Started on my bed

[WadmalawJoe]

One of the previous owners just slapped diamond plate over the wood which probably served the purpose for whatever they were using the truck for. They spot welded it every 4-6 inches all the way around and used multiple pieces as shown below. I was glad to see all the metal strips were there and intact. The old dried wood kept it exciting as it liked to catch on fire. I forgot to take a before picture, but I remembered just as the first piece was loose and the wood was starting to burn. Also got a couple pictures of my assistants.








I will add some more as I go along.

[Greenlee]

Looks like you've got some good help!
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[hugger6933]

Good times, making memories enjoy

[67ChevyRedneck]

Awwww, get 'em started right!

[WadmalawJoe]

Thanks! My youngest son (the one in the picture) loves to come work on whatever I'm working on, the older boy, a teenager, don't give a crap, teenagers.....

Got some more pictures of the project;





Love this exhaust patch!

[WadmalawJoe]

I laid a tape across to show measurements, in case I forget and to help anybody else.

[leftybass209]

Looks like you got a good start! I'm always afraid to tear things apart because i know there's always something else that needs to be replaced. Though it's usually necessary, it's a hassle none the less!

[Already Gone]

Subscribed. Please post pics as you go. I have a new wood floor and strips, box fenders, new front panel and cross sills. I'm getting up the nerve to tackle the box redo so I'll be watching as you get into it.
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[Lee H]

Good start!!
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[WadmalawJoe]

I have been wire brushing and cleaning up the frame, cross sills and sanding sheetmetal. Then primed and started painting. I just used Rustoleum rust reformer spray paint as a primer. I have had real good luck with it on several projects. I sprayed the whole frame and cross sills with it, then just spot primed the sheetmetal. Inside the bed area I'm just using an industrial enamel from Lowes. I wanted something that would be easy to touch up and readily available. I will be using the truck as a truck to a certain extent. I am not going to carry gravel or rocks in it, but occasionally some lumber and such. The outside of the truck I will get professionally painted.

[Tinkermc]

I believe the steel decking was widely used to add much needed weight to the rear, not everyone carries the far lady with them for added traction.

[LEX]

So far so good.

[WadmalawJoe]

Started putting the wood in. I painted the bottom, ends and edges where I can't get to after its installed. I will sand, stain (maybe) and seal after its all in. I am leaving the metal strips off and just a doing a lap joint to join each board to the other. Basically a 3/8 X 3/8 notch down each edge of the board so they will lap over each other. I am concerned about the longer stretch by the wheel well. I may reinforce it from below to insure the boards are joined together well. The rest of the bed has plenty of support I believe.

[WadmalawJoe]

Forgot to mention I am using oak. I thought I would have to use pine do to budget, but found 4 boards up in my barn loft that were left over from a job. At $35 a piece that helped a lot.

[Sir Psycho C10]

subscribed....our trucks must have had the same previous owner. I have the EXACT same thing. Oddly enough it is seamed in the EXACT same spots with welds every 4-6 inches.
Crazy, once I get to cutting mine out I'll post some progress pictures. May be hitting you up for some advice. If I climb under the truck I can break off the wood and remove it. Time to do it right.

Best of luck to you!!! So far so good!!!

[WadmalawJoe]

Finally!
Oak is all in and I did a black oak stain & sealer combo.
I'm not doing the glossy varnish over it because I plan on using the truck as a truck occasionally and I don't want to have to worry about scratching it, even though it sure would look even prettier if I may say so myself.
As you see I left the strips out, I lap joined them together and used 3/4 inch stainless screws to secure it from below which required drilling more holes in the crossmembers.