1949 F4 Flatbed
 

New to forum with new project. I have a 1949 Ford F4 flatbed with 158" wheelbase and a 12' bed. Truck assembled in, Kansas City.
The bed construction seems to be unique although I have seen one other photo that resembles it. any comments will be appreciated.
As for the rest of the truck, I have it completely disassembled, sourcing a few needed parts. It has a Flathead 226 6cyl H.
As the build progresses I will update.

Welcome to the forum. Love those F4s. Yeah, that appears to be a special purpose bed, can't figure out exactly why the lower frame work.
Edit: Perhaps the framework on the lower bed was for tie downs so as to keep a tarp tied low enough to keep water from the bed surface?:confused: Anyone?

My welcome too. Love the big models. But must say, if you have a 158" wheelbase the truck has either been lengthened from its stock 134" wheelbase, or it's really an F-5 or F-6. F-4s all had 134" wheelbase single wall frames. You might check the VIN to confirm, or crawl under it to see if there are signs of the frame having been stretched. Also would suggest you become familiar with your "widow maker" wheels. Stu

Welcome . What are your plans for the truck .

It is an F4 with a 24" splice. It appears to have been done in the factory, very clean welds, section fits in with matching angles, reinforcing plate cut clean and angles along frame, bolts on with consistant hole pattern. Also has additional cross member at this location. there is a section added on the back also very clean in matching the frame. Frame will be back from powdercoat later this week.
I have already sourced a set of seven 19.5" wheels, these will be in the shop tomorrow.
I am restoring this truck back to how I received it including the bed. I will probably embilish the interior upholstry, but that is it.

You're doing it right. Will be interested in watching it come back to life. Stu