The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk Carbon Fiber flatbead

I read a magazine article that showed the use of Carbon fiberboards to build a truck bed and it looks like a great Idea. Have any of the stovebolters used these synthetic boards. I like the tech tip advice for building one for the bolt. Here is what I am Guessing about the carbon fiber
Good: will not soak up water, expand and rot,will retain color without restaining, will look good with stainless steel metal strips holding it in place.
Bad: Do you think it would be too light to hold the truck down? How about when it gets scratched-will it turn grey or whitish looking? please help me out on this. Thanks in advance.


1946 modified one ton flatbed

Ive worked with carbon composites for over 20 years so I might be able to help. Carbon will wick up water. Not as much as wood but it does happen. Any cut edges need to be edge sealed. It will not rot you are correct but it can degrade if not edge sealed. The freeze/thaw cycle would be an issue there. I'm not aware of the staining properties so I can't comment there. The weight will be an issue. If you don't have something on the bed that weighs a lot you'll have a more difficult time getting traction. I don't know about a scratch turning grey over time, I only worked with new parts. It will provide an avenue for water migration if not sealed though.

and dont forget the cost factor. even though the cost of carbon fiber products have come down, im sure its not cheap. :confused:

sounds expensive to me, but i am kind of a tightwag. as for the weight issue you coulp add weight under the bed if you felt you lost too much traction. i would investigate thourougly, but it sounds cool. do it and report back to us.