The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Making a Stovebolt Bed 41 3/4 ton bed - opinions requested

When I started working on the 41, my goal was to build it with parts I've collected over the years. I in visioned it as a dually with an 8' bed. Now I'm starting to work on the bed and did this mock-up. The bed needs to set up this high in order to clear the tires (although I still need to level it). It's from a 65 Jeep. The aprons are shown in the pics.
I know that things aren't quite centered here, but can you squint your eyes and tell me what you think? You think it will look ok symmetrically and otherwise? It's going to take a lot of work and sometimes I get some really crazy ideas (just ask my wife).
I'm open for constructive criticism....or any kind of criticism
Thanks

Is your plan to extend the frame farther to the rear? Cut and reprofile the running boards to allow the rear wheel to center in the fender. Or move the rear axle back to Center it. Fab up some panels to extend the bedsides down. It will work and you will have the only one.🛠

Rear axle is staying where it is, so yes, I'll be doing everything else you mentioned....and more. With duals, I'll need to extend the fenders out and the area of the running board where they connect. I think I can modify those aprons to make them work. Will need to move my Thrush side-pipes forward....and the list goes on.
I'm up for doing it if the finished (hopefully) truck will look ok. I just don't want to do all that work and have it look "weird".
Thanks for you opinion Martin.

VEW,
I did a very similar thing with my 1 ton AD. I made fender extenders so I could cover my duals as well. Flared the running boards too. It was a lot of work but worth it. Here’s my build thread.

http://s1372.photobucket.com/user/f...mage_zpscl9omaz8.jpg.html?sort=3&o=0

https://www.stovebolt.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/topics/1107350/1.html

Thanks Fox. I went through your thread and pics a couple of times and I'm sure I will do it several more times before I begin. I'm excited and scared and the same time because I wouldn't even pretend to be the metal fabricator and welder that your are -----I'm just a novice that enjoys trying to do it.
One difference I see is that your bed fit between your tires, whereas mine (because it's not original to a 41) needs to set above them - - unless I use a spacer, or cut into the bed, which I am reluctant to do. Otherwise, you did exactly what I have in mind and it looks terrific!
After I study your thread and prepare my plan of attack, I hope you won't mind if I reach out to you for some guidance and advice. As you said when you were doing your fender for the right side, it when so much faster than it did when you did your left side.
Thanks again..

What I like about steel is you can cut it out, mess it up, and still weld in new stuff! Jump in and learn as you go. I did that and you pick up speed quick. A person can read or watch all the tutorials you want but you can’t really learn until you’re doing it. It’s like swimming! Haha! Jump in and get wet. Because of my fear of steel work on my previous truck, I sold it. I vowed, never again.

You should look up Plowboy. He has a 1.5 ton and he had to modify his box a lot too to use duals on his AD. I believe he had to widen it. It might be beneficial to ask him as well.

Bolters helping Bolters is what this site is all about. I like seeing others reach their goals. It is easy to quit. This site can really be a moral booster knowing people are rooting for you.

Measure 2 (3,4,5,or 6) times, cut it, and go.😉

Is your Jeep bed the same width as a Chevy bed? My AD is 50” inside to inside. Tailgate is 49 7/8 wide at the top. The box sides on the Chevy were the same from 41-53. Fender mounting holes aside that is. Perhaps you just need a front panel and tailgate?

The bed measures 48-1/2" on the inside, which is the same as the 41-46 manual states. I know the bed looks almost hopeless in the pics, but I'm thinking to fix it. Front panel is beat up, but I'm going to straighten it out. Tailgate need some attention too, but think I'll go with it and do the same. After giving it the once/twice look-over, there are really only two areas needing replacement: all of the stake pockets (which I can get from J. Carter and modify to fit, I think) and the roll on the bed sides and front panel. I read you used 1-3/4 rolled steel on yours, so that's what I'm thinking to use now. There are some other areas, but they are all flat, so cut and paste.
The goal is for the truck to be a reliable driver and look decent - - no intentions to be a show truck. My hope is to eventually slide that Avion camper on it that you see in the background in a couple of the pics.
Thanks for your encouragement and the wealth of information in your build thread.
Guess you know what I'll be doing...