What type of diamond plate is this?

[Railroadman]

I'm restoring the utility body on my '66. I'm trying to find the same pattern of steel that was on it but have not been able to find any, and don't even know the proper name for it.

It does not HAVE to be exact original, I can certainly used regular diamond plate and it will be fine, just thought if I had the option of something original-looking, I'd go that way. So what's this stuff called, and does anybody sell it?

[The Rocknrod]

There are various patterns of plate available - https://www.chequered-plate.com/cheq...ker-plate.html
Although I dont know what that one is called.

[Railroadman]

There's a ton of types that would work but nothing in that pattern of small squares. I looked through several on-line catalogs but apparently they don't make it any more I guess.

Thanks, I may just wind up buying present-day diamond plate and let it go at that.

[Warrens69GMC]

Square embossed steel plate

[Warrens69GMC]

tighter-

[Railroadman]

Second one is right on, the first would be acceptable too.

[Warrens69GMC]

Check with your material suppliers, might have to wait on something to be made

[joedoh]

my old equipment trailer has it

[Railroadman]

That's the stuff, Joedoh.

I just did a search and while the stock photo Warren posted shows up, it doesn't seem to be out of anybody's catalog. I will start asking around at little welding shops and the scrap yard. Somebody may have some sitting around.

I'm not at the stage of the project yet where I have to have it now. When that time comes maybe I'll have it. And again, if not I'll buy regular diamond plate. Just thought it would be neat to keep the same look. At least I now know it's called square embossed steel plate.

Thanks, I appreciate the help!

[Getter-Done]

I have been looking for this type for awhile now.

I was told it was not reproduced
I will keep looking thou.

[Railroadman]

Originally Posted by Getter-Done

I have been looking for this type for awhile now.

I was told it was not reproduced
I will keep looking thou.

Well if I come across any beyond my own needs, I'll try to keep you in mind. We have a place in TN and might maybe could bring it down at some point. But I agree, I don't think they make it new now so we'll keep looking.

[Getter-Done]

Originally Posted by Railroadman

Well if I come across any beyond my own needs, I'll try to keep you in mind. We have a place in TN and might maybe could bring it down at some point. But I agree, I don't think they make it new now so we'll keep looking.

Thanks

All I need to do is find someone with a machine that's like the one in the video below,
And make them another Roller

tread plate embossing machine, stainless steel...

[Railroadman]

That's awesome! Wonder how thick a piece of steel it can handle.

I think what's on there now is 14 gauge, and it doesn't seem to be embossed. The bottom is smooth, not waffled. But nothing says the new stuff has to be the same.

[Getter-Done]

I don't know.
I sure that it is not real thick or the table below it would not stand the pressure

I would hope that someone one day would make a Stamping Die to reproduce these.

Maybe even a sheet with Bowties in it.

[ACK]

Depending on your requirements and resources, it would be quick and simple to mill the pattern into sheet metal. Length could be around 40" and height probably about 20" (10" on the top half, then rotate 180 degrees to do the bottom). The end result would be an exact pattern match. For an aged look, hit it with a sandblaster.

[Railroadman]

I don't think I want to go to that much trouble and expense. Overall floor of the utility box is about 91" by 48". Whatever I use, I'll aim for one or max 2 pieces just to keep it simple.

Here's the truck, and here's why the floor needs replacing!

[Railroadman]

I'll add this FWIW - back in 1966 Stahl made one rugged heavy duty utility box. I'm trying to cut one section out of that floor and every time it seems all set, there's another weld to be dealt with. No Chinesium in that, just good American steel and pride, and Bubba did not work there. I overloaded the crap out of that truck SO many times back when it was on the road and it just kept asking for more.