I am currently in the process of taking the wood frame and bed off to refinish and think that your ideas are sound. I will try to keep the big bolt community updated as to my progress.

In the mean time I have aquired a steel Knapheide platform body which will fit on the chassis. I am planning on adapting it as a replacement for actual farm material handling. The box is the same dimensions and the structure appears to match the frame at 36". Any insights?
https://goo.gl/photos/N2AAXE8q6RPhDJSq9


Roger Burgoyne Member # 42,919
1948 Chevrolet 1-1/2 Ton Loadmaster w/Dump
Terre de Bourgogne Llama Ranch, Arizona