Building Custom Wooden Truck Bed - 1951 Chevy Budget Rat Truck

[@henrygibson1530]

I like the wood the way it came out. The flat bar looks good and on the wood.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks Henry!

[@henrygibson1530]

@@ratrodsafrica you're welcome 😁

[@stashwaxroller1740]

So ! Our most talented metal worker / artist , is also a wood worker as well ! What further abilities does this modest dude have ? Love the jigs and common sense engineering ! All done with minimal recourses , in a forest shop surrounded by baboons and snakes ! What a channel !!!!!!!!!! ( I'm not doing well with the South African slang , but keep trying)

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks my friend! I've done many different things in my 61 years... I guess some more of it will come out over time...😅

[@darrenbrisson4336]

He can also grow some killer pot hahahahahaha 😆 😂 🤣 😜 😅 😋

[@jeffmesser796]

He is also an established rust chemist

[@ratrodsafrica]

@@jeffmesser796 🤣

[@johnbehneman1546]

THANK YOU SO MUCH. SHE CAME OUT GREAT.

[@toadskwirm8824]

Made the floorboards out of unfinished lumber. That is a true build.

[@darrenbrisson4336]

Well I'll be more then happy to watch your channel

[@ekim000]

That bakkie just gets better and better.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks Ekim!

[@StirlingLighthouse]

Thanks a bunch Diff. 👍

[@ratrodsafrica]

No problem 👍 Lekka boet!😅

[@aaronmayon1990]

Thanks for the tip on the witches potion. Wish I had more of your knowledge. I grew up in a time of buying everything but you have thought me to make things instead of buying things. Thanks for your time again. Looking forward to the next video. Love from Ireland

[@ratrodsafrica]

Keep pursuing and the knowledge will be found!

[@sharndupreez1]

Thanks Div! I have learned so much from your channel! You are really resourceful and innovative! Awesome! Can't wait to come visit again. Stuck in Jhb at the min 😣

[@ratrodsafrica]

Oh no! JHB!!😩 Thanks boet, glad if I can pass on something!

[@stevenmccrickard1401]

Thanks again for the content. I really enjoy your channel, and learn so much. I also like the slang language lessons and can't wait to meet someone from South Africa. Apparently I have been using it because my wife keeps asking me about the unusual words...

[@ratrodsafrica]

😄👍

[@DustyMacsGarage]

Div!! Nice jig you made to fab your dividers for the bed flooring!!!

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks 👍

[@peterroper7471]

Great show again!

[@thenotsojollyrancher-akate9516]

I love how you are not deterred by the tedious nature of what you want to do! The temptation for the rest of us is to cave in and go the easy and fast way. You the man brother!

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks brother! Easy and fast are mostly boring!😅

[@hotrodswoodshed7405]

I live in the USA. I'm a 3rd generation carpenter. Let me say, this is the most CREATIVE video I've seen about building a old truck bed. I find those "how to" tv show truck beds soooo borish and not at all practical. They have The most mundane thought process of "perfection". I have the ability and skill set to do a amazing Shiney perfect wood bed... but I want a creative and organic look. Leaving some sawmill marks still remaining after I plane them for straightness. This is a Superb creative video. Thx sooo much

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks brother. Yes, I hear you about those show truck beds. A kit you buy, utterly boring and useless in reality. I built furniture and upscale woodwork many years ago. Got so tired of those perfect shiny finishes! The wooden house I built for myself, sawmill marks on all the boards and hand plane marks even on the countertops. Didnt use any sandpaper ever. Aimed for good fits though

[@hotrodswoodshed7405]

@@ratrodsafrica sounds a lot like me... good stuff

[@sheldonkleeman759]

You're a man of many hats

[@ratrodsafrica]

I have a few yes.🤣

[@apere003]

The truck bed looks awesome

[@OldJoe212]

Since I just discovered you, I've been going back to see your older videos. American gunsmiths in the 1700's would stain their maple gunstocks with a mixture of nitric acid and iron fillings. After applying, they would heat it by passing an iron bar, just removed from the forge, over it. This would rapidly change the color to a dark reddish brown. Then linseed oil was applied. Just a little history lesson for you. :)

[@ratrodsafrica]

Interesting technique!

[@crazywickedcustoms7272]

Wow , brother a wood man too, your truly blessed

[@ratrodsafrica]

Yes, thank you!

