Wood Bed

[68fixeruper]

I am redoing my 68 and it has a steel floor that is pretty much gone because some has thrown heavy stuff in the back and caused it to be wavy. So i was thinking of doing a wood bed and i was wondering has anyone attempted to cut there own wood and if so what kinda tools are required.

[mbgmike]

Originally Posted by 68fixeruper

I am redoing my 68 and it has a steel floor that is pretty much gone because some has thrown heavy stuff in the back and caused it to be wavy. So i was thinking of doing a wood bed and i was wondering has anyone attempted to cut there own wood and if so what kinda tools are required.

If you buy planed lumber you can do it all with a good table saw with a good fence and a drill motor. I have done them using live oak trees alot more time consuming.
You can use a router to cut out the wheel openings or a jig saw. We have even made beds out of 3/4 inch plexiglass.
It really a fairly easy thing to do. If you bolt the bed to the frame from the top you will need to buy a Forstner bit or similiar tool to drill the holes. Or install them from below to not see the bolts
Mike

[68fixeruper]

thanks mike do u have any pictures?

[Rack Man]

Be aware (to do a correct conversion), there is a lot more to converting from steel to wood than you might think....Trust me, I'm in the process right now....

For one, you need all new cross sills and front header plus the bed needs to come completely apart!

"Mark-K" sells everything needed for the conversion....

Here are the "Instructions"
http://www.mar-k.com/67-72conv.pdf

[mbgmike]

Originally Posted by 68fixeruper

thanks mike do u have any pictures?

I have some picture but they are just loose boards or completed beds. You can get all the dimensions off the web at several sites. I think GMCPAULS from what I understand has them on his site. I will see what I have We sell all the parts for the conversion as well and we also sell Mar-k products also.
The bed does have to come apart and yes its work but it is still alot easier then welding. We do this for a living so it probably is easier for us but its not all that hard. Hardest part is taking the bed apart. after that its actually kind of fun if you like this stuff

[WorkinLonghorn]

Here,try this;

http://www.gmcpauls.com/47-72_BedWood_Info.htm

[68fixeruper]

ya man i have the bed completely apart right now i knew the head board and the new cross sills had to be replaced but thanks for the helpful info

[68fixeruper]

Originally Posted by WorkinLonghorn

Here,try this;

http://www.gmcpauls.com/47-72_BedWood_Info.htm

you guys are awesome thanks for the heads up