Utility bed pics II
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Joined: Feb 2002
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From: Michigan
Utility bed pics II
Ok, one more update for those of you following my project. I took last friday off and took advantage of the warmer sunny weather (got up near 50, whoo hoo) and rolled the 52 out of the garage for some pics.
I've decided to simply extend the front of the bed about 6 inches to fill in the gap behind the cab (toying w/ idea of putting my gas tank there). I'll also be cutting about a foot off the tail end of the frame rails, repairing the lower tailpan portion of the bed (which if you look close can see is curled up and under). I'll also be building a solid rear bumper for it too.
All I can say is that this utilty bed is really growing on me, and I can't wait to get working out in the garage again. I also managed to track down the last couple major parts of my driveline, being a new tranny, and just have a few odds and ends left to track down (flywheel/bell housing).
Here are a few pics and there are more in my gallery (link below):
Let me know what yal think.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gal...&albumid=33372
I've decided to simply extend the front of the bed about 6 inches to fill in the gap behind the cab (toying w/ idea of putting my gas tank there). I'll also be cutting about a foot off the tail end of the frame rails, repairing the lower tailpan portion of the bed (which if you look close can see is curled up and under). I'll also be building a solid rear bumper for it too.
All I can say is that this utilty bed is really growing on me, and I can't wait to get working out in the garage again. I also managed to track down the last couple major parts of my driveline, being a new tranny, and just have a few odds and ends left to track down (flywheel/bell housing).
Here are a few pics and there are more in my gallery (link below):
Let me know what yal think.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gal...&albumid=33372
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 16,882
Likes: 3,126
From: SE Wisc. (the Rust Belt)
Jon,
The thing I like about the utility body the best is it's uniqueness. I think it'll stand out from all of the other resto rodded pickups, flatbeds and even the tow trucks. Not that I think a vintage wrecker body isn't cool but how often do you see this kind of box. The only other body that would compare would be a vintage box truck body, I haven't seen many of them either, or totally restored ice cream truck. I like the trucks that you don't see at every show.
Keep up the work, I wish I was single and in my 20's, I'd have all three of my trucks on the road. Keep up posted.
I'm reposting this to help inspire, plus I spent a lot of time on it and want to use it more than once
JUst ignor the back fenders.
The thing I like about the utility body the best is it's uniqueness. I think it'll stand out from all of the other resto rodded pickups, flatbeds and even the tow trucks. Not that I think a vintage wrecker body isn't cool but how often do you see this kind of box. The only other body that would compare would be a vintage box truck body, I haven't seen many of them either, or totally restored ice cream truck. I like the trucks that you don't see at every show.
Keep up the work, I wish I was single and in my 20's, I'd have all three of my trucks on the road. Keep up posted.
I'm reposting this to help inspire, plus I spent a lot of time on it and want to use it more than once
JUst ignor the back fenders.
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Joined: Feb 2002
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From: Michigan
Well, Bob, your part right.. I am single, but I just hit 30 last week..
Originally Posted by bobj49f2
Keep up the work, I wish I was single and in my 20's, I'd have all three of my trucks on the road. Keep up posted.
I'm reposting this to help inspire, plus I spent a lot of time on it and want to use it more than once JUst ignor the back fenders.
I'm reposting this to help inspire, plus I spent a lot of time on it and want to use it more than once
JUst ignor the back fenders.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2006
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From: Westminster,Md
Ohh Yeah! Proportions are good. Did you decide to stick wit those fenders? Did you try the stock? Are they the same width as front?
I like the look of the rear lamp...from 'far away..LoL. Maybe some old classic 38-37 Ford sedan re-pro lamps might look good in the same position.Just some thoughts..keep us posted!!
A little fender extension on the front to the running boards?
I like the look of the rear lamp...from 'far away..LoL. Maybe some old classic 38-37 Ford sedan re-pro lamps might look good in the same position.Just some thoughts..keep us posted!!
A little fender extension on the front to the running boards?