[@lorenmeyer5290]

WOW wood is beautiful! love watching and listening to your accent brother!

[@jamescnorris]

You are freakin awesome! I absolutely enjoy watching your kick ass builds.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks James! Appreciate and glad you enjoy

[@iceman5068]

I'm glad you two were from half-ass customer told me to watch your channel I think your channel is really cool I hope you get more subscribers

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks and welcome!

[@theamaturepro]

Smaak man! That looks great and I like the wood you chose. It's even better because you milled it yourself! That's a dream of mine. Thanks for sharing this with all of us!

[@jimcarlisle2309]

Thank you!

[@ratrodsafrica]

😁 Pleasure Jim!

[@dontrump9362]

In Florida Duff near Tampa we have very mild winter, nice spring and nasty fall due to all of the oak trees I have on my lot…..in the summer we have 2 temp’s HOT & HOTTER! High humidity makes it even worse. The old girl is looking better and better every video. Take care brother! 👍🇺🇸🙏

[@ratrodsafrica]

I know those Florida summers! Spent some time there in the 90's

[@mattblack6268]

Looking great Diff. I smaak it a lot mate. You South African fellas use a lot of words like us Aussies. Like bloke. Love your work mate.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Yes, we both have that British Colonial history behind us!😅 Thanks Matt.

[@SchysCraftCo.]

Duff very awesome job. This turned out very well. Can't wait to see more videos soon my friend. Keep up the great craftsmanship and hard work my friend. Fab On. Weld On. Keep Making. God Bless.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks a bunch!

[@SchysCraftCo.]

@@ratrodsafrica your very welcome 🙏🏻

[@gerrytaylor5137]

From bitterly cold Canada….just started watching your channel Div and am enjoying your ingenuity, talent and creativity! Even though you live on the other side of the globe it’s amazing how similar car builders are wherever they live. Love how you educate us with your South African way of life and especially enjoy seeing the beautiful country where you live. We here in Canada pay a premium on goods imported from the States although I don’t think nearly as much as you folks do! Keep on keeping on..man! Cheers!

[@ratrodsafrica]

Welcome to my shop brother! Yes, importing parts from the States is really expensive for us...

[@alexandermancha7172]

You have woodworking skills too man! I dig how you used offset sizes in the wood. That’s called use what you got. That’s how a true Rat Rod should be made.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Yes man, who said they should be the same width anyway!😂

[@gazza6348]

G'day mate awesome thanks Dif all the best buddy coming along very nicely 👍👍🇦🇺🇦🇺

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks 👍

[@nom8er]

Right on man! 👍

[@henryfreeman4017]

A man of many talents and much passion

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks Henry

[@DoonerF]

Doesn’t matter what language you say it in, that looks amazing!!! I’m glad you left the planks different widths. Makes it more “Rattastic”. Lol! I really smakk the way you make these little jigs to make things a little easier. Great minds have great ideas. Another 👍🏻👍🏻!!!!

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thank you! Yes man, no rule that says the planks should all be the same😅

[@DustyMacsGarage]

Boet!!! Never knew you ran a sawmill!! Thats pretty sweet!!!

[@ratrodsafrica]

That was hard work man! 😅 I've done a lot of stuff in my time...

[@DustyMacsGarage]

@@ratrodsafrica I cant imagine!!

[@bruceslattengren8587]

Your one smart cookie your totally awesome keep on building see you on the next one😎

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thank you! Don't know about smart, just some common sense 😅

[@robertamor3203]

duff you are brilliant your idea for holding down the planks is just what i have been looking for thank you from a happy Welshman

[@ratrodsafrica]

Man, if it can help, I am a happy chappy!

[@brianhaw9398]

I've seen guys burn their wood or tint with used motor oil but that vinegar trick looks pretty awesome. Keep up the good work!👍🇨🇦

[@ratrodsafrica]

It gives a grayish color if done right. To make it look weathered

[@terrencebuller7676]

Greetings Div, nice job on the load bed. 👍 Take care and have a Lekka day.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks 👍

[@martinmurphy3868]

Absolutely fantastic work

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thank you very much!

[@crazywickedcustoms7272]

I sure love your show, you give inspiration, thank you my brother.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Glad to hear it! Pleasure bro.

