GRINDER32

iTrader: (1)

I unfortunately do not have many pictures from the build but I will post my work. I started with my custom billet shift knobs (in the vendor classifieds) and from there wanted to make a bumper. I wanted a step bumper that was aggressive with a off road look also and this is what I came up with:
















After this I wanted to do a back bumper but thought with all the rust issues on my stock bed I might as well go ahead and do a whole bed!


















And the completed truck:

92 TOY

I think you may have just given TOYOSPEARO some stiff competition for best flatbed. looks awesome!!!

Hezzy

Awesome metal fabbin' skills!



I like the cat in action pic too!

derockus

iTrader: (1)

Dude, amazing job. Dig the cat too

GRINDER32

iTrader: (1)

Haha yeah thats the shop cat, or "SC" as we call her, but thank you!!

bone collector

very amazing!!

Shoua

Very nicely done.

GRINDER32

iTrader: (1)

Thanks for all the input! I tried to make it functional and look good at the same time. All of it is black powder coated, the bumper has stainless steel mesh and the "TEQ" logo laser cut out. The flat bed obviously has the aluminum diamond plate and I added stainless steel tie down hooks. Speaking of this I was wondering if anybody knew where I could get a net with bungee cords to keep stuff held down when I'm off roading. I am also going to re locate the spare tire and make my own hitch assembly with either a swiveling tow loop or something like smittybuilts step hitch! I even put silicone between the diamond plate and the bed frame to reduce rattle and harmonics at high highway speeds. I really tried to take my time and make this last and be the most functional.

GRINDER32

iTrader: (1)

Next big decision: I am torn on whether i should paint it all black or leave the contrast of the silver... Opinions?

highonpottery

iTrader: (1)

looks niceand very utilitarian. for the color i would leave it alone unless it's blinding you from the glare. might tone down slightly with time/scratches like a truckbox does. if you were to paint it, i'd go the color of your body vs black, since the contrast looks better IMO. maybe even a matte clear coat would work?

you can usually get those bungee nets at any store that carries bungee cords or truck accessories. heck, I think even Home Depot carries them.

for your spare tire, i would personally mount the spare vertically on the front, side of the flatbed, facing outward. Think old chevy stepside pickup. I've never been a fan of making a nice flatbed and plopping the spare smack in the middle. You could make a simple mount that bolts on to your flatbed with tapped holes, so it can easily be removed for full flatbed access. You could even make another mount opposite it for holding something else, like gas cans or ice chest, etc - and it still leaves you with around 3-4ft of flatbed space between them.

question - how much space is underneath the diamond plate top, to the frame? seems like a good amount of room and you should probably integrate hinges into the diamond plate so you can have cubby storage for tools and recovery gear.

GRINDER32

iTrader: (1)

[QUOTE=
question - how much space is underneath the diamond plate top, to the frame? seems like a good amount of room and you should probably integrate hinges into the diamond plate so you can have cubby storage for tools and recovery gear.[/QUOTE]

there is a solid 8 inches between the 2 so i think this is a valid option

wyoming9

iTrader: (1)

Just curious if you had to figure a labor rate and materials what kind of number would you end up with??

i think lots of people would have sticker shock!!!

Rusto

Inspiration work, Grinder. I've always leaned towards replacing my standard bed with a fiberglass one to keep the stock look, but seeing how good yours looks has got me thinking.

I like the idea of the spare on the side like an old stepside Chevy and boxes underneath the diamond-plate.

What about throwing on some removeable bed rails, too?

Awesome job.

highonpottery

iTrader: (1)

that's a great idea also!

might even have to make yourself a removable rear hoop in case you need to carry some long lumber or an extension ladder.....and some rearward LED lights to light that sucker up at night!

technojunkie

I know this isn't the classifieds, but do you by chance have drawings or plans for the bed & bumper? If so would you be willing to sell copies?

dropzone

iTrader: (6)

WOW!! Nice work..brings back memories of Toyospearo's flatbed..

Levi Huff

im lookin to do somthin like this for my yota what did the bumper and bed cost ya? and what type of metal did you use?

michael1963

I was never a big fan of converting pickups into flatbeds but I must say, you have changed my attitude in that mind set....I like it! Outstanding welding skills you have there, good job.

slacker

iTrader: (1)

sup I down ....




nice work .. also interested in your time and cost



.

GRINDER32

iTrader: (1)

Trying to reply to all here... As a gut check on price, retail I would sell these beds right around $4,000. That's all laser cut parts, welding and fab, powder coat, lights, etc. I got quoted over $5,500 for a flatbed by a local company so I built it myself. The bumper would be around $800 if I remember correct. These are rough numbers for each item and will only get a final cost if someone is truly interested.