I cant figure it out, how do you mount the sheet meetal, or plating whatever it is, could you tell what i could use and what the best way is to mount a flat bed to the frame? thanks (one in pic)

 

We built one once...Not for a toyota. We built a complete new frame with crossbeams, covered it with diamond plate steel then just welded it to the frame and crossbeams. We then made custom mounts to hook this frame to the truck frame. The mounting was kinda trial and error.

Prob not much help but just lettin you know of one way to do it

 

The frame and plating on mine are both steel, so I just welded it all together.

Frame:


With plate:





If you are trying to put aluminum plate on a steel frame, just weld some tabs to the frame, drill them and tap them, then screw the plate to those.

 

yea i think ill weld the flat bed to the frame and make tabs for the diamond plating, btw how much does diamond plating run for?

 

A 4x10 sheet of diamondplate will probably be anywhere from $125-$250, just depends where you buy it from. Prices in CA could be completely different though. Shop around. Remember, aluminum is ALOT lighter, but it will need more support underneath. The supports underneath can be small, maybe 1x1 tube. Rivets make for a nice looking install, so you could rivet directly to the braces. Make sure to get quality rivets though, 3/16" steel mandrel/aluminum body would be fine.

 

wow i think ill just go with steel, have any idea how much sheet meatl costs?

 

14 gauge would be good for a floor (with a couple supports), 1/8" is too heavy. A sheet of 14 gauge should be about $30-$60.

 

Look at 4rnrRicks buildup on Pirate...Quasimodo...he just did his flatbed and used some kind of hardware to secure the diamond plate down...don't remember what though. It looked trick for sure though!

 

X2!

check out page 27, 28, 40, 43, and 44
http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=447914