3rd Gen flatbed build
03-04-2014, 03:44 PM
#1
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3rd Gen flatbed build
I posted this in my build up thread, but I figured I would make a new thread in case anyone is trying to search for the same thing I struggled searching with. Its a lot easier to find a crawler type flatbed build then a working/usable/beater/wood hauler flatbed build.
The main frame cross members and headache rack is made from 3x1.25" channel, and the deck is made from 11 gauge steel, close to 1/8" thick. I had the ends of the main frame rails cut to a 45 degree angle at work. The channel I used weighs 4.1lbs per foot and the sheet weighs 4.1lbs per square foot. I got all the steel from the scrap bin at work for $36. And the weight is accurate because we buy it by the pound. The whole bed weighs between 395-405lbs give or take.
And for whoever cares, the stock bed weight of this bed which is from a 94 model at the scrap yard was 250lbs. Note thats with no tail gate and the fenders cut out about 3inches all the way around. I went off of the thread I found on here that said 385lbs, but that's not correct for a 3rd gen bed.
I still need to mount my tail lights, put another piece across the bottom of the back window and weld a piece of 11 gauge from the bottom of that to the deck to protect the back of the cab. Also still have to bend and mount my stake pockets to put a 2x6 around the sides and back, those will be 11 gauge also. I think I should probably weld some gussets from the deck to headache rack for support to. Cant decide If I wana leave the top piece of the headache rack that high, or move it down. It don't look to bad now, but once I take the body lift off the cab I dunno. anywho heres pics.
Old bed off
Deck of flat bed before mounting it
headache rack mock up. Guy doing the measuring is the mathematician of us 3. Guy watching is the muscle
Me tacking the deck on, muscle doin some grinding
Me in an awkward but must be done that way team work moment
Finished
All of this was welded using 7018 rods and 225A Lincoln ARC welder. Where not master fabricators by any means, but we all went to college together in the same program and had to take welding so the beads aint the prettiest, but there strong and penetrated good, so im happy.
Let me add this, I know this bed looks and sounds to heavy, but as far as the difference in power with this bed and the old bed, I notice none. I actually heard a flatbed gives you 26-32HP
The main frame cross members and headache rack is made from 3x1.25" channel, and the deck is made from 11 gauge steel, close to 1/8" thick. I had the ends of the main frame rails cut to a 45 degree angle at work. The channel I used weighs 4.1lbs per foot and the sheet weighs 4.1lbs per square foot. I got all the steel from the scrap bin at work for $36. And the weight is accurate because we buy it by the pound. The whole bed weighs between 395-405lbs give or take.
And for whoever cares, the stock bed weight of this bed which is from a 94 model at the scrap yard was 250lbs. Note thats with no tail gate and the fenders cut out about 3inches all the way around. I went off of the thread I found on here that said 385lbs, but that's not correct for a 3rd gen bed.
I still need to mount my tail lights, put another piece across the bottom of the back window and weld a piece of 11 gauge from the bottom of that to the deck to protect the back of the cab. Also still have to bend and mount my stake pockets to put a 2x6 around the sides and back, those will be 11 gauge also. I think I should probably weld some gussets from the deck to headache rack for support to. Cant decide If I wana leave the top piece of the headache rack that high, or move it down. It don't look to bad now, but once I take the body lift off the cab I dunno. anywho heres pics.
Old bed off
Deck of flat bed before mounting it
headache rack mock up. Guy doing the measuring is the mathematician of us 3. Guy watching is the muscle
Me tacking the deck on, muscle doin some grinding
Me in an awkward but must be done that way team work moment
Finished
All of this was welded using 7018 rods and 225A Lincoln ARC welder. Where not master fabricators by any means, but we all went to college together in the same program and had to take welding so the beads aint the prettiest, but there strong and penetrated good, so im happy.
Let me add this, I know this bed looks and sounds to heavy, but as far as the difference in power with this bed and the old bed, I notice none. I actually heard a flatbed gives you 26-32HP
Last edited by yoder519; 03-04-2014 at 03:49 PM.
03-05-2014, 10:05 AM
#5
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Thread Starter
No flex shots yet. I'm not really worried about the tires hitting the bed. I had 600lbs on it the other day and it squatted some but not nearly enough to make contact. It may with a good load but I don't. Think it will like it is but I could be wrong. I talked to a guy n town the other day that had a Toyota with a flatbed but he didn't put any spacers between the frame and bed like I did and he had a riding mower on the bed and a few tools and he was close to hitting but not enough to bottom out over a bump or anything. I guess time will tell
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03-23-2014, 09:33 AM
#8
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Painted it a little while ago. Used Krylon roll on paint on the deck after a halfway layer of spray paint. Then I sprayed underneath it and then used Permatex undercoating. Decided Im gonna cut the piece across the top of the headache rack off and lower it even with the top of the back window after I take the body lift off the cab. Then put me a piece of channel across the bottom of the window. I got some more 11 gauge to put from the top of the deck to the bottom of the window, and need to get expanded metal to go across the window. Got my stake pockets made at work, gonna be 4 down each side and 2 across the back. The light brackets in the pics are temporary until I can recess them into a piece off 11 gauge. Trying to wait til I can find a hitch before I make that.
03-24-2014, 03:33 AM
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Painted it a little while ago. Used Krylon roll on paint on the deck after a halfway layer of spray paint. Then I sprayed underneath it and then used Permatex undercoating. Decided Im gonna cut the piece across the top of the headache rack off and lower it even with the top of the back window after I take the body lift off the cab. Then put me a piece of channel across the bottom of the window. I got some more 11 gauge to put from the top of the deck to the bottom of the window, and need to get expanded metal to go across the window. Got my stake pockets made at work, gonna be 4 down each side and 2 across the back. The light brackets in the pics are temporary until I can recess them into a piece off 11 gauge. Trying to wait til I can find a hitch before I make that.
What no tie downs on the bed or the headache rack?
06-10-2014, 02:41 PM
#11
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I have about 4" between bed and tire. I got some stake pockets bent at work just ain't welded em on yet. Still gotta cut the headache rack off and drop it down a couple inches and put some 11gauge across the bottom of it.
06-10-2014, 02:43 PM
#12
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10-04-2014, 09:58 AM
#13
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Thread Starter
Got my stake pockets on and 2x6s around the deck. Still Ain't finished the headache rack or back. Also put a hitch on it, tool box and crate. Super handy. Gonna get some flat bar from work and go all the way around the the stake pockets so I can tie down at any point
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