Aluminum Flatbed Build (part 2): Toolboxes, Bumper, and More

I finish up building my aluminum flatbed. I build toolboxes, a rear bumper, and more.
Aluminum Flatbed Part 1: • Building an ALUMINUM F...
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[@Torbox1]

As a dealership mechanic I can tell you for a fact what you built is way better in every way than a "professional" work bed by big name brands.

[@JohnDiMartino]

100 percent!

[@BoJoFohPah]

So what relevance is being a dealership mechanic? Congratulations you know how to plug a laptop in and do what the manufacturers workshop software tells you to do.

[@Torbox1]

@BoJoFohPah thanks for making it obvious you have no idea what you are talking about. And the relevance in this case is I see tons of brand new work bed builds by big aftermarket brands that are built terribly...

[@isaacpoulsen]

Let's take a moment to appreciate the effort that goes into these videos, that 'snap' cut.. flawless. Awesome truck as well, she's coming together nicely.

[@WaldosWorld]

Thank you so much! It is indeed a lot of work editing 😂

[@colinkulasik1128]

The truck's name is Brandon, idk of any females named Brandon btw.

[@codyprice0295]

@@WaldosWorld did you comment to me from another page?

[@adfadgaqgv]

@@codyprice0295 2nd time it's happened to me it's spam

[@donanderson323]

​@@colinkulasik1128 !!!++!

[@xozindustries7451]

The silicone around the holes for wires is good for keeping out water, but using a grommet will keep the wires from chaffing and wearing through.

[@calholli]

Silicone works fine as a grommet.. it just won't last forever.

[@thicok4555]

@@calholli perfectly said boat guys disagree shit lasts forever

[@calholli]

@@thicok4555 lol.. Yeah, I use it to seal up bad screw holes on metal roofs. Seems to last 10 years in the hot sun, no issues.

[@xozindustries7451]

@@illudedCeption what is gland?

[@joshuawagnon2819]

He's a computer engineer... surely he knows better if it's a problem. More than likely just didn't show it in the final product.

[@nickk4010]

Your videos are super satisfying for me, in part because you never take the lazy approach and always do things clean and the best you can. It's not the easy way and you don't see that much nowadays. Respect!

[@WaldosWorld]

I appreciate it!

[@weapon131]

Man, usually I highly dislike these kind of project Vlog kinda videos, cause they tend to be drawn out as hell, and are moderated by someone who uses more "uhhh" than stoned me ordering at McDonald's. This is fairly on point, everything I see is pretty well executed, and the tips you give on the side are pretty useful.

[@monkeybarmonkeyman]

You asked so here's what I think: A) The backside of the fuel neck needs boxed in to prevent damage. Use dzus fasteners, something, but it needs fully protected. B)Did you add any bracing to those tool boxes? From what I could see of the construction, they're just hanging by the face plate with no runners to the frame or actual deck. C)I also could not tell if the initial screws/bolts used on the piano hinge were installed down with excess thread outside or up with the excess threads on the inside. If they're outside they'll get all buggered.. If they're inside, they might be in the way - but you'd just have to cut them off. Overall, a whole lotta welding to be sure! It looks nice, well done.

[@TheRoadhammer379]

The driver side box has some sort of plate bolted to the top but it may need triangular bracing to support it. His boxes are a lot different than the 6 foot wide aluminum boxes we mount on our semi truck flatbed trailers, out boxes mount to the trailer frame with a triangle support on each side of the box that bolts to the bottom and back of the box. Once he lifted the bed up front the truck you can actually see the driver side box drooping down and flexing the side plate, definitely needs bracing

[@leecrotty6344]

@@TheRoadhammer379 i agree with all this. Flatbed boxes are awesome and require tlc, but are so so worth it for organization.

[@Dogg1512]

Whereas I understand and appreciate your penchant for welding, Alu fabrication also included bends and angles, where the finish is seamless and fantastic, nonetheless, I salute your innovation and tenacity

[@paul49777]

Nicely done as usual. I don’t weld though watching you may inspire me to learn. At “68” it’s never too late to learn something new!

