The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Panels 'N Burbs Dreamin'/Thinkin'

Just doing some planning for the '50 GMC Burb. I will be taking a trip south this fall and might be buying some major parts to ship back home. IFS system of some kind, new rear rear end and suspention of some kind. I'll be looking at motors also but probably wait a year on that. The other idea is to get a bed wood kit (wood and strips) for a 55 to 59 long bed fleetside and adapt it to replace the original plywood from the front seat back. This will be a cruiser for just the honey and me; a Burbcamper, long haul cruiser for 2.

Anyway, I'm looking for some brainstorming/ideas on this bed wood idea. Any of you guys done this? What problems might occur?

Thanks, Buddy

I just figured I would get the lumber from a friend of mine who salvages downed trees and takes the big pieces to a sawmill. I'm kind of leaning toward locust wood myself. The strips can be bought separately.

Being that mine is a ton panel, nobody is making kits long enough for it. (At least, I haven't found one.) It's something like 9' from the rear of the seats to the rear door.

That is a good idea. I know if I buy a kit the side wood strips where the wheel wells are will not fit and I'll have to custom cut something there. I have a good wood-working/truck friend that could help me out.

Also wondering about using plywood floor with wood and metal strips on top or fitting pickup cross braces under like a pickup bed?

Buddy

Buddy,
I have a 57 Burb and have been looking into the same projects you are.
For the IFS check out TCI(TotalCostInvolved.com) They have Mustang II fronts and 4 bar rears. They are the same as Heidt's, just a little cheaper.
As far as the rear goes a Ford Explorer rear usually has discs, posi and has identical backing plate dimensions as my 57.(60 in.) If yours is the same dimension you can also use a 67-9 camaro rear. (60 in.)
Let me know what you find out with the wood bed, I too am looking at doing that. I had planned to use the original wood as a template and do the wood strips over plywood. I think you would have to, to make it strong enough or you would have to use alot of crossbraces.
Hope this helps.

I did my 55 gmc long bed in 3/4"oak . I had planed to use street sign post for cross pices but mine where ok -The street sign post have holes drilled and may work and are everywhere. What ever you use for wood let it season.

the better lumberyards either carry or can get 9ft. plywood. youre probably gonna put carpet over it anyway. right?? to keep down the noise and for insulation?

Probably to protect it from getting all gnarfed up too. But it sure would be nice to peel back that carpet and show off some gorgeous hardwood with a cool grain pattern. That's why I'm looking at locust wood. Really unique swirled grain.

I have a ton panel, but I think I'm going to go with a steel floor from a newer van. I haven't quite reached that point, yet.

If you are going to use locust, bear in mind it's fantastic ability to split. Clear wood will do this more than #2 with knots. Be sure to drill all holes and support with crossmembers real well so that it doesn't split up when you go over a lot of bumps. It does give a nice yellow/orange look when finished. If you really want a tough bed - use hedge (osage orange). It won't rot either.

Guess the type of wood choices are endless. We have a place here, Superior Hardwoods, that carries a wide verity of seasoned, dried exotic woods. They will cut what you need and probably could route the edges to fit the metal strips.

I looked at the Zig's website yesterday. They sell a pretty much complete suspention package. IFS, Rear Leaf, Break Booster, Brake lines and Prop valve. Price seems reasonable?? Anyone have knowledge of this pkg.

Buddy

Buddy, You can contact Bruce Horkey at http://www.horkeyswoodandparts.com...give him the dimensions of what you need and he can custom cut a hardwood floor. He does quality work.