wood bed
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Joined: Apr 2006
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wood bed
This is the first time I have posted anything on here, but have read alot of useful things since joining. I have a question, I'm hoping one of you out there can help me with. I am doing a ground off restore/mod on my 56 f100 and am about ready to put the bed back on. I know there are many oak wood kits you can get out there on the market, but I have came across some Walnut and Mahogony wood. Not sure which I am going to use, but I would like to know if someone out there has or knows where to get the measurements, angles, and etc for making my own wood bed strips. Any information would be appreciated.
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 1,495
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From: Northwest Fl
Here's a link from "Earl's World", a fellow FTE member's web site, http://www.clubfte.com/users/earl/Re...%20This%20Page . Scroll down to 'Vehicle Dimension Information'. It is a great site with much valuable information and should be added to every one's favorites list.
Junior User
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 85
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PDF with Bed wood measurements
Attached is a PDF that I put together showing the sizes of the bed wood and the rabbets. Some people say the bed wood should be 7/8" thick, but I used 3/4" and it all worked out nicely. I've also heard others mention slightly different measurements than what I have on this sheet. You're mostly interested in the face of the board that you see between the bed strips. If you mill the rabbets too wide you won't have enough wood face to be nice and tight when you put them all together on the bed. Like all carpentry, measure twice, cut/mill once.
I can't seem to insert a file link here so I'll put a link to the website page that I have the PDF on.
Click this link for the Bed Wood Dimensions PDF
I can't seem to insert a file link here so I'll put a link to the website page that I have the PDF on.
Click this link for the Bed Wood Dimensions PDF
Junior User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 53
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From: 30 mile East of Seattle
Time is money; I would shop around with many of parts suppliers and buy a complete wood kit. They come with routed edges &ends, correct width, depth and length, countersunk mounting holes. You can get a complete wood kit for around $260. By time you do all the routing the edges and ends and drilling the holes you could be spending time doing something else on your truck. Of course if you own your own wood shop that may be a different story, just my 2c.
Sense we are the subject of bed wood how many coats of finish do you recommend and what product works the best? I am getting ready to re-finish my oak wood (it is looking a little aged). Love to hear what has worked for you.
1956bigwindow
Sense we are the subject of bed wood how many coats of finish do you recommend and what product works the best? I am getting ready to re-finish my oak wood (it is looking a little aged). Love to hear what has worked for you.
1956bigwindow
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 1,495
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From: Northwest Fl
I've been saving this until I get ready for finishing mine, http://www.mar-k.com/wood_finish_testing_ii.html . Hope it helps.
Junior User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 53
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From: 30 mile East of Seattle
Thanks Huntsman that is a great link. I have not had the time to read it today but I will tonight.
This is why I love this site there always someone out there that can answer almost any question regarding this very time consuming and expensive hobby. Pay it back!!!
Thanks again and good luck mahandy with your venture let us know what you end up doing with the wood for your truck.
1956bigwindow
This is why I love this site there always someone out there that can answer almost any question regarding this very time consuming and expensive hobby. Pay it back!!!
Thanks again and good luck mahandy with your venture let us know what you end up doing with the wood for your truck.
1956bigwindow
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 145
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From: Coral Springs, FL
56bigwindow,
One of the best finishes I have used for outdoor wood projects is varnish. Look for spar varnish, bar-top varnish, etc. One of the keys to using it is to not use anything underneath and the first coat or two thin the varnish for better absorption. Also, be sure and lightly sand the corners so there are no sharp edges. You won't get full coverage if you don't, and ultimately it is a failure area. As to the number of coats, that is really a preference issue. I am working on my bed now and am looking at 10 coats, with light sanding between each. Most companies recommend 5, including the first 2 coats thinned down.
Ron
One of the best finishes I have used for outdoor wood projects is varnish. Look for spar varnish, bar-top varnish, etc. One of the keys to using it is to not use anything underneath and the first coat or two thin the varnish for better absorption. Also, be sure and lightly sand the corners so there are no sharp edges. You won't get full coverage if you don't, and ultimately it is a failure area. As to the number of coats, that is really a preference issue. I am working on my bed now and am looking at 10 coats, with light sanding between each. Most companies recommend 5, including the first 2 coats thinned down.
Ron