[@WaldosWorld]

You should definitely learn! 👍

[@normhowes2975]

I started to learn MIG at the young age of 58 now at 62 I'm taking on the learning of TIG welding. l say go for it as I'm having a blast learning something new.

[@alexisescalante1133]

That's an awesome aluminum flatbed man! I love it! I'm not an expert or anything close but if it was my truck I would consider welding a back plate or adding one with bolts behind the filler neck to protect it from any load with sharp edges from piercing or cutting thru that hose and having a bad day!!

[@mwilliamshs]

To save material for reuse, don't drill a starter hole for a jig saw. Cut a slot with a cutoff wheel and start your jigsaw blade in that. You can also get extra thin cutoff wheels and use those instead of the jigsaw altogether.

[@WaldosWorld]

Good call. Why didn't I think of that? 😂

[@mwilliamshs]

@@WaldosWorld learned it woodworking where a handsaw was the best way I could finish a skilsaw cut that ended flush in a corner. This trick is that in reverse, sorta.

[@BWYinYang]

Good tip, now I gotta remember that.

[@Railfan90]

An oscillating multi tool works pretty good too. Especially in tight spots

[@legionofanon]

Also if you use paraffin wax on the cutoff wheel, itll keep the aluminum from clogging up the wheel letting it cut faster. It does need additional cleaning if you are welding on that cut edge after though

[@thewhitesloth9408]

I personally think that you are one of the best youtubers out there.

[@linesanraman7974]

Appreciate the metric conversions!

[@troo_story]

100% great decision with the separate turn signal lights. Here in the UK (and the rest of Europe), we've never had the combined red brake/turn indicators. They suck!!

[@lilorbielilorbie2496]

Algo Rhythm Yes you have. They came standard on the early 60's VW Bugs. They were highly sought after here in the US.

[@GoogleDoesEvil]

I've never had a problem telling if someone's turn signal was on.

[@lorenmeyer5290]

WOW WALDO THAT'S A BEAUTIFUL FLATBED! GREAT JOB!

[@WaldosWorld]

Thank you so much! 🤠

[@gamingpredator4226]

Cant beat a Waldo video, Im already positive this bed is gonna look amazing

[@WaldosWorld]

I appreciate it!

[@gamingpredator4226]

@@WaldosWorld Just have to say, you make this stuff look really easy, though ive never been over interested in this type of thing you do make me want to learn how to weld

[@enclavegeneral2077]

Ah yes my favourite youtube channel

[@TheRoadhammer379]

Waldo, you may want to add split rubber grommets where you fed the wires through the headache rack holes.

[@haphazard1342]

Those areas are protected by split loom, which is adequate (although rubber grommets would be a nice addition). He added it after. The real problem spot IMO is the toolbox lights with just some silicone caulk. The wires are still very close to the sharp edge and may wear through.

[@TheRoadhammer379]

@@haphazard1342, hey thanks for pointing that out, I didn't catch it in the video.

[@jonathanrighetti5897]

to avoid blow outs at the end of welds, weld back into your weld 1/4"

[@markusthiel7687]

What do you mean exactly, weld forward and then reverse again over the last 1/4”?

[@jonathanrighetti5897]

@@markusthiel7687 make4 your weld to the end, then weld back into your blow out allowing the puddle to form as you move away from the edge, it takes practice

[@larannar123]

Wow Waldo!!! So happy to see you posted!! The flatbed looks amazing!!!💯👍👍👍

[@WaldosWorld]

Thank you!

[@MrJeb707]

I'm relatively new to your channel, and have to say I really appreciate the quality of your work. Not only your projects, but the videography andnediting and everything all work together very well! Keep up the great work Waldo!

