Diamond Plate bed floor for a '68 short fleet... - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

T J Randall · 06-02-2006, 06:49 PM

Hi ya'll from Ponder, Tx. I'm considering this idea as an alternative 'cause going to wood at this time is cost prohibitive. The steel floor is trashed and I already picked up a steel floor front bed wall. Lookin' for some ideas and support from the membership as to the easiest way to go about this. Cardboard template, or use the old floor piece flipped over on the plate, etc.. Any suggestions, (please .. no cussin') will be appreciated.

Sweet72 · 06-02-2006, 06:58 PM

Sounds like a good plan. Definitely use the old bed floor as a template. Steel or aluminum? Check the cross sills for rust holes.

T J Randall · 06-02-2006, 07:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sweet72

Sounds like a good plan. Definitely use the old bed floor as a template. Steel or aluminum? Check the cross sills for rust holes.

I'm looking at aluminum, and it's a pretty heavy gauge so I think I'll be able to get away with it. I've got some pretty good sills, but am a bit worried about stress cracks if I go this way.

texascowboy593 · 06-02-2006, 07:25 PM

Welcome form College Station! Great little steakhouse y'all got up there! I've seen it done before. There is a car/truck show here next weekend. I was at it 2 years ago and there was a 67-72 that had a diamondplate bed and inside walls...If it is back this year, I will take pics and post them for you...Good luck!

Longhorn Man · 06-02-2006, 08:06 PM

Have you priced the materials you're looking at? 6 foot by 6 1/2 foot is what you'll need...won't be cheap.

TugOwar · 06-02-2006, 08:15 PM

Howdy from South Texas! Good luck with that bed floor.

boraxman · 06-02-2006, 08:21 PM

Sounds like a good idea

Brainchild · 06-02-2006, 09:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Longhorn Man

Have you priced the materials you're looking at? 6 foot by 6 1/2 foot is what you'll need...won't be cheap.

I was wondering how much more wood could be,Diamond plate isn't cheap.

Of course if you have it use I say

Longhorn Man · 06-03-2006, 12:04 AM

I considered this a long time ago for a short fleet I had, the floor was sagging between the cross rails, like 3 tons of driveway rock was loaded in it, (knowing the PO, it wouldn't suprise me one bit either) I honestly can't remember the numbers, this woulda been back in like 2000 or so, but I remember pricing a wood floor being just a tick more.

**special-K** · 06-03-2006, 06:00 AM

You`re not the first to "ponder" this.Take a trip to Solution,TX.You`ll find your answer.Sorry,my middle name is Ass.
Steel is cheaper and stronger for this use."Converting" to wood is where it gets expensive,not the wood itself.I mean,you can come up with your own wood for cheap.But,bedstrips,bolts,modify/change front panel,and don`t you need different supports?The diamond plate will prolly need to be ordered in over 4' wide if you don`t want a seam.

**phase_one** · 06-03-2006, 09:25 AM

Steel is much cheaper and stronger. I used steel for my bed. I used two sheets, I think it was $110 for both. Price was the driving force on this decesion. Alum. was over $100 per sheet. This was in 03. Welcome to the board

**clay68c10** · 06-03-2006, 10:42 AM

I think it would look great. But I wonder about electrolysis/corrosion from the combo of alum & steel. Maybe using thin rubber strips under the alum to mount it would help?? Or you could use spray liner on the inner bed sides, gate and front panel, then liner the tops of the cross sills. Just something to think about...

Longhorn Man · 06-03-2006, 04:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by clay68c10

I think it would look great. But I wonder about electrolysis/corrosion from the combo of alum & steel. Maybe using thin rubber strips under the alum to mount it would help?? Or you could use spray liner on the inner bed sides, gate and front panel, then liner the tops of the cross sills. Just something to think about...

I don't think that would be too much of an issue. You need some kind of fluid to act as an electrolite to really have issues, this is why boaters hate mismatch metals. However, the alluminum grill and trim bolts up to the steel truck, and stainless steel screws are driven into the metal with no real issues.

T J Randall · 06-03-2006, 05:08 PM

Thanks for all the inputs everyone, I'll keep you posted on the progress. Special-K hit it right on the head with his response about additional pieces/parts, that's why I'm leanin' toward aluminum or maybe even steel like phase one suggested. The Ponder steak house is still cookin' too.

**dennislbrooks** · 06-03-2006, 05:16 PM

You can go with 14 ga deckplate - steel -- once fitted, have it sandblasted both sides if you can before rolling -- Zero rust on it or equivalent. You could scotchbrite the whole thing with a drill before cover application to both sides. You will have 2 symmetrical halves that can be welded longways in the middle. I got my plate from American Steel in Dallas--next to Pilgrims Pride. I have a plywood template with all hole locations that can be borrowed. Zero rust is a urethane base that can be overcoated with any automotive finish. I have many pics. Flower Mound

06-02-2006, 06:49 PM	#1
T J Randall Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Ponder, Tx. Posts: 19	Diamond Plate bed floor for a '68 short fleet... Hi ya'll from Ponder, Tx. I'm considering this idea as an alternative 'cause going to wood at this time is cost prohibitive. The steel floor is trashed and I already picked up a steel floor front bed wall. Lookin' for some ideas and support from the membership as to the easiest way to go about this. Cardboard template, or use the old floor piece flipped over on the plate, etc.. Any suggestions, (please .. no cussin') will be appreciated.

