DIY Flatbed Build, Each Step in My Process

[@ca-so1pv]

a man's dream is to have a workshop like this, full of tools, it's like a toy store for us, good job and congratulations

[@metaspencer]

I definitely feel fortunate and lucky ... thanks for checking it out!

[@jackw.3480]

That's a small work area.

[@huckfinn8444]

Good call on changing the lights at the rear, love the way you slotted the edges to fit in the planks. What i like most about your build is the real heavy duty, chunky structure of it all and not made of matchsticks like some of the others i have seen here. Your fabricating skills are excellent!

[@metaspencer]

Big thanks for sharing those thoughts. All along I was going for a sort of "overbuilt" look and it ended up both solid and proportionally looking great on the truck. I'm really liking it. Thanks for checking out the video!

[@threeriversforge1997]

Really great build, and some awesome video work! A bit late to the party, but one tip I can share -- when you use large tubing for the cross-members like that, it pays big dividends to fill them with clean sand before you cap them off. It might not seem like much, but packing them full of builders sand with a cup of oil thrown in.... tremendous difference! The sand adds just a bit of weight over the rear tires, making the ride a lot smoother even when the bed's empty. Better traction year round, smoother ride when you hit bumps, and the oil prevents the tubes from rusting from the inside out. On 3x3 tubing, it'd be no problem to have a couple hundred pounds of sand right over your rear tires.

[@metaspencer]

What a great idea. In a million years I wouldn't have thought of trapping sand that way, and it would be a real asset. Fortunately with this flatbed, I added tool boxes to the bed so carry considerable weight back there (and a dump trailer 90% of the time). Thanks for the tip!

[@kmoss9521]

Bless you sir

[@threeriversforge1997]

@@kmoss9521 I hope you find the idea useful. In the blacksmithing world, we fill tubing with sand and oil all the time just because it deadens sound and adds weight to our anvil stands. Nothing worse than hammering away only to have the legs on your anvil stand magnifying the sound! It's also great on power hammer spines because it absorbs vibration and helps keep the machine steady. Mineral oil works perfectly well, but if you have some used engine oil laying around... that's fine, too. Just be sure you weld solid because even single pinhole will let the oil out to play havoc with everything around it. It's extra work to cap both ends, sure, but it's worth it in the long run.

[@kmoss9521]

I have a 2002 F-150 with the itty-bitty 5’4” bed. You can’t even lay a queen size mattress in it. So I’ve been toying with the idea of putting a steal and wood flatbed on it. Something not too heavy cause it’s a F-150. This video and all the tips in the comments are very useful. God bless you sir’s for using KZbin correctly. Don’t let the BS get you down you’re helping everyday dudes!

[@metaspencer]

Sounds like a great truck!

[@CynicalDad81]

The way you marked out the fender well arc, that was meta. 👌🏻

[@metaspencer]

Haha! Sometimes ya gotta meta-it-up! :)

[@lazaromendoza6795]

@@metaspencer amazing job looks awsome how much would you say you spent like a rough estimate juss to get an idea on the project was thinking of buying one but after watching this youve inspired to make my own

[@metaspencer]

It was about $600-$800 but prices are way higher now for materials

[@JoelMoulton]

Bravo! I'm in the middle of putting together a flat bed, unfortunatley i get basically one day a week for anytime to work on it. This came out gorgeous!! Great job.

[@metaspencer]

Hey man, one day a week and you'll get it done eventually. Working at that rate sometimes leads to better quality, too. Thanks for checking mine out. It's been a great bed

[@jpontheroad]

Love how the dog is already sitting in the cab ready for the next road trip

[@metaspencer]

Yep, she love that truck as much as I do

[@DrewandAimeeLemos]

Just found your video...3 things: 1. Thank you for taking the time to hit record, edit, and explain. (its a lot of work!) 2. I love the hoist setup you have for moving metal work around. 3. I love that extra room you have outside (or inside?) with gravel. Seems very useful and I like that it has gravel.