[@DustyMacsGarage]

Enjoyed the video!! Div!!! Hoping the weather levels out for ya soon!!!! See ya in the next one!!!

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks my brother!

[@larrybailey43]

Enjoyed watching u make the bed floor !

[@Chr.U.Cas1622]

👍👌👏 Very well done again and as always (video and work). Obviously you even have more skills than we viewers already knew. Congrats! The truck bed looks really nice. By the way: Thanks for showing us the trick with the steel wool, water and vinegar. It was new to me. I like it and will use it in the future. Having a lot of things in storage is usually always good (especially nowadays). Thanks a lot for making teaching explaining recording editing uploading and sharing. Best regards luck and health to all of you.

[@apere003]

Hello from Texas....the truck is great brother

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thank you Texas!😄

[@dragontattooee]

Man of many talents Div, the witches brew gives an excellent color. I smaark it Boet

[@ratrodsafrica]

Brian, looks like you paid attention in the language class! 😂

[@dragontattooee]

@@ratrodsafrica yes Boet I was, keep the lekka bidros coming

[@62_C10]

the strips are genius and I LOVE the fact you do it without the internet or a catalog part!

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks man! Where's the creativity and satisfaction in just buying catalog shit and bolting it together? Boring!! I see many videos about some dude buying a kit and assembling it. What's the point, surely we can all read instructions...

[@hotrodswoodshed7405]

Absolutely agree

[@mikejackman4416]

Great video,,, you a the master of little jigs,,, there great

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks 👍

[@tolomirog]

Muy simpáticos tus videosbravo y muy bonita camioneta oxidada !! Cool man !!

[@ratrodsafrica]

Muito obrigado!

[@donaldhalls2189]

Looking great, all the best to you and your loved ones, have a Lekka one

[@ezekielmoorejr3145]

Looking good my friend!

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks !👍

[@josemsantiago7524]

Looks great very nice and functional.

[@randallfrank5682]

Bed boards look good.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks!

[@danlabelle6210]

Love it

[@jerrymesser8452]

I use diesel fuel with the road die in it for similar projects like you are doing. Works well on decks too and way cheaper, lasts just as long as the new sealers they have out now too. Like what you do... Jer

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks Jerry. I painte my untreated pine wooden barn with a 50/50 mix of diesel and old engine oil. 20 years later and still good!

[@tsmith578]

Hey Dif. She's looking pretty nice man! When I was a kid my cousin was into wood working and building a lot of antique style furniture and fireplace mantels and things, and he would blend up his own wood stains. I remember one of his favorites for outdoor furniture was linseed oil and old coffee grounds. Maybe mix up a little and test it out on a piece of wood and see if you like it. It might be a one for a project. Tim from Wisconsin.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks for the tip! In this case I specifically wanted a more grey color to look like weathered wood

[@tsmith578]

@@ratrodsafrica why don't you just wet it down and put dirt on it , and then sweep it off after it dries.

[@michaelwhitaker3452]

Another Good Video.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Glad you enjoyed it, thanks!

[@tattooeddude72]

I like it alot brother

[@mygarden365]

I smarrk your work,and design,farout Dude!

[@ratrodsafrica]

😀 You paid attention in class!😂 Thanks brother.

[@MauricioGoncalves.]

Nice!

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks man!

[@gregjobson4844]

Nice method of anchoring the boards Diff and a lot easier to remove than un screwing dozens of screws from the top. The witches brew tip will come in handy thanks for sharing. Cheers

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks Greg.

[@richardmarino5658]

You truly are a Master of many trades. Truly a pleasure to watch. You put it all together and achieve the right chemistry, carpentry, iron worker, etc. etc.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thank you Richard!

[@billscruggs5170]

Sweet bed I dig it a lot

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks Bill

[@geoffreymills9932]

I love it, almost Grey enough to look as old as the truck, but do the bottom too or it'll warp 😉

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks. That stuff doesn't seal the wood, so won't warp

[@shanewright6958]

That turned out sweet.. great job 👍👍🇨🇱

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks Shane!

[@fabbricaitalianaautomobili5859]

Thanks oom, great lesson

[@ratrodsafrica]

Glad you liked it boet!