06-02-2006, 06:58 PM	#2
Sweet72 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Alexandria, VA Posts: 1,534	Re: Diamond Plate bed floor for a '68 short fleet... Sounds like a good plan. Definitely use the old bed floor as a template. Steel or aluminum? Check the cross sills for rust holes. __________________ '72 GMC SWB C1500 Custom, frame-off in progress. 383 SBC, 9:1CR, Comp Cams XE262H, Scat internal balanced crank, Eagle SIR 6" rods, Keith Black dish pistons, Dart Iron Eagle 72/180 heads, Weiand Stealth intake, Stewart stage I water pump, Holley 4bbl vac sec, TH350 with B&M Shift Improver Kit. 12 bolt positraction.

06-02-2006, 07:25 PM	#4
texascowboy593 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Southeast Tx Posts: 1,302	Re: Diamond Plate bed floor for a '68 short fleet... Welcome form College Station! Great little steakhouse y'all got up there! I've seen it done before. There is a car/truck show here next weekend. I was at it 2 years ago and there was a 67-72 that had a diamondplate bed and inside walls...If it is back this year, I will take pics and post them for you...Good luck! __________________ "The rays of light thru the Shiner Bock bottle make me wanna turn the key and put down the throttle...and get lost down 35" - Jason Boland www.YouTube.com/user/593Films - Watch My Videos! 1977 Silverado K10 2014 Dodge Durango (Wife-mobile) 2008 Dodge Ram Lone Star Edition (Daily driver)

06-02-2006, 08:06 PM	#5
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	Re: Diamond Plate bed floor for a '68 short fleet... Have you priced the materials you're looking at? 6 foot by 6 1/2 foot is what you'll need...won't be cheap.

06-02-2006, 08:15 PM	#6
TugOwar Registered User Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Pleasanton, TX Posts: 1,723	Re: Diamond Plate bed floor for a '68 short fleet... Howdy from South Texas! Good luck with that bed floor.

06-02-2006, 08:21 PM	#7
boraxman Keepin an eye out Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: So.Cal Posts: 3,921	Re: Diamond Plate bed floor for a '68 short fleet... Sounds like a good idea __________________ 1970 Chevy C10 SWB 5.3 1996 Toyota Tacoma SR5 4x4 2007 Vespa GTS 250 Scooter ZIP 91351

06-03-2006, 12:04 AM	#9
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	Re: Diamond Plate bed floor for a '68 short fleet... I considered this a long time ago for a short fleet I had, the floor was sagging between the cross rails, like 3 tons of driveway rock was loaded in it, (knowing the PO, it wouldn't suprise me one bit either) I honestly can't remember the numbers, this woulda been back in like 2000 or so, but I remember pricing a wood floor being just a tick more.

06-03-2006, 06:00 AM	#10
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,861	Re: Diamond Plate bed floor for a '68 short fleet... You`re not the first to "ponder" this.Take a trip to Solution,TX.You`ll find your answer.Sorry,my middle name is Ass. Steel is cheaper and stronger for this use."Converting" to wood is where it gets expensive,not the wood itself.I mean,you can come up with your own wood for cheap.But,bedstrips,bolts,modify/change front panel,and don`t you need different supports?The diamond plate will prolly need to be ordered in over 4' wide if you don`t want a seam. __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

06-03-2006, 09:25 AM	#11
phase_one Registered User Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Praireville. LA 70769 Posts: 390	Re: Diamond Plate bed floor for a '68 short fleet... Steel is much cheaper and stronger. I used steel for my bed. I used two sheets, I think it was $110 for both. Price was the driving force on this decesion. Alum. was over $100 per sheet. This was in 03. Welcome to the board __________________ 11 Surbaban 70 C 10 still in progress

06-03-2006, 10:42 AM	#12
clay68c10 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Centennial, CO Posts: 2,935	Re: Diamond Plate bed floor for a '68 short fleet... I think it would look great. But I wonder about electrolysis/corrosion from the combo of alum & steel. Maybe using thin rubber strips under the alum to mount it would help?? Or you could use spray liner on the inner bed sides, gate and front panel, then liner the tops of the cross sills. Just something to think about... __________________ ClusterTruck: 68 C10 Bought in 89, wrecked in 03. Slow low $ rebuild started '17. 6.0 & TKO http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=788602 93 K1500 Short Step, 350, NV4500, EBL flash ECU. Vortec heads & roller cam someday... 05 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. 3” lift & 6-speed 02 E320 the insurance total “free car” 13 Tahoe LTZ

06-03-2006, 05:08 PM	#14
T J Randall Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Ponder, Tx. Posts: 19	Re: Diamond Plate bed floor for a '68 short fleet... Thanks for all the inputs everyone, I'll keep you posted on the progress. Special-K hit it right on the head with his response about additional pieces/parts, that's why I'm leanin' toward aluminum or maybe even steel like phase one suggested. The Ponder steak house is still cookin' too.

06-03-2006, 05:16 PM	#15
dennislbrooks Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Williamsburg, Ohio Posts: 1,766	Re: Diamond Plate bed floor for a '68 short fleet... You can go with 14 ga deckplate - steel -- once fitted, have it sandblasted both sides if you can before rolling -- Zero rust on it or equivalent. You could scotchbrite the whole thing with a drill before cover application to both sides. You will have 2 symmetrical halves that can be welded longways in the middle. I got my plate from American Steel in Dallas--next to Pilgrims Pride. I have a plywood template with all hole locations that can be borrowed. Zero rust is a urethane base that can be overcoated with any automotive finish. I have many pics. Flower Mound Last edited by dennislbrooks; 06-03-2006 at 05:18 PM.

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