Bed Wood kits?

[CC69Rat]

Some of you guys may know, I've been on the board for a long time but over the past couple trucks, I have made some bed wood kits of my own. (Pics)

I am a licensed General Contractor and I have a ton of equipment (i.e. what it takes to cut the bed wood kits to factory spec) I have thought about building a few kits for sale and just see what happens? I can offer them in bare form, ready to finish and stain or I can take them all the way up. I can finish them in your choice of stains, SPAR or Auto Clear, etc. It really just depends on how 'perfect' you want them to be. More time = more money.

I have a friend who owns a sawmill. I can get just about any species of wood you want too. What do you guys think these kits should sell for? I can build them pre-drilled or not (for the guys with wider wheel housings) cut and buffed to perfection or just ready to sand. I know what they sell for on the various websites and I can do it a lot cheaper. I have even thought about doing a weather worn set (?) Just maybe for the patina'ed guys.

I just wanted to see what kind of feedback I'd get. Thanks.

[1968aj]

I will be needing wood floor soon. all in for a better deal than the catalogs offer.

[daddymoo2]

I would be interested in a kit. Thanks

[Indian113]

Are you planning on becoming a Vendor? I think your wood looks out standing, I feel if you can be competitive on your pricing it will SELL! Yes I will be in the market myself soon.

[CC69Rat]

More than likely, a vendor yes. It might be a couple weeks. It sounds as though they'd sell. I'll go ahead and get a couole sets of rough lumber and start some fleet kits.

[1968aj]

maybe I am just not educated on what is involved in making bed wood . I never understood the high price of a few boards. I always go to lowes and get my own for way less than the catalog vendors. they are not factory correct but they work.

[CC69Rat]

Originally Posted by 1968aj

maybe I am just not educated on what is involved in making bed wood . I never understood the high price of a few boards. I always go to lowes and get my own for way less than the catalog vendors. they are not factory correct but they work.

It's a lot of work, yes .. some folks like factory spec wood kits, some don't. I can respect that.

[oem4me]

Milling/drilling the wood exactly like the factory did it is only half of the equation. The other half is getting an appropriate species of wood with proper moisture content. Buying random wet fence lumber from Lowes is not going to save you any money in the long run, as you'll be replacing it in no time.
Wood is not just wood. Rot resistance and dimensional stability are critical unless you plan to redo your bed every other year.
I'd also be inclined to mill my own kits, but out here in Cali, quality Longleaf/Southern Yellow Pine (original bed wood) is not so easy to find.
Wood species is going to be a significant factor on your end price.

[CC69Rat]

The kits I would be offering would be of the hardwood species. I have a lead on some Walnut, Black Walnut, Cherry, and Persimmon (which is incredible, would look awesome in a high end show truck) I could cut SYP yes .. and it's plentiful around this area. I was just thinking more for beds that won't be hauling much on a daily basis. Shiney rather than purpose built. I'm ok with both.. Just thinking the other end of the spectrum.

[special-K]

I assume you or your frend's sawmill has a place to kiln dry the boards. I'm not sure how much you should charge. As long as you are cheaper than catalogs, I guess. I suggest you take a look at what GR8 68 is selling his for here on the board. People seem to like his prices. For me it's so simple I just whip myself up a floor when I need one. I've made some for friends but didn't charge, they just paid for the material.