Flatbed synthetic bed boards - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

68C30Flatbed · 09-07-2004, 01:46 PM

I have acquired a 68 Chevy C30 Flatbed with rotten planks on the bed. Any reason not to replace them with those synthetic wood resin planks that 'can be worked just like wood'? I figure they will be more durable, never rot, and make loading easier because they are probably more slippery. What about breaking strength? Anybody tried this? Yes, it's heresy to a restorer, but it's practical for someone needing a long term working truck.

**1970 CST Short Wide** · 09-07-2004, 01:50 PM

I was going to do this on my sons short bed but they dont make any boards wide enough to match the stock ones. I think it would be great on a flat bed. A carpenter buddy said it does work just like real wood as far as cutting ansd such sooo why not

stickshift_or_walk · 09-07-2004, 02:00 PM

I've talked with the trailer experts around here, and while they think it's a good idea, they recommend tighter spacing on the crossmembers since the synthetic boards aren't as stiff.

But, I still plan to do the change on my 16ft flatbed trailer when I need it refloored for the 3rd time. A few more pieces of angle iron will be a drop in the bucket compared to the price of the synthetic boards.

SSOW

*dtlilly* · 09-07-2004, 02:11 PM

Sounds like a good idea to me, you will need to document everything with pleanty of pics for the rest of the gang

dubie · 09-07-2004, 02:26 PM

i used spruce 1x6 for the planking on my flatbed. I haven't put any weather protectant on it yet because I want it to weather before I seal it. I need the wood to be the right color before the stain goes into it. The synthetic boards are the way to go for longevity and show looks. If I was building one for show, it's what I would use

68C30Flatbed · 09-07-2004, 02:37 PM

I will document with pix as I go. Thanks for the comments!

LUV2XCLR8 · 09-07-2004, 04:15 PM

LOWE'S SELLS SYNTHETIC DECK BOARDS FOR OUTDOOR DECKS

68C30Flatbed · 09-08-2004, 03:45 PM

I inserted pix into my first post (my first edit!) to show what I am starting with ... one of the pictures shows a metal plate tack welded along the bed frame. I wish I had an oxy-acetylene torch to remove those .... I'll have to use a cold chisel and hand sledge.

krue · 09-08-2004, 06:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 68C30Flatbed

Here are pix to show what I am starting with ... one of the pictures shows a metal plate tack welded along the bed frame. I wish I had an oxy-acetylene torch to remove those .... I'll have to use a cold chisel and hand sledge.

I believe I would scrape up the money for a torch before I did that much manual labor!

Besides, a torch will always come in handy on down the line!

BtnkBndt · 09-09-2004, 06:57 AM

I have a few samples of this AZEK trimboard stuff. It is a cellular PVC material. Comes in a smooth finish and a textured (grained) finish, boards(4,5,6,8,10,12" widths) and sheets (4x8 to 4x20 sizes). Heres a link:

http://www.azek.com/productinfo/

Blue Beard · 09-09-2004, 07:53 AM

Sounds like an interesting idea, and who knows maybe you've started something.

Chris H · 09-09-2004, 08:59 AM

http://www.rumber.com/home.html

I remembered this link from an old topic on this board (I had to dust off the "brain search" function). Looks like a winner to me, but no idea of what it costs?

67_SS396 · 09-09-2004, 10:10 AM

The only problem with the boards that Lowe's and HD sell, is that they can't stand up to the Texas sun and heat. They warp and crack easily after a good hot summer.

68C30Flatbed · 09-09-2004, 11:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 67_SS396

The only problem with the boards that Lowe's and HD sell, is that they can't stand up to the Texas sun and heat. They warp and crack easily after a good hot summer.

Really!

That's bad news. So they can't use them for decks in Texas or Arizona? It got up to 106 here in Oregon this summer, and this big truck will never see the inside of my garage. Maybe I can get white ones to reflect the light ...

Anyway, temps over 90 are relatively rare in Portland. We get no more than a dozen a year. On those rare days, I could park it in the shade.

68C30Flatbed · 09-09-2004, 12:00 PM

http://epsplasticlumber.com has 'seconds' in synthetic lumber for a discount: $19.07 for a 2X6X12 in white. My bed is a little over 7 feet wide, so I would need 14 of them. That works out to $266.98, before shipping.

