The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts Wanna make a dump bed

I've gotten lots of old dumps in past and switched over with sub-frame unit and all. My new truck is going to get a lighter flat-bed this time. I got old bed off, plan to go 10ft is all. BUT, I'm thinking of adding hinges to frame ends right on truck, no sub-frame to keep it much lower. Anyone ever make hinges? Most old trucks had a solid 1-1/2" or so solid rod for pivot pin. The hinges I have seen are all cast. I think I can make some of standard heavy metal, IF I get correct lay-out. Something with several mount bolts on both pieces, use 4" channel for main runners on bed. I will leave the rest, maybe have to bolt front down for now, till I can get/make an electric unit like pick-ups have now days. Might try a straight double cylinder set-up off frame sides this time. What you think? Got any ideas for me to ponder?

Here's two articles I found from mother earth news. My 53 has a farm made dump with a big fat rod and pivots made from plate I will try to take a picture of this afternoon. Somebody robbed the hydraulics off it long ago, but I'll put them back when I put another engine in the truck this summer.
Turn your pickup into dump bed

Power Steering Dump Bed

At the end of the artices, it says you can send $15 for to Mother Earth News for Full Plans.

Chris

That flatbed set-up is just about what I had in mind. Think I might have to go with that or similar. Guess I should send for the plans. I won't be using my Power steering pump, as 49 has none. BUT, I do have pto to put on, and could still run same pump off it, or could buy simple electric set-up like many have now. Catalogs always have those and components to install. Like ones used for Snow blades and lift gates.

Over the years there are few things about truck hydraulics that have escaped me. Been in the business since 1967. On occasion I've built hoists like you describe from scratch so yes, I've made the hinges. However in my experience it is better to purchase a factory built hinge [censored]'y. If you do make it forget about the solid shaft idea and use a 4"x4" angle to recess into the frame horns. Then hinge from it on each side with a short hinge pin to attach to either a plate style hinge on the outside of the frame or a double shear style that the longsill sits on.

If you use twin cylinders they need to be 3"-4" telescopics and about 60" stroke, i.e., 3260 or 4-2-60 model. This assumes an 84" cab to axle dimension and a 10' body length. Set the cylinders to get a minimum of 45 degrees dump angle. The pump needs only a 1200-1500 psi setting for twins. Make certain that your pump has the correct rotation for the PTO you have. Many newer pumps are bi-rotational but most older ones are not. Probably the best bet is the electric pump/valve [censored]'y. You'll need a larger reservoir with the twin telescopic cylinders and most electrics have fairly small tanks. Stability is the main issue with these small twins as well as leaks on the inexpensive farm cylinders so many use. I much prefer underbody twin arms or scissor design for these reasons.

I will attempt to e-mail you the parts list/owners manual on what I currenly use. You will find it of interest as well as a possible source of parts. Any questions you have or additional information you need I will try to help you with.

It took me a while but here are some pics of the farm built dump bed on my truck

dump bed 1
dump bed 2
dump bed 3
dump bed 4
dump bed 5
dump bed 6

4.3 -- thanks for doing the "links" and not images. It helps us a lot on hosting costs.


Peg