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 16,882
Likes: 3,126
From: SE Wisc. (the Rust Belt)
Just my thoughts about the running board;I would try to make them look the same but I would leave the running boards independant of each other to allow flexing of the box and cab. I also think the box's fenders look like they belong, I wouldn't change them.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 7,493
Likes: 7
From: Erie, pa
Jon
Thanks for sharing with use. Thats going to draw alot of attention when it hits the street.
A very unique machine indeed.
Thanks for sharing with use. Thats going to draw alot of attention when it hits the street.
A very unique machine indeed.
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Roast em' if you got 'em
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 21,997
Likes: 9,885
From: Rio Rancho, NM
Jon,
I liked it from the get go, but now that I can see a full on side profile I think its very cool! I agree about leaving the fenders how they are. At first I thought that grafting original fenders to it would be an interesting touch, but now seeing it from the side, I think the proportions would be way off. To make the stock fenders look good with it you would have to really stretch the box.
Your truck will definately be a head turner! Keep up the good work
Bobby
I liked it from the get go, but now that I can see a full on side profile I think its very cool! I agree about leaving the fenders how they are. At first I thought that grafting original fenders to it would be an interesting touch, but now seeing it from the side, I think the proportions would be way off. To make the stock fenders look good with it you would have to really stretch the box.
Your truck will definately be a head turner! Keep up the good work
Bobby
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From: Michigan
I am planning on keeping the original utility bed fenders, I tried to fit the stock F-3's, but it would just take too much to get them to fit. I think I should be able to etend these ones down a bit in the front (they are made of at least 1/8 steel), so they line up with the running boards.
Bob, I agree on keeping the running boards separate between the cab and bed. I may have to shorten the F-3 board a bit, and then lengthen the utility bed ones to match so that the seam will end up in line with the back of the cab.
Bob, I agree on keeping the running boards separate between the cab and bed. I may have to shorten the F-3 board a bit, and then lengthen the utility bed ones to match so that the seam will end up in line with the back of the cab.
More Turbo
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 670
Likes: 6
From: south-central PA
that bed is starting to wear on me........ i'm liking it more and more myself. (always liked your truck, the utility bed i'm just not 100%)
i photo-chopped some, cut a section of the frame out (instead of lengthening the bed) and lifted it to what it might take to fit the 4 wheel-drive axle...
i photo-chopped some, cut a section of the frame out (instead of lengthening the bed) and lifted it to what it might take to fit the 4 wheel-drive axle...
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 16,882
Likes: 3,126
From: SE Wisc. (the Rust Belt)
Originally Posted by raerjim
BobJ, I've noticed that you can do some extaordinary things with your computer. Is that how you make your living?
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From: Michigan
We'll see about the rear of the frame. I have seen a few vintage style heavy bumpers that I may try to mimic. I want something big and stout, but also not something so massive as to take away from everything else.
52' F-3 the ride height looks about right in your photochop, although I am pretty certain I'll be adding about 6 to 8 inches to the front of the bed (should be pretty simple with all flat sheetmetal and the fact that the front wall of the bed bolts on).
I'm actually debating about mounting the fuel tank in the front of it where I have some dead space.. may be easier than tryingto squeeze it between the framerails
52' F-3 the ride height looks about right in your photochop, although I am pretty certain I'll be adding about 6 to 8 inches to the front of the bed (should be pretty simple with all flat sheetmetal and the fact that the front wall of the bed bolts on).
I'm actually debating about mounting the fuel tank in the front of it where I have some dead space.. may be easier than tryingto squeeze it between the framerails
Roast em' if you got 'em
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 21,997
Likes: 9,885
From: Rio Rancho, NM
Jon,
If you put the fuel tank in the bed then it would leave you space underneath to mount one of those super heavy, nut-bustin', gut wrenchin' heavier than all of Hades 8 bolt steel wheeled spare tires down under in the back.........
Bobby
If you put the fuel tank in the bed then it would leave you space underneath to mount one of those super heavy, nut-bustin', gut wrenchin' heavier than all of Hades 8 bolt steel wheeled spare tires down under in the back.........
Bobby