[@tomwilkinson2184]

Good job Dif , I Smaak your builds ,Buffalo NY

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks Tom. You paid attention in class!😂

[@darrenbrisson4336]

Duffy ive gone back as far as June 16 2021 hope my thumbs up help you out still watching your older video's

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks for the support brother!

[@michaelleabeter4449]

It looks so good job well done

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thank you

[@thomaspollock4274]

Diff, I wish you had shown me the wood treatment about 15 years ago. I used a thinned down black paint to treat my truck oak bed floor. It hid the grain. Lewe en Leer. Nice work man!

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thank you Thomas!

[@TheFrameoff]

Very nice work , love the hold down method ... Build On

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks brother

[@markfillingim3686]

Awesome

[@geraldjacobs2376]

you do very good work, not missing a thing.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks Gerald

[@maryfinchum9741]

Great day here in Tennessee 80f was hi today 60 f tonite . Yes fall is coming here . Nice work Diff . 🔥👍🏻. !

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thank you. I cant wait for my summer!

[@robertstevison1448]

A very ingenious journey brother !!! Hope yall are having an awesome day 😀😊😎 !!! Thanks for sharing your videos with us !!!

[@ratrodsafrica]

You welcome, thanks man!

[@robbollom7396]

great content Dif, am learning alot from your experience and tips and tricks, thanks man

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks and pleasure Rob

[@ronlamaster9301]

Your Jig making and tips are top notch! Keep up the good work!

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks Ron!

[@SuperSportstudio]

👍 ✌ I like it alot 2

[@janwiersma1449]

"Dat SMAAKT naar meer!" that tastes like more. and You have a good taste, Duff. thanks again.👌👍 ow and to ask correctly is it Div or Duff. dont want to call You by the wrong name sorry. 😉

[@ratrodsafrica]

I spell it Div, but Diff is closer to how you say it😅

[@rickbarger5161]

I think it looks pretty good even without the bedside on it just a flat bed I know it'll look better with it all put back together though thanks for the videos always good time Myself I like using Lindseed oil It also preserves the wood I use it on my house every 2 years

[@ratrodsafrica]

Could work as a flat bed too. I'm a big fan of linseed oil, but I want the bed to have a grey weathered look.

[@tonyandris2742]

Love watching your custom rat rod builds and channel. You are so talented. Love your commentary and unique style. Keep up the great work.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thank you Tony! Glad you enjoy

[@joem2745]

Glad you didn't step on him. I needed this video! 😆

[@ratrodsafrica]

Me too!😅Happy if the video helped.

[@onehandyman9643]

@9:47 - what kind of vinegar??? 🤣🤣🤣 Nice welding jig; working smart. I'm really enjoying your projects and videos.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks my man!

[@glennreach6930]

I absolutely love how you think way outside the box and come up with such amazing solutions. Keep up the great work.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thank you Glen!

[@JohnSmith-qj4cf]

You have some realy great idears thks

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks and pleasure.

[@thequixotryworkshop2424]

Smaak dit stukkend boet! Great tip on the wood staining. I actually found this out accidentally once. I wanted to stain oak and had nothing on hand and happened to have some leftover acid that I used to remove rust with. I thought the brown mix would stain the oak but it turned my oak black instantly! Now at least I know it is a thing and has a name:-) Thsnks for the inspiring work Diff!

[@ratrodsafrica]

Star student on the SA slang!😂 Yes, oak stains very easily through all sorts of methods.

[@iceman5068]

I heard about you from half-ass customs I really like your channel I like everything you do keep up the good work

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thank you iceman!

[@flyingmachinecustomparts8227]

Thanks again for awesome attention to detail can't wait to hear and see this truck run !!

[@ratrodsafrica]

We'll get there!😅

[@jim-cu9yp]

Well here I am again late to the darn party ! That some mighty fancy wood joinery,good stuff .But a word of caution be careful of that wood sawdust ,too much of that fine powder up the noise can cause a change in your nature and the wife will be finding you late at night wondering around the bush hugging trees and whispering rude things to them! You have have a good day. Cheers

[@ratrodsafrica]

🤣 Too late! Been breathing it for way too long... but when I explained to the wife that late night bush wandering is way better than late night bar crawling, she calmed down considerably 😁

[@johnfederkeil9211]

Great Video! The wood looks fantastic!

