flat beds/stakebeds
 

Like so many of you I got my interest in Chevy trucks from my Grandfather. Well, now I start my second project the 49 GMC longbed 3/4 ton. I have decided to swap the rear end to a 4.11 and possibly the whole rolling chassis with a 1960 rolling chassis 3/4 ton with torsion bar suspension (havent decided yet). Now my Grandfather is a retired carpenter and I have decided to go wooden flatbed with wooden stakesides so I can involve my grandfather in the restoration. I could really use some ideas so If any of you have some pic`s show em off for me. Thanks in advance.

Re: flat beds/stakebeds
 

A member on this forum's truck I really like. I want to do something similar, but with wood as the actual bed and a metal frame work. Brazilian Walnut also known as IPE. I have some 5/4 boards that are 7' long. White Oak would be a good alternative, but is a little bit more than Red Oak. If you want to want to go the budget route...I'd buy some Pine or Douglas Fir 2x material and then mill it to 1 1/4" thick (5/4...5 quarter inches). Research different finishes and decide what you'd like to go with. I'm more of a carpenter than a mechanic, but I do what I can with my truck and can't wait for the bed! :lol:

oh yeah...the meatal. I may have line-x or a similar material sprayed on mine. We'll see what the budget is like at that time.

Re: flat beds/stakebeds
 

working on my last truck I`ve learned you need two things for a good looking project. Time and money. so I understand about the budget thing. I`m thinking white oak and painting the truck a forest green