The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk 1-ton back half

Ok I am looking for some ideas here, the front of my 1-ton almost has all the dents to the point where I would be ready for some fill and paint. The back half is just frame rails. It was originally a stake bed and as you can guess is no longer around. I am looking for ideas on what to do out back. The distance from the cab to the end of the frame rail is 8', even though the wheelbase is longer than I would like it is still very do able. I thought about putting another stake bed on and was wondering if there is a company out there that has the outside parts and I could do the floor(wood of course). Or the other thought was a standard bed, but I think that is out because I would imagine the bigger ones are hard to find. I even had a thought of putting a 8' bed on and laying out the rear fenders further back and doing like a, I think 37 ford fender that trails off at the end going past the rear of the truck.

Like I said very open to thoughts and ideas. I even thought about cutting the frame down to a standard wheelbase and then a standard bed would fit, but I want to enjoy the truck not make a lifelong project, I have that already in two forms my 54 GMC and my 41 Buick, why add a 3rd.

Thanks

I personally think a stake bed is cool looking and with a 1 ton that is the way I would go. If you have a digital camara take some pictures; that seems to generate more interest here on the Bolt and more interest seems to result in more answers to questions.
Good luck

You might look for a utility bed. That would make it both interesting and useful.

I'd try to find an original 9 foot bed.

For my 48 2 ton I am planning to have the frame for an aluminum flat bed made. I will install the quarter sawn white oak boards with unpolished stainless steel strips (original looking).

I even drove by the company who I think I will have make the bed for me, M.H, EBY, in Blue Ball Pennsylvania. I was in the area for something else today, and didn't remember that's where one of there factories was until I drove by.

Grigg

What year is it? I have a 47 1st 1 ton with the 9' bed and it's fun to have something different.

Otherwise a flatbed is always a good choice. Keep an eye on e-bay you should be able to find one in your area.

Sorry it is a 52. My one option would be to buy a standard bed and 2 extra sides and make the welds to create a 9' I guess also.

I am please to see that I do not have to keep the dually rear with the larger tires. A buddy of mine gave me 2 16" rims and they fit right on, dropped the truck by >2" closer to the level I would like it to be. I never expect to carry anything with this, more of a fun truck for me and my kids.

I will get some pictures up hopefully some time this week I am knee deep in doing a local Haunted House, so time is drawn to setting that up.
Thanks for the input and please keep it coming.

Why not go crazy and make it into a camper? a faux log cabin would certainly be different, and a place to live when the wife kicks you out for spending too much time with the vehicles.

i am building a shirted flatbed for my 52 one ton.somewhat like a western hauler bed

Shirted flatbed? I guess I am not sure what that is. Do you have pictures. Thanks

I have to say I like the log cabin idea, but then again I like log cabins. That one is unique, not really the cruiser I was looking for, but a great place to hang at the shows.

Flat bed / stake bed.

Iff'n you make it out of aluminum it'll be real light but strong enough for most tasks. You can then make a sturdy steel mount to the frame in the center to hook up a goose neck or fifth wheel hitch.

You need a trailer to haul those other projects around.

If I came across a 1 ton in good condition for the right price I'd be really tempted to convert it into a woodie RV.

In Central Pa there is a company that installs truck bodies. They often have take-offs on their lot, all kinds, flats, dumps, utilities. google Hostetler bodies, check 'em out.