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Custom Fabrication DepartmentThis is the section to discuss any and all custom work that you've done or had made that may not be available on the retail market.
Anyone convert their truck to a flatbed? Once I get mine mechanically sound, thats my plan. I have been working on the design for the metal frame, and the deck will be 2x6 hardwood. The end result ideally would be lifted sitting on 33s. Here is a picture of my truck, the plans ive been working on, and generally what Im shooting for (different body style)
Yes, millions of trucks have had a flat bed swapped on. But it's usually 1-ton duallies that can handle the weight of a fabricated bed. Your F150 can't. Forget about putting so much load on the bed that a fabricated flatbed is necessary. Swapping to heavier springs won't help - the axle still can't handle the weight. Swapping the axle will hold the weight, but the master cylinder can't operate the larger brakes. Swapping the MC will unbalance the system because the front brakes won't match it. Swapping the front axle, MC, rear axle, and flatbed will cost more than just buying the right truck to begin with.
BTW
Your sketch doesn't show a legal-height rear bumper, which will add weight.
Yes, millions of trucks have had a flat bed swapped on. But it's usually 1-ton duallies that can handle the weight of a fabricated bed. Your F150 can't. Forget about putting so much load on the bed that a fabricated flatbed is necessary. Swapping to heavier springs won't help - the axle still can't handle the weight. Swapping the axle will hold the weight, but the master cylinder can't operate the larger brakes. Swapping the MC will unbalance the system because the front brakes won't match it. Swapping the front axle, MC, rear axle, and flatbed will cost more than just buying the right truck to begin with.
BTW
Your sketch doesn't show a legal-height rear bumper, which will add weight.
sorry, I don't see the logic of this advice. flatbed does not equal heavy loads. I've seen tons of s-10's and rangers with them, as well as 1/2 tons. i didn't see anything in the original post about hauling over the trucks rating. sounds like he just wants a more compact, durable bed for an off-road vehicle. and if you build a flatbed that the truck can't handle, you're doing it wrong. I've debated a flatbed for my '12. why? because i like flatbeds, and its my truck. I'll throw 1000 pounds in the bed either way.
I can see bumper height being an issue, depending on your area's level of inspections. not something i have to worry about in arkansas (no inspections), theres some scary stuff on the roads here.
Take a look at Australian Tray Beds for inspiration. As popular as they are on Land Cruisers and HiLuxs I wouldn't think they were that heavy.
I'm not sure when pickups started being required to have rear bumpers. I know in Alabama you could still buy them without rear bumpers in the early 80's. Had a tag bracket and a tag light under the left side of the tailgate. I dont think we have bumper height laws either. If we do they are not enforced.
Take a look at Australian Tray Beds for inspiration. As popular as they are on Land Cruisers and HiLuxs I wouldn't think they were that heavy.
I'm not sure when pickups started being required to have rear bumpers. I know in Alabama you could still buy them without rear bumpers in the early 80's. Had a tag bracket and a tag light under the left side of the tailgate. I dont think we have bumper height laws either. If we do they are not enforced.
yeah, i remember "back in the day" you were hot stuff if you paid extra to get the "diamond tread" rear bumper with the dealer name stamped in it
If I were building a bed for your F150 I would use 16ga 2×2 sq tube for the frame and align up the side rails with the character line of the cab and either 3/4 or 5/4 boards for the deck (a saw mill is an inexpensive source for the wood) then you could scribe a filler to fit between the bed frame and truck frame to close the gap and give it a nice look, be sure and keep your cab and bed lines straight before securing to frame.
Did that on my 78' F350 just heavier metal and just weighed a tad more than the factory original that i speced from that time took its toll on.
Never have hauled much weight but it looks good.
If I were building a bed for your F150 I would use 16ga 2×2 sq tube for the frame and align up the side rails with the character line of the cab and either 3/4 or 5/4 boards for the deck (a saw mill is an inexpensive source for the wood) then you could scribe a filler to fit between the bed frame and truck frame to close the gap and give it a nice look, be sure and keep your cab and bed lines straight before securing to frame.
Did that on my 78' F350 just heavier metal and just weighed a tad more than the factory original that i speced from that time took its toll on.
Never have hauled much weight but it looks good.
Put a flatbed on my old 250 after the bed rotted all to hell. All lumber except for the stakes was pressure treated lumber. Even added aluminum rails in between the boards.
Put a flatbed on my old 250 after the bed rotted all to hell. All lumber except for the stakes was pressure treated lumber. Even added aluminum rails in between the boards.
Nice job n clean looking.
I think I'd raise those rear spots, but that's me cause I know what would happen if on mine.
Chilly here how about you? Feb 1st, 2019 6:40 a.m.
08-19-2018, 05:21 PM
1983 Flatbed Build
