Pickup bed

I

Ianrhall

Senior Member
I have a 44 "jailbar" 1/2 ton
Thinking of replacing the wood in the bed. Looking up underneath I can see what looks like the original wood, good condition at the back but some rot nearer the cab. On top of this is a sheet of steel maybe 1/16 or slightly thinner, this has obviously been added a few decades ago with some primitive stick welding. On top of the steel is a sheet of plywood which needs replacing.
My question is, what would it have had originally, just the bottom layer of wood or something on top of the wood? Truck is in original condition not restored so I'm not looking for something super shiny!
Ian
 
It came from the factory with a thin sheet of steel with ribs over the top of wood planks. Many people cut all this out and put in a more 'normal' bed wood/ bed strip configuration. I think you can buy the stamped steel floor aftermarket.
 
I have some old boards off a friends garage roof that I could use, trouble is they are only 5" wide so would have more joints than usual.
Ian
 
If they are thick like 7/8 I would use them. Obviously would be in keeping for an old farm truck look, but keep in mind you'd lose points at Pebble Beach. I have a bunch of bed strips if you need extra.
 
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I left the original factory steel pan in the bed. i cut a piece of plywood to fit, then routered channels to accept bed strips I purchased online.
 
GB SISSON said:
If they are thick like 7/8 I would use them. Obviously would be in keeping for an old farm truck look, but keep in mind you'd lose points at Pebble Beach. I have a bunch of bed strips if you need extra.
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They would love my truck at pebble beach👍
Don't have any bed strips yet, hopefully someone stocks them in the uk
 

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Ianrhall said:
They would love my truck at pebble beach👍
Don't have any bed strips yet, hopefully someone stocks them in the uk
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If they didn't (love it there) then they've got their head.... Oh never mind, your truck is awesome. I run a business where we build furniture, doors and cabinetry for the high end market. I get the pick of the litter for vintage bed wood.
 
Correct PU beds had a factory metal floor. To many so called" restored" trks have been converted to open wood. The metal was there to last longer and if you are concerned about being original, its the way to go. If you are building a "driver" the exposed wood is easier.
 
jimTN said:
Correct PU beds had a factory metal floor. To many so called" restored" trks have been converted to open wood. The metal was there to last longer and if you are concerned about being original, its the way to go. If you are building a "driver" the exposed wood is easier.
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Correct, and correct.
I am in the middle of a truck restoration and reproduced the wood that is installed beneath the metal floor. Kind of shame to cover that beautiful wood but that's the way Ford did it and as with all my restorations, I do my best to replicate the way it was authentically.
 
Well, looks like I still have the original wood and steel cover. Someone has tried(badly) to weld the sides to the body just behind the wheel tubs. I'm going to leave it all in place and just put some new/old wood over the top
Ian
 
A few extra strips will look fine. My truck came with a farm built flatbed that made good campfire wood. Built a new bed, added redwood (soft wood not for heavy hauling) and strips. Seem to be an "eye pleaser" for all who see it.
Enjoy your project and do it "your way".
 

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