[AT] Flat bed trucks

[john hall]

We've got an F-250 at work that we put a steel flat bed on. We didn't change 
the rear-end but did order a set of duals for it to help with stability. 
Also added a set of "west-coast" mirrors.

As far as wood beds, what's wrong with a SOLID wood bed? We've had 2 
different 1 ton Fords on the farm here since 1962. Both had wood beds with 
wood crossmembers--the only steel is the bolts and angle iron braces. The 
thing is, you can't go build it out of the junk they sell at Lowes. Ours 
were both made from Oak. We have never had to repair either bed. The first 
truck got in a fight with a semi and lost. It flipped and rolled a few 
times, but the bed stayed on. The second truck has been in service for over 
20 years now. Until 2 years ago I would use it to haul 8,000 lb loads of 
wheat and soybeans. Finally the elevator took the truck lift out of service 
so I had to get me a 2-ton dump truck. We did add plywood on the floor to 
prevent leaks. The railings are tongue and groove.

John Hall

----- Original Message ----- 
From: <jahaze at aol.com>
To: <at at lists.antique-tractor.com>
Sent: Monday, November 22, 2010 12:56 PM
Subject: Re: [AT] Flat bed trucks


>
> Thanks for all the tips so far.  I thought about building one, but it 
> looks like I can get a new steel one for @ $2,300 and have seen used steel 
> ones on craigslist for as little as $500, aluminum ones on e-bay for 
> $1,300.  I would rather buy one that's put together, at least the welds 
> will (should) be much better than I could do.  I am also going to check 
> out a few junk yards to see what they might have on hand.
>
> I will have to check on the insurance, so thank you for the heads up, I 
> never would have thought of that.  I will keep looking for options 
> throughout the winter with the goal being to do something next spring. 
> I've already let my wife know what I was thinking, so at least I have laid 
> the ground work for the pending purchase.
>
> What are your thoughts on a steel bed vs. a wood bed (with a steel frame)?
>
> Enjoy, Joe
>
>
>
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Ernie <cchopper at centurytel.net>
> To: 'Antique tractor email discussion group' 
> <at at lists.antique-tractor.com>
> Sent: Mon, Nov 22, 2010 12:24 pm
> Subject: Re: [AT] Flat bed trucks
>
>
> Joe,
> made my own flat bed, steel frame and wood bed for my C3500.  I also put
> n stake sides and even a stake 'tailgate'.  I don't ever plan on being
> ithout a flat bed pickup again.  If you want more info contact me direct.
> Ernie
> We can do anything we want as long as we stick to it long enough!"   Helen
> eller
>
> In God We Trust'
> ----Original Message-----
> rom: at-bounces at lists.antique-tractor.com
> mailto:at-bounces at lists.antique-tractor.com] On Behalf Of jahaze at aol.com
> ent: Monday, November 22, 2010 10:17 AM
> o: at at lists.antique-tractor.com
> ubject: [AT] Flat bed trucks
>
> I've been thinking about replacing the bed on my 1997 F250 with a flat 
> bed.
> y box is starting to rust out and needs a new tailgate and rear quarter
> anels.  I think it might be more practical (and cheaper) to replace the 
> box
> ith a flat bed instead.  Can anyone point out some good reasons why I
> ouldn't want to do this?  I have an 8-foot box, and am not concerned about
> e-sale value.  The truck has 300,000 miles on it and I hope to keep it for
> while.  Oh, it's also a single wheel rear end.  I have seen the aluminum
> nes, but I am afraid they may be too light as the front end is already to
> eavy with the 7.3 Diesel engine in it so I figured steel would be best.
> What have been your experiences with flat beds vs. traditional?
> Enjoy, Joe
>
> ______________________________________________
> T mailing list
> ttp://www.antique-tractor.com/mailman/listinfo/at
> _______________________________________________
> T mailing list
> ttp://www.antique-tractor.com/mailman/listinfo/at
>
> _______________________________________________
> AT mailing list
> http://www.antique-tractor.com/mailman/listinfo/at
>