Truck bed pics: Finally on the truck

[HMW]

Finally got the bed on the truck over the weekend. Still have some more brackets to make for buckets, string trimmer. pole saw etc. Here are some pics so far. first 2 pics are the front view and side view. Next 2 pics are the mudlfap brackets and the how the body mounts to the truck frame. The last pic is the driver side. The space in front of the side boxes will be used to store gas cans, fire ext etc. Made the little box the same angle as the side boxes.

[HMW]

Couple more pics, first is mud flap brackets I made from aluminum with rubber at the bottom. Second pic is rear view and the last pic is a reciever step my son made from 1 1/4" pipe.

I'll take some more when I get the rest of the brackets done. They still have to get the truck lettered, but coudl start putting stuff in it this week

[dabar39]

Nice job on the finished product, I do see one major flaw with the truck and that is....













It ain't sitting' in my driveway. Dave

[HMW]

Thanks, I'd send it to you, but I'm not sure how well that aluminum would hold up to a welder throwing steel in the back

[jwsrep]

Very sweeeeeet! Nice job, looks great.

[dabar39]

Thanks, I'd send it to you, but I'm not sure how well that aluminum would hold up to a welder throwing steel in the back

Not a problem, I've got trailers Dave:

[wireburner]

NICE TRUCK !!!!!!!!! you going put dimound plate lady mudd flaps on it J/k

[alha]

Nice work! One hopefully not obviously answered question, but in pic IMG_0200.jpg, I see that the bed is mounted down with bolts and springs. Why is that, I would think you would want it held down securely? Wouldn't it bounce up when you hit bumps? Like I said, probably an obvious answer, but I can't think of it right now...

[Samurai Dave]

Well done!

AWESOME!!

Having the additional boxes fabricated to match the angle of the side boxes really gives it a fully integrated look.

Which mfg made the side boxes? The angle of the front makes a very nice modern high-tech statement. In diamond plate ... gotta' love it! Very cool.

[littlefuzz]

Nice bed. I was wondering about the springs too Of all the beds I've built or worked on I've never seen any mounted with springs

[Bert]

Mounted with springs: Isn't that why he was asking for advice for a "floating bed?" I think it's to help with vibration for stuff on the bed?
Hey, it's GORGEOUS!!! Dave, nice job! You caught me on that "scroll down"
thing

[HMW]

Thanks guys.

The springs do not support the bed but rather hold it down. When the frame of the truck twists, say like going over a curb, this allows the bed to move slightly and not shock the bed with a hard twist. Notice the bottom bracket extends up past the deck frame rail, to prevent side to side movement. The springs are around a 1/2" bolt and are pretty stiff. 3 of us couldnt lift one corner with it tightened down. I tightened the lock nuts up so the spring is almost collapsed. It cant move more than about 1/8" -1/4"or so. The front brackets on the body are solid, bolted both ends. Being an aluminum body I was more concerned with cracking than a steel one. Although I have seen lots of steel beds crack.
One thing about it, If the aluminum brackets or the springs dont work well, I can easily unbolt them and bolt on a solid plate.
The side boxes came from Northern. The only ones I could find with double doors, full lenght 6'. Not cheap, like $500 each. I cut the angle on the tail and the little storage areas around the front box to match the side tool boxes. Still have bucket brackets, string trimmer, tree saw and water cooler brackets to make. I'll take some pics of those when done. They went and got it measured for decals last night so maybe by next week it will be all ready for them to use.

[Bert]

HMW,
wow, I thought you made those boxes yourself
again, beautiful job! Can't wait to see more pics of the add-ons!!!

[littlefuzz]

Oh, I see. Makes sense with a aluminum bed, nice.

[HMW]

HMW,
wow, I thought you made those boxes yourself
again, beautiful job! Can't wait to see more pics of the add-ons!!!

hardest part of those boxes would be the doors, hinges, handles etc. They seem pretty nice though, a couple of shovels will fit in the lower part. you can buy the handles and aluminum piano hinges but would take some time