Fabricating a bed

[coralhead]

Originally Posted by mechanixman

I have a chance to buy a pair of running boards for a 9ft truck.
$250 shipped to my door.
Should I pass, or is it too good a deal to pass up?
Thanks

Only good if you are going with a 9' bed or you will have to cut a section out of them and then it may not be worthwhile.

I think you should build the truck back as an original 1 ton.

My .02

[coralhead]

Originally Posted by mechanixman

I have a chance to buy a pair of running boards for a 9ft truck.
$250 shipped to my door.
Should I pass, or is it too good a deal to pass up?
Thanks

Actually that is a good deal with shipping. I would go for that and you may try to see if the splash panels are still attached. Most of the time they are. Are they in decent shape? You will probably be able to sell your old ones to help with the cost. They look to be in pretty good shape. I'm glad to hear from your other post that you are staying 9' and not cutting the frame. When finished you are going to have a nice big/beafy pickup.

[mechanixman]

Here's a picture of the truck with the boards on
http://www.dvap.com/assets/Uploads/-89-of-116.jpg

[coralhead]

Originally Posted by mechanixman

Here's a picture of the truck with the boards on
http://www.dvap.com/assets/Uploads/-89-of-116.jpg

Get the splash aprons!!!!
Posted via Mobile Device

[_Ogre]

Originally Posted by mechanixman

I know its preffered to use a TIG for the panels, but the best I have is a MIG to work with. Can I use a MIG and still get a decent finish? I was reading another thread where on guy said he uses a flapper disc to take down the weld so it's flush with body. Any other ideas?
Nick

all of this was welded with a 110 volt fluxcore welder.
it's all a mater of how much grinding you want to do

[mechanixman]

Well I got the bed on the truck, and looked at the fit....and it looks like it needs a little massaging.

Originally Posted by coralhead

I'm glad to hear from your other post that you are staying 9' and not cutting the frame. When finished you are going to have a nice big/beafy pickup.

I'm kinda glad too, less work. ha ha


The 3/8 ratchet is there for comparison, just to understand the gap.
I had a plan to fill it by extending the bed sides, so it still looks like a 9ft bed from the side, but actually build a locker or tool box to fill that space between the bed and cab. Then I could install on board air and a winch. My biggest reason for this is because I can't find anybody that makes the bed strips-the ones that hold down the wood- in 9 ft sections.
This way I have the look, I still have the durability of a bed, and I don't need to worry about fabricating my own bed strips/wood.
But I'm still on the fence. What are your guys opinions?

[mechanixman]

Oh yeah, and here are the panels I got.

[coralhead]

I like the idea. That bed front looks pretty beat. Extending the bed sides and keeping the floor stock long bed. Good thinking man.