Since my 53 will actually be used as a truck occasionally, I decided that the traditional wood floor was not for me. I had the bed laying around from my 94 F250, which I put a tool bed on, and thought that the floor might work. The center panel measures 48 3/4" across, my bed measures 49", so that is pretty darn close. Here's a pic of the floor installed. A little more work and spray it with Rhino lining and it'll look like it came that way.

 

Jeff, Lookin good.

 

nobody will know the wiser, Jeff. Looks like it'll work.

 

I,m jealous! You will be able to use it.

 

Nice job. Looks like it will work for you.

 

How about that. That will work right there now. I like it.

 

Thats very NEAT!!! I love it!! Nice job

 

Wood's pretty but I grimace every time I throw a towel in the back! Looks great and very practical. How did you attach to the crossmembers?

 

I'm also interested in what you used for crossmembers. My 52 is the first old truck I've actually gone over with any detail and I was a bit surprised that the crossmembers were made of wood also.
Mike

 

The bed was not modified to install the metal floor. All original crossmembers were also used, but I had to install spacers at each corner and at the outer ends of the 2 center crossmembers to make up the difference in thickness. There are 5 bolts, plus the larger mounting bolts per crossmember. Here's a pic that might show the mounting points a little better.

 

That's pretty resourceful ..I like it, and practical too!

 

Since mine is going to be a driver I am planning on doing the very same thing. Those interested may also want to take a look at bobbytnm's gallery at the link below. I have also included a photo from his gallery.

1949 Ford F1 4x2 - Bed stuff

 

Jeff,

Nice job my friend! It is a nice feeling being able to toss stuff in the bed. Of course, in my case, small things fall through the holes which I haven't fixed yet....lol

A couple of weeks ago I used my truck to haul a frigerator, lawn furniture, and various other parts that would otherwise gouge the heck out of wood.

One thing I need to do for my bed is to add some anchor points. There is absolutely nothing in out trucks to tie off to.

Kusto, thanks for posting the pic

Bobby

 

I've always thought I would install wood bed sides or racks and then put eyebolts in the wood to tie things down with.

 

Jeff, what's the performance like with the MB 5 cylinder diesel? Nice piece of engineering, BTW.