with the wood - another old hobby of mine includes archery and that's a classic bow material.
Keep us informed on your progress. Mine is finished and the oak came out great.
That's a great looking pickup you have there. I was leaning toward yellow, but ended up painting mine Dark Amethyst Pearl (99 Accord color).
Your box wood should look good with the yellow too. Are you finishing it natural or staining it? I'm familiar with the wood - another old hobby of mine includes archery and that's a classic bow material.
Keep us informed on your progress. Mine is finished and the oak came out great.