67_SS396 · 09-10-2004, 12:57 AM

It's a little more expensive, but there is a wood out there called Ipe (Brazilian Walnut). Guaranteed to last 40 years and some of the most beautiful dark grain you have ever seen. This stuff is so dense it will not float in water. A wood working buddy just finished a deck finished with this wood. Absolutely the best outdoor wood on the planet!!

687980chevy · 09-10-2004, 02:35 AM

One thing I didn't know,until I tore it out are my crossmembers were rusted on top from contact with the wood.I cut off the top of the C-members and welded on 1 1/2" angle iron. You might check your board thickness mine a 1 1/2" I am using 2x6 tounge&groove I have about $180 in lumber+hardware.
My bed is 8'x12'
Deckboards might be too thick yours look 3/4" deckboards are about 1"
Good luck!

09-07-2004, 01:46 PM	#1
68C30Flatbed Registered User Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Newberg, Oregon Posts: 23	Flatbed synthetic bed boards I have acquired a 68 Chevy C30 Flatbed with rotten planks on the bed. Any reason not to replace them with those synthetic wood resin planks that 'can be worked just like wood'? I figure they will be more durable, never rot, and make loading easier because they are probably more slippery. What about breaking strength? Anybody tried this? Yes, it's heresy to a restorer, but it's practical for someone needing a long term working truck. Attached Images Last edited by 68C30Flatbed; 09-08-2004 at 06:50 PM.

09-07-2004, 01:50 PM	#2
1970 CST Short Wide Senior Moment Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Pittsburg Ca Posts: 4,157	I was going to do this on my sons short bed but they dont make any boards wide enough to match the stock ones. I think it would be great on a flat bed. A carpenter buddy said it does work just like real wood as far as cutting ansd such sooo why not __________________ 1970 CST LS 1 6 speed Ford 9 inch Detroit Tru Track, Dakota Didgital, Vintage Air, QA1 Coil Overs Front & Rear Lots of FUN 2013 GMC PU, Oldest Son 71 GMC LWB. QA1 Suspension, Angry SB. Youngest Son 2019 GMC Diesil Dually. Youngest Son 2017 Toyota SUV Daughters car 2018 Traverse , Wife’s Ride Pittsburg Ca 94565

09-07-2004, 02:00 PM	#3
stickshift_or_walk Left Foot Functioning Join Date: May 2004 Location: Duncan, OK Posts: 348	I've talked with the trailer experts around here, and while they think it's a good idea, they recommend tighter spacing on the crossmembers since the synthetic boards aren't as stiff. But, I still plan to do the change on my 16ft flatbed trailer when I need it refloored for the 3rd time. A few more pieces of angle iron will be a drop in the bucket compared to the price of the synthetic boards. SSOW __________________ 69 C10 (#1 son's ride) 72 C20 (Dad's farm truck) 82 K30 (Ex - brush pumper project) Last edited by stickshift_or_walk; 09-07-2004 at 02:41 PM. Reason: clarify

09-07-2004, 02:26 PM	#5
dubie Registered User Join Date: May 2000 Location: Flin Flon, Manitoba, Canada Posts: 8,855	i used spruce 1x6 for the planking on my flatbed. I haven't put any weather protectant on it yet because I want it to weather before I seal it. I need the wood to be the right color before the stain goes into it. The synthetic boards are the way to go for longevity and show looks. If I was building one for show, it's what I would use __________________ My name's Tim and I'm a truckaholic My 56 Chevy shop truck build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=562795

09-07-2004, 04:15 PM	#7
LUV2XCLR8 The LuvShack Garage Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Maple Grove, TN (West Side) Posts: 30,482	LOWE'S SELLS SYNTHETIC DECK BOARDS FOR OUTDOOR DECKS __________________ Owner/Op: "TN Classic Transport Carriers" The Toy: "Square Vette" 72 Hybrid Blazer Toy Barn: "LuvShack" 40 x 60 x 20 Shop Tow Piggy:"Maddy" 88 Silverado 3500 Hauler: "Feathers" 14 Aluma 8218T

09-07-2004, 02:11 PM	#4
dtlilly Account Suspended Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Shadow of Lambeau Field Posts: 5,597	Sounds like a good idea to me, you will need to document everything with pleanty of pics for the rest of the gang

09-07-2004, 02:37 PM	#6
68C30Flatbed Registered User Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Newberg, Oregon Posts: 23	I will document with pix as I go. Thanks for the comments!

