Built a bed lifter - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Robert Haas · 08-31-2017, 08:20 PM

I will be putting the bed on and off the truck countless times over the next year or so as I begin building 2 1965 GMC trucks side by side.

The bed is not that heavy but it is awkward and I want to be able to do this with out any help if I am alone as I work late at night after I close the shop so having a bed lifter is a necessary tool.

So I converted my cherry picker into a long reach crane by building a new boom extension and extending the forward wheels and arms to make it stable.

I built the lift frame out of 1" square mild steel

I also incorporated my engine "tilter" and that makes getting the bed at exactly the right angle a piece of cake. A ratchet tie down to control the side tilt took care of that wobble as well.

So here are the pictures of it in the bed for the first time.

Indian113 · 08-31-2017, 08:31 PM

Thanks for the Idea, By The Way NICE SHOP!

Robert Haas · 08-31-2017, 08:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Indian113

Thanks for the Idea, By The Way NICE SHOP!

Thank you

**Getter-Done** · 08-31-2017, 08:46 PM

Great Idea.

Blue666(2) · 08-31-2017, 09:01 PM

Very Nice

**Clyde65** · 08-31-2017, 09:07 PM

Nice!

racecougar · 08-31-2017, 10:17 PM

Used the same concept, albeit in wood, when installing the bed on our '65. It worked perfectly. The photo is from a installation timelapse, which I'd post if Photobucket wasn't holding everything hostage. Unfortunately I do not have a better photo.

**The Rocknrod** · 09-01-2017, 10:34 AM

I used straps and an engine hoist on my stepside.

Robert Haas · 09-01-2017, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Rocknrod

I used straps and an engine hoist on my stepside.

Never said this was the only way to do this. This is just how I decided to go about it. We all have our own processes and no one way is best.

I will be setting the bed on and off the frame once I have the frame up on the frame rack so I went this route.

**The Rocknrod** · 09-01-2017, 12:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Robert Haas

Never said this was the only way to do this. This is just how I decided to go about it. We all have our own processes and no one way is best.

I will be setting the bed on and off the frame once I have the frame up on the frame rack so I went this route.

Oh not at all. I thought about doing it like you have done it and would have if I had a fleet-side bed. There is just no inside lip on a step-side to accomplish this. That and I was being an obvious little sh$t.

I think what and how you did it was the best I have ever seen.

vin63 · 09-01-2017, 01:02 PM

Here is mine - adjustable H configuration. One of the best tools I have especially when I'm by myself and need to lift and reposition beds and one piece front ends.

08-31-2017, 08:20 PM	#1
Robert Haas Registered User Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Salinas Ca. Posts: 625	Built a bed lifter I will be putting the bed on and off the truck countless times over the next year or so as I begin building 2 1965 GMC trucks side by side. The bed is not that heavy but it is awkward and I want to be able to do this with out any help if I am alone as I work late at night after I close the shop so having a bed lifter is a necessary tool. So I converted my cherry picker into a long reach crane by building a new boom extension and extending the forward wheels and arms to make it stable. I built the lift frame out of 1" square mild steel I also incorporated my engine "tilter" and that makes getting the bed at exactly the right angle a piece of cake. A ratchet tie down to control the side tilt took care of that wobble as well. So here are the pictures of it in the bed for the first time. Last edited by Robert Haas; 08-31-2017 at 08:27 PM.

08-31-2017, 08:31 PM	#2
Indian113 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Monroe,Iowa Posts: 4,370	Re: Built a bed lifter Thanks for the Idea, By The Way NICE SHOP!

08-31-2017, 08:46 PM	#4
Getter-Done Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: TN. Posts: 7,942	Re: Built a bed lifter Great Idea.

08-31-2017, 09:01 PM	#5
Blue666(2) Registered User Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Valparaiso, IN Posts: 300	Re: Built a bed lifter Very Nice

08-31-2017, 09:07 PM	#6
Clyde65 1965 Chevy C10, 2005 4.8L/4l60 Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: DFW Texas Posts: 8,540	Re: Built a bed lifter Nice! __________________ Clyde65 Rebuild of Clyde http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...84#post8338184 69 Aristocrat Lo Liner build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...84#post7561684 *support our troops!*

08-31-2017, 10:17 PM	#7
racecougar Registered User Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Imperial, MO Posts: 999	Re: Built a bed lifter Used the same concept, albeit in wood, when installing the bed on our '65. It worked perfectly. The photo is from a installation timelapse, which I'd post if Photobucket wasn't holding everything hostage. Unfortunately I do not have a better photo. Attached Images __________________ Rod @ AzzKicker Cars 1965 C10 SWB - Build Thread

09-01-2017, 10:34 AM	#8
The Rocknrod Moderator Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: China Spring, TX Posts: 7,280	Re: Built a bed lifter I used straps and an engine hoist on my stepside. __________________ Master Chief, US Navy, Retired 1964 C10 Step-side Short Bed - In Progress 2009 2500HD Duramax LTZ 1948 GMC Panel 1956 Big Window Stepside 1953 5 Window Chevy Stepside 1932 Coupe New Seat Foam for Bench Seats?

09-01-2017, 01:02 PM	#11
vin63 It's Better With Nitro Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Chino Hills, CA Posts: 2,261	Re: Built a bed lifter Here is mine - adjustable H configuration. One of the best tools I have especially when I'm by myself and need to lift and reposition beds and one piece front ends. Attached Images __________________ 1963 C-10: Deluxe-optioned cab, shortbed, fleetside Pontiac 462 ci, Kauffman D-Port alum. heads 4L80E, narrowed sheetmetal Ford 9-inch Tubular front and rear suspension Custom 6-piston front disc and 4-piston rear disc brakes



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