The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts Flatbed Side Board Designs

With the cab and chassis almost complete,I am getting close to the point where I will begin the task of rebuilding my bed (12') for my C-30. I am not sure how I want the side boards to look. Generally speaking, I think flatbeds aren't the prettiest things out there (espeacially the long ones) I would love to see some pics of other flatbeds to get some ideas on how to build mine. I'm not sure whether to paint the boards, or go natural? Also can't make up my mind what color to paint the metal part of the bed......match the truck, or go with black? Do I make the side boards the same height front to back or taper them? A lot of different ways to go about it.....pictures always help! Thanks guys!

The flatbeds around my area all have painted sides on them. Most are red. The frames are usually red, white, or repainted black. I personally like the white frame and red sides. However, I think natural sides if stained a complementary color to the truck, also look beautiful for show vehicles. My last $0.02 is that I like the sides to be the same hight. Don't care much for the taper look. Just my opinion.

All home made but works for me! I couldn't find a suitable period bed that was good enough and the correct size to rebuild so came up with this.
http://rides.webshots.com/photo/1534316690083734483KtFOeY

Nice COE Bill! Also nice job on the bed sides! I like how you made the top row stop short of the back to give it a more "streamlined" look! Thanks for putting that up!

Wow! Excellent job on the COE bed Bill. Did you make the frame yourself, too? Or did you just do the sides?

The whole thing looks excellent!

I still haven't decided how I feel about the "streamlined" look. I think it looks great on yours, but I also end up being a sucker for them level across.

Thanks Dave and Kerry.
When I couldn't find a bed that was the right length that was restorable, I built this one myself. I had a chance recently to put a more period correct bed on it that was in real good shape.

http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2647099910083734483GzEaqH

The problem was this bed was just a little bit wider and if I remember, close to a foot longer. Even though my bed is homemeade, I am sort of proud of it and even more, comfortable with its overall size (sitting on the trailer and parked in my shop). I figured if I cut up the new bed to my preferred size, then it wouldn't be correct any longer either.

Bill