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks

[@krugerhenning2263]

Cool!

[@krugerhenning2263]

Dis baie mooi Oom. Oom het klomp tricks wat Oom ons wys. Dankie en hou so aan.😉

[@ratrodsafrica]

Dankie Kruger. Bly as ek ietsie kan leer.

[@krugerhenning2263]

Ek weet nie of iemand vir Oom gesê het dat Brent van HalfassCustoms vir Oom 'n advertensie uit geatuur het nie. Dis hoe ons(Ek en my seuns) van Oom gehoor het. Groetnis en lekker speel.😉

[@markrobertson9015]

Thanks for the language lesson The vinegar trick worked well I always like that look I do an old look by burning in the grain then sanding it with 220 to just give it enough to bring it out then put on a light coat of gray then spray on a matte clear.to protect it.this process is for my signs. I smacken the way your bed came out.

[@ratrodsafrica]

😂 Thanks man! You go to much more trouble than me! I actually just want my boards to be a natural weathered gray. Just did this until then😅

[@markrobertson9015]

@@ratrodsafrica yeah I guess so. It's the old weathered look you got have some kind of a look to get the little dollars to fill the grocery jar.lol. I like the metal work you added on.have a great day.

[@aceadman]

I love your attention to detail. Beautifully done. The bed looks fantastic and I can’t wait to see more. 😊👍👍

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thank you!

[@bradpage8967]

Nice work!! So good to see someone else be “a sucker for punishment”! When it’s a labor of love, it’s not really punishment, right? I really like that you didn’t go online and buy a bed kit!

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks! Not really punishment no😅

[@DustyMacsGarage]

@9:15 I hope everyone knows how much work went in to those pieces alone!! Nice job!!

[@ratrodsafrica]

No my friend, most people have no clue!😅

[@DustyMacsGarage]

@@ratrodsafrica you are right!!

[@ratrodsafrica]

@@DustyMacsGarage you would know

[@chilee6994]

I thank mortsky repair for introducing your channel to me. It's fascinating that you are so far away yet so close. I get curious about your land.. We talk about how our weather change.. I left right beside the rocky mountains at 3500 ft above sea level. The leaves are changing color fast.. we are losing 5 minutes of sun each day... We're not far from the freezing point.. We usually see frost the middle to end of October.. once winter arrives it will be here till the end of may. I was interested in that snake.. what was the name of it? What is the name of your town. I will Google it . I was fascinated by The witches brew.. Thank you for sharing your content my good brother from way down south so far away.. cheers from Calgary Alberta Canada

[@ratrodsafrica]

The snake is called a Puffadder. Very common in our part of the world. I live in an area called Ruiterbosch. Closest town about 30 km away is Mossel Bay.

[@chilee6994]

@@ratrodsafrica thank you . I will the area you live in.

[@chilee6994]

Thank you

[@chilee6994]

@@ratrodsafrica I just did an adventure South Africa snake hunting.. thank you / again Mr rat rod

[@alanpaulick7815]

Div what next you going to pull a cat out of your cap. You are really full of surprises as far as your talent goes. Smack dit lekka my pal 👍

[@ratrodsafrica]

😂 Thanks boet!

[@TheOldaz1]

Nice job and I learned something. Thanks Div, wish I had known about the iron/vinegar product a few years ago.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Ah well, next time!😄

[@fyou5986]

You a jig making fool Diff. But all great tips boet. Never knew the witches brew. And I been doing carpentry for half my life. Bed looks great. Needs a Adirondack chair fitting in the back. Third man travel in style. Yep cooling off fast in Sweden. Sun and bugs heading your way. .lol. we have small Adders here. Kill a few people a year. Have a good week Diff. Lekka Man Lekka.

[@ratrodsafrica]

I'll take the bugs if I can get some summer! Love my jigs man, they make life easier

[@bigalsvwratrod7346]

Awesome, I smaak it a lot!

[@ratrodsafrica]

😀 Thanks!

[@billholder9665]

You could also route the boards a bit more and use 1/2' rebar. pre-drill it first. We did that on a buddy's 54 Chevy.

[@oldpath7357]

Ahhhh, nice!! Now your getting into my field. Woodworking.....early on I did a bunch of woodworking videos on my channel. Good job "boot"?.... Shalom friend

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks man. I was a full time woodworker for many years...