The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Making a Stovebolt Bed Plans on how to make 9 board wood bed for a '50 3100?

I am a long way from being to the stage of doing this but was wondering if anyone had plans/dimmensions on how to make the wood floor for my truck which is a '50 3100 shortbed? I have the lumber and the tools but don't have the dimensions, and/or steps for drilling the mounting holes, including the offsenter washers so I thought I would check with the experts! Many thanks in advance. Also curious what kind of routing detail I need on the edges for the metal strips to sit into.

Try this link
http://www.mar-k.com/_assets/images/instructions/bed_wood_dimensions.pdf

If no luck find it here
http://www.mar-k.com/index.php?p=tips-and-tricks

That is awesome. Thanks. I saw that document mentioned and even went to their site but could not find it. My only question is how to measure the side boards, but that may be easy enough to figure out once I get the bed assembled again. If anyone has other tips/tricks please share! Thanks!

Jason,

You could not find anything at the links given above by Grigg?

The first link has measurement information that is somewhat confusing/complicated, but it is something.
The second link goes to a page with a lot of information, including Grigg's first link.

It is nearly everything I need, and actually may be all I need but I don't know for sure. It seems the edge boards would be slightly different with the way the rail strips attach to the side panels of the bed and it doesn't mention that.

Try this:
Internet archive - bed wood dimensions

Thanks, that’s better info.

I probably aready know the answer, but here it goes anyway. Is there a router bit available that would do the edge cuts?
I’m always for the easy way!
Jim

In looking at the drawings, it seems fairly straightforward. Use a 3/4” straight bit (dado bit) and enough passes each to reach the shallowest needed dimension. A fence will be useful to guide the router base and likely need be moved to achieve the required width. Then use a narrower straight bit, adjust the cutting depth as deep as needed to meet the drawing dimensions. As you likely know the depth of cuts for the deep and shallow dimension will best be achieved in increments. Cutting a deep cut in one pass can be done, but likely result in tear out and/or other frustration easily avoided by taking multiple passes at increasing bit length.

An alternative approach would be to use a table saw and adjust fence and blade depth as needed. That likely would be my choice for speed and cut quality.

Both options will achieve a quality product if the boards are dry, straight, knot free, without bows, twists or other defects.

Our boards were milled at my neighbor's fully equipped wood shop. I asked about using a router table. His recommendation was to use the table saw with dado blades and that's what we did. He had a gadget with rollers on it to hold the board down and against the fence.