[@jimbeam7776]

You are obviously a talented guy , I think next project would be to have a warmer shop instead freezing you butt off ! 😂. Really like your show. I just retired and you have inspired me to build my own stuff.

[@Dave-hc6pp]

I enjoying living vicariously through you and your accomplishments. Besides, I’m almost 66 and my welding days are about 40 years in my rear view mirror. I instead chose a career as an IT consultant. Now that I have the time, I no longer have my health. Good luck with your channel, I look forward to seeing your new projects, especially the Range Rover.

[@rusty7699]

In the thumbnail for this video, your truck looks like it skipped leg day, if legs of a truck were the bed. It just doesn't suit the truck. But that's the joys of vehicles, beauty Is in the eye of the beholder!!!! Keep on keeping on brother! If it works for you, fill your boots!

[@EqualizerOurdoors]

Love the videos man! You’ve Inspired me to build a flatbed trailer with my Ag class.

[@WaldosWorld]

That's awesome, I'm glad to hear it! 🤠

[@informative_walrus]

Fuel filler work blew me away. Incredible work.

[@EmbraceTheSuck]

I stumbled across your channel, and,for someone who loves welding but doesn’t have the time, I subscribed so I can live vicariously through you😁. Greeting from So.Maine

[@jessewag]

That looks very nice and I have several years fabricating. Good job.

[@1990booby]

As a resident of Europe I really appreciate that you take the time to translate all measurements to metric as well. Keep up the good work!😊

[@WaldosWorld]

I appreciate the feedback!

[@leer-winnobbeefarms2131]

Here's a great tip: Before heat shrinking, coat the connection with dialectic paste, then heat shrink it. Offers a level of protection beyond the tube alone.

[@haphazard1342]

There are also heat-shrink with adhesive lining, which is guaranteed to prevent water intrusion. As long as you have a solid connection (his are twist and soldered) it's basically like having a continuous run of wire.

[@TheMajictech]

Yep definitely the heat sharing with the adhesive liner under that bed. Especially in the northeast where they use all kinds of corrosive deicer on the roads.

[@RobTuck1475]

Well done Waldo!! I have really enjoyed the series and thank you for taking us along on the build!! Enjoy the Memorial Day weekend as well!!

[@WaldosWorld]

Thank you!

[@ltarbet56]

Great job with your flat bed. You are amazing!

[@gregparrott]

Impressive project! For your reference, I bought an 8 foot flat bed for my 2017 F-350 (single rear wheel) in late 2017. I bought a basic flatbed, but also priced ones with built-in tool boxes and an integrated bumper. They were ~$7,000. But that was in late in 2017. The price for anything made of aluminum has increased a LOT in the 4+ years since then, as has labor. My bet is that now, a comparable aluminum flatbed would cost at least $9,000 and more likely, $10,000. An alternative to disabling and painting the CHMSL light because it is incandescent is to get the adapters which enable use of LEDs in place of the incandescent without triggering an error code.

[@212caboose]

That is a GORGEOUS truck bed!!

[@wirenut003]

You did a outstanding job on the bed of the truck,it looks like a new truck that can get any job done now that you transformed it .

[@johnhamilton9229]

I am completely satisfied of KZbin videos after that one. Ok now I’m ready for your next one. Still smiling here😁

[@williamthomas9463]

Finished product looks great and is superior to anything you could have bought but your advice about buying instead of building is spot on. If you’re in business, where time is money, you CAN NOT build cheaper than mass produced store bought. And, I say that as a self-employed weldor/fabricator! Nice job.

[@johnshaw4140]

Fantastic work Waldo , incredible attention to detail , woof woof Aspen

[@stuffandjunkandthings364]

For starting holes (pilot) try using harbor feight double ended 1/th in drill bits. They're cheap, and because they're short, they're a lot less likely to walk and break.

[@mconfluence]

The bed turned out extremely well. Great job

[@utilitarian]

Nice truck dude. Also love the amber indicators (turn signals). Here in the UK, they are standard. I think they stand out far better than the brake/turn signals together. Perhaps some protection around the back and side of the filler neck?