09-08-2004, 03:45 PM	#8
68C30Flatbed Registered User Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Newberg, Oregon Posts: 23	I inserted pix into my first post (my first edit!) to show what I am starting with ... one of the pictures shows a metal plate tack welded along the bed frame. I wish I had an oxy-acetylene torch to remove those .... I'll have to use a cold chisel and hand sledge. Last edited by 68C30Flatbed; 09-08-2004 at 06:52 PM.

09-09-2004, 06:57 AM	#10
BtnkBndt Pennyless Fool Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Forney,Tx Posts: 439	I have a few samples of this AZEK trimboard stuff. It is a cellular PVC material. Comes in a smooth finish and a textured (grained) finish, boards(4,5,6,8,10,12" widths) and sheets (4x8 to 4x20 sizes). Heres a link: http://www.azek.com/productinfo/ __________________ "Who owns this car with the peace sign, the mag wheels, and four on the floor?" 67 Short Step 283/TH400/4.11

09-09-2004, 07:53 AM	#11
Blue Beard Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Washington State Posts: 8,834	Sounds like an interesting idea, and who knows maybe you've started something. __________________ 1970 Chev CST 2003 Harley Fatboy 1975 Chevrolet Step Van 1956 Chev Bel Air 1977 Blazer 2WD For Sale $3000.00 1978 Blazer 2WD For Sale $7000.00 1978 Silverado 2005 Monte Carlo

09-09-2004, 08:59 AM	#12
Chris H 72 C30 Trailer Queen Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: SE MN, USA Posts: 794	http://www.rumber.com/home.html I remembered this link from an old topic on this board (I had to dust off the "brain search" function). Looks like a winner to me, but no idea of what it costs?

09-09-2004, 10:10 AM	#13
67_SS396 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Blue Ridge, Tx Posts: 1,172	The only problem with the boards that Lowe's and HD sell, is that they can't stand up to the Texas sun and heat. They warp and crack easily after a good hot summer. __________________ Fawker Fab three seater rock crawler buggy 498 BBC/SM465/203/205 doubler, propane, 5.13's, 42" PB Rockers '66 C10 - The new hot rod '77 3+3 Dually - 12 valve 4wd conversion tow rig project '28 Ford 2 door sedan street rod RevLimit Offroad "Hang on beer, we can do this."

09-09-2004, 12:00 PM	#15
68C30Flatbed Registered User Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Newberg, Oregon Posts: 23	http://epsplasticlumber.com has 'seconds' in synthetic lumber for a discount: $19.07 for a 2X6X12 in white. My bed is a little over 7 feet wide, so I would need 14 of them. That works out to $266.98, before shipping.

09-10-2004, 12:57 AM	#16
67_SS396 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Blue Ridge, Tx Posts: 1,172	It's a little more expensive, but there is a wood out there called Ipe (Brazilian Walnut). Guaranteed to last 40 years and some of the most beautiful dark grain you have ever seen. This stuff is so dense it will not float in water. A wood working buddy just finished a deck finished with this wood. Absolutely the best outdoor wood on the planet!! __________________ Fawker Fab three seater rock crawler buggy 498 BBC/SM465/203/205 doubler, propane, 5.13's, 42" PB Rockers '66 C10 - The new hot rod '77 3+3 Dually - 12 valve 4wd conversion tow rig project '28 Ford 2 door sedan street rod RevLimit Offroad "Hang on beer, we can do this."

09-10-2004, 02:35 AM	#17
687980chevy Registered User Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Hilly Southern Indiana! Posts: 201	One thing I didn't know,until I tore it out are my crossmembers were rusted on top from contact with the wood.I cut off the top of the C-members and welded on 1 1/2" angle iron. You might check your board thickness mine a 1 1/2" I am using 2x6 tounge&groove I have about $180 in lumber+hardware. My bed is 8'x12' Deckboards might be too thick yours look 3/4" deckboards are about 1" Good luck! Attached Images __________________ 68 K-10,79 K-10,80 C-30 57 chevy convertible 79 Z28



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