Heres a chance for all to put in ideas or pix for a flatbed. I have a 46 1/2 ton with a flatbed on it, I like it too. (see pix under knuck's 46) Yet want to build a better mousetrap. need some input fron you fellas on ideas. like how to build a better base on the frame rails,light hookups for taillights/brakes/signal. Would it be best to run the wood lenthwise,withwise.Best thickness of wood,type of wood to use.(Im not rich so exoctics are out) I understand it is my truck, although I will use your input and knowlage to make this look nice. thanks knuck

 

Hi Knuck,

as no one seems to answer I do.., even if not an expert on the matter.

Concerning the wood to use, I did choose Merandi which is exotic but not as expensive as Bangarai. These types of wood are used for outdoor furnitures for instance. Best is to ask a carpenter for advice. The wood should not soak moisture and twist and bend once wet, otherwise the generated forces will deform your substructure and put stress on the frame.

My planks are 4,5 cm thick, but looking back this was overkill. Something like an inch or so should fill the bill. My flatbed got very heavy that way and more expensive too-cost me about 400 Euros for the wood alone.

I prefer to install the beams lengtwise, the substructure seems to be easier to build.
Concerning the substructure please have a look in my gallerie, some pictures tell more than 1000 words.
The substructure has been build a metalworkers (locksmith) way because we used square tubing. A bodyworker told me that this construction does degrade very fast, especially when exposed to rain and left outdoors. Professionnals use u-shaped profiles that do not allow corrosion from within. I have sprayed protective wax inside the profiles that where accessible and hope they last.

In order to hide the frame from looking at the truck from behind some shelves have been installed vertically. This provided a nice support for the lights and the license plate.

Finally I used stainless fasteners in order to avoid rust ruining the appaerance of the flatbed.
If you are interested I can share some tricks concering the arrangement of the planks and how to get the fasteners lined up.

So far, Gabby.

 

I've never built one to make it look nice, just for work...some advice I could offer..

Flush mount all the lights...yuo could get creative with different types...i/e oblonged ones at an angle in the rear, etc., check out some big truck places for inexpensive light combos, most can be installed with just a holesaw.

If I were to get creative for a "showoff" bed, I might think of some sorta zig-zag pattern for the wood...take a look at some home interior flooring for ideas...but I'm a **** poor carpenter and it'd turn out like pooh.

If you plan on hauling things, don't get creative and try to hide the fuel filler nech in the bed portion, or you'll soon find out you'll have to move your load around to fill up..

Al. diamond plate for boxes on the sides look real nice, polished SS looks good too.

Really depends on how far you want to take it and what your budget can afford...also think ahead for your hitch setup, if you have a /12ton truck, you probably won't be looking at a 5th wheel hitch...but you might...if you plan on hauling a camp trailer...seems the 5th wheel camp trailer are cheaper per foot, than a regular hitch mount.

Also think about pockets for side racks...find the racks you want first, then accomodate the bed...also, flush mount tiedowns might be something you'll need too.

Again, depends on what you're after...i/e I'll never build an old truck to be a "work truck"...more like a car with a box on the back

 

Have you considered using synthetics? Some of these look realy nice and in many colors. The durability and ease of care can't be beat. I would understand why you would want natural wood, I have marine grade ply planks in mine. Now that I have thought of it, I may use the synthetic on the rebuild.

 

3M6 brings up a good point. Is this more for show? Or will it be a work truck?

Dave

 

Thanks for all the input, just got back from texas, what a place. going to be just a show truck minus the 30k paint job,and all the other chrome clip on goodies. gave me a lot to think about, knuck