[@detroitdiesel12v71]

If you make another I'll buy it, looks phenomenal and would love to support the channel

[@ttinnovations3310]

Wow, that’s what is sound like, welding after a heavy lunch of beans and beer!!

[@BushRat253]

That turned out fantastic!

[@Lupis1437]

Really nice build! I didn’t make it, but just put a flatbed on an old ambulance. One thought I had was the stainless hardware (hinges/bolts) and the aluminum will corrode I think? That’s what I’ve always heard at least…

[@waynetetreault7533]

I would so pay you to do this to my truck. Great Job!

[@Rubbernecker]

Awesome start to a holiday weekend! Cold beer after work and some Waldo!!!

[@WaldosWorld]

Happy Memorial Day! 🤠

[@Rubbernecker]

Thanks Waldo, same to you! Let's go Brandon!

[@markusthiel7687]

Not sure about “lets go Brandon” but happy memorial for sure!

[@mrjibrhanjamalkhan2144]

Some people just don't stop this guy makes me tired just watching how much work he does. Gd

[@brownhouse16]

My favourite videos on You tube. You never get distracted from the task at hand.

[@crazypict]

The bed look perfect! Great job

[@ThomWalbranA1]

i recently ordered a 6 camera/ multi view camera system [$300ish] Front, Left, Right sides, Bed, Backup and Low under covering rear bumper and under trailer, I also adding a remove Backup for the Trailers, Adding a 14 channel/tire Inflation monitor system for truck, trailers including 2 spares for each. The camera, monitor systems are used with RVers a lot.

[@thomasexeter97]

Awesome video as always

[@mattlaptop5728]

Thank you - the quality of your builds and your videos is outstanding - you make it look so simple, easy and straightforward but we all know that is due to the huge amount of time and effort spent in planning, designing, editing and scripting each episode - thanks again.

[@keith_hudson]

You killed it. This bed looks fantastic.

[@AdelinoGambiarras]

I am in love with that welding machine I have to have one.

[@Rapid275]

I've been binge watching all your videos for the past week and am inspired by you to start building my own stuff. Thanks Waldo!! Also, please don't use wheel spacers!!! At least remove them when you plan to tow/haul anything!!!

[@szymoozz]

Hey waldo! Awesome video. I'm building a dump bed for my construction business right now and watching yours and JC Smith's videos has been my motivation.

[@Bernardomeneghini732]

Man, I love your videos, I'v been watching them since the first flatbed. Please post it more frequently!

[@theoneandonly2590]

Absolutely amazing workmanship!!! You are very gifted & do some amazing work !

[@WaldosWorld]

Thank you so much!

[@evonpersonal6388]

A+ for everything. C- for no night shot of taillights. Lol, amazing work!

[@deephorizon1365]

I keep snickering every time you use the welder in pulse mode, I'm such a child haha

[@WarmongerSmurfOnXbox]

Waldo the lights you added in the headache rack will suffice for the third brake light. I think I’ve also seen led lights that have red and amber in one. So you can have your headache rack have a red brake and amber turn.

[@0MattAttack]

Depends. Dot standards here are that if its equiped with a 3rd brake light and it has a flat deck. The trucks factory 3rd brakelights must be operational.

[@benherstad]

All that time spent building it just exactly perfect, it's irreplaceable. Some moron on the road crashes into that bed, I think I would be inconsolable with grief! Insurance will pay, but you can't just grab a replacement off the shelf and throw it on. Almost too nice to use! Amazing workmanship, sir.

[@ajchafa]

This man is a 10/10

[@cotedeazure]

Waldo, you are better than Prozac. I always get energized to get up and start a project while watching your videos. Keep up the good work. Can't wait for the next gooseneck build video.

[@P0ormansHolden]

When Waldo needs more people, his mind is like get the jack

[@G.W59]

I don't normally like flatbeds on shortbeds but you've done great work. Looks great

[@BackwoodsSmoke-ug3lf]

Just started watching around last week and instantly subscribed I’ve been waiting for this as well as other videos. Love the content

[@WaldosWorld]

Thank you so much!

[@BackwoodsSmoke-ug3lf]

@@WaldosWorld thank you for the content man I especially love the welding just finished welding and pipefitting school

[@georgeenriquez612]

Outstanding job Waldo!!! You sure do have some talent! That GMC looks beautiful🤩

[@Alex_Eggers]

That looks beautiful, keep up the great work!

[@jeremysmith876]

Nice job. The flatbed looks killer!

[@RyseImpxct]

Your videos are fantastic, thank you Waldo.

[@SM-98]

Looks absolutely good, the final result is awesome.

[@user-oy4lk7fd9w]

this is really good

[@MotivationalMarvels]

The bed would look so good black

[@stacyreid5077]

The bed looks awesome

[@wickedgarage]

That sounds always gets me on aluminum welding 😂🤣😂

[@robertkerby2581]

Great design, and build!

[@brianloeb1178]

Love your work! Keep it up! Very talented.

[@charliehermes7886]

Wow that turned out great!!

[@davidbrunner4413]

I can't even, the whoopee cushion welder gets me every time...

[@seafieldgrant6957]

Excellent work.

[@dereksmith1803]

Nice looking bed. I like your design.

[@Shop_Simplicity]

The truck is awesome!!

[@samquinn5409]

Beautiful flat bed man. Your skill makes me feel like I am watching a Lego set be put together with the way you fabricate.

[@DavidLBrown-rm2mm]

Really nice looking flatbed

[@GARRISONRANCH]

Welder said “hyuuuuuuaaaa yeahhhhhhh”

[@horstszibulski19]

Turned out really nice! The LED strips inside the boxes make it possible to film in there... :-D Thx for showing and the cost wrap up!

[@jamesbreault5762]

Looks really good waldo

[@stevesalvage1089]

Great filming Waldo !! What an education on welding aluminium , Grand job looking really good , thanks for sharing !

[@WaldosWorld]

Thanks Steve! 🤠

[@johnrmonroe3946]

Came out superb!

[@cotynietling2567]

Cant wait to see bumper build

[@peteschiavoni]

I absolutely love it Waldo!!! Such a fantastic looking bed and functional as heck!!! My only suggestion if I may is to put chain to stop tool box doors from going down too far and getting warped. Otherwise it’s perfect!!! When you do a front bumper I hope you add tow hooks and small storage for hook accessories and possibly a snap strap. Aka tug em strap. You never know. Your video quality is through the roof buddy!! Thank you for taking us through the build!!!

[@WaldosWorld]

Thanks Pete! I appreciate the ideas! 🤠

[@fredspindor1624]

Good job on the Bed I like your wire stripers we use them on the Rail Road for our wiring they work great Great video

[@ewanstewart8011]

Waldo your fabrication skills are very impressive and I’m a time served fabricator, I used to work in the oil rig fabrication industry and used steel up to 4 inches thick (100mm) but I have worked with aluminium and it can be a pain. Your attention to detail and design detailing really impressed me, thanks again for another fantastic video see you next time 👍🏻🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@WaldosWorld]

I appreciate it!

[@kevinhornbuckle]

Get yourself some magic tap fluid for cutting aluminum. You will be glad you did.

[@Augiebracerofam]

Nice job. For the headache rack stop turn lights I would recommend tapping off the factory trailer harness. Then you can bypass the converter and the turn signals always blink in phase. Thank you for sharing and have a great day.

[@azertyytreza8947]

That welder works great, but the noise it makes is just too funny 😂

[@organicintelligence6431]

I was wondering what happened to James Franco , James you are so crafty and utilitarian !!

[@lamborghinigaming8912]

It's been so long I forgot you did this

[@hunterlucas9820]

Great job on the build man!