[@metaspencer]

Thanks for checking it out. The video making takes time for sure, but it also keeps me thinking about what's next as things go along. Much appreciated

[@AlexSomers-d2n]

i like the "pop" sound when you turned on the lights at the end and REALLY liked the way the pieces that supported the crossmembers sit beside the frame rails instead of on top of them

[@metaspencer]

Thanks buddy- yeah it’s been a great truck

[@Amputee4life628]

I seriously appreciate your videos, it really gave me the confidence I needed just to start. I love welding, just always waiting on a chance. Now I realize people won't necessarily give you a chance to do anything, you have to just take it, and move forward in confidence.

[@metaspencer]

Absolutely man ... just practice a bit and jump right in there! Nothing quite compares to fabricating something from the raw components. Big thanks!

[@FuToo]

Same here, I've always wanted to learn to weld but I keep holding myself back.

[@wolverinebear5357]

Harbor freight is your friend when it comes to learning new skills

[@jmccracken491]

Man, that is one beautiful bed you did a great job building it. Years ago my Dad and I built truck flatbeds and utility trailers. You have the advantage of 4" angle grinder and Mig Welder we had neither Linclon 225 Tombstone welder. Congrats.

[@metaspencer]

The old tombstone welder! But you got it done. Thanks for the kind words man

[@traviscarr6536]

It looks really good, great job. Nothing like that feeling of accomplishment when you do a project and it turns out first-rate like that did. For some reason it made me think of my dad building a tabletop bar for my mom in the basement to put upstairs in the living room. He built it way too big to fit out the doors and it had to stay in the basement/man cave. I think he thought he was slick but that whole act wasn’t fooling my mother.

[@metaspencer]

Great way to furnish a man cave! I like that story :)

[@saltyberserker4235]

Really appreciate those video. I have had my bed tore off for a month waiting for a plan. I have materials, wood, steal, etc., but I have not been able to et a good plan of action going. This helped tremendously, thank you

[@metaspencer]

You’re gonna love the new bed!

[@johnm.5848]

I must say you went the extra mile to make the bed look neat and tidy. I LIKE IT!

[@metaspencer]

Big thanks! Yeah, it's been a good one

[@frankszablewskifromsableir1077]

I am very thankful you did what you did on your flatbed. It has inspired me. And to say I will do the same or pretty darn similar as your work on the flatbed. Your plans for sale is a must.

[@metaspencer]

Great to hear. Good luck!

[@scrapyardgarage119]

One of the best flatbed overview build yet

[@metaspencer]

Big thanks! It’s made the truck so much better

[@HBE2020]

I’ve never watched a flatbed install video in all of KZbin. This was so amazing! I should have stayed in Shop class in high school😂😂

[@metaspencer]

Thanks for checking it out! Yeah, it was a fun project and it really saved the old truck

[@bradleymitchell7758]

I was very suspicious of the flat back in the beginning, you really did a great job throughout! Looks awesome! 💪

[@metaspencer]

Yeah I wasn't sure how it would turn out -- worked out great! thanks for that

[@RexFields]

Great looking shop and well equipped. A good usable shop makes working easier and more efficient. I'm enjoying your channel and projects.

[@metaspencer]

Big thanks! Yeah, there is nothing more valuable in a shop than good space. People think it's all about the tools but space makes all the difference

[@johneden7975]

I was a weldor in my previous life and I am getting ready to do a dump delete and a flat bed fab and install. On ‘Crusty the magical plow truck’. (6,0 psd delete)Grrrrreat looking flatbed, thanks for sharing

[@metaspencer]

I just stumbled into this 6.0 PSD with a delete -- and the freakin' truck has really grown on me. As a welder you're gonna knock that flatbed out of the park. It'll be great

[@johneden7975]

@@metaspencer they got a bad wrap from the EGR debacle. But once that gets thrown in the scrap bin, head bolts survive and turbo gets to live too. The auto trans never needs anything and you might have to replace the oil pan once. Mine is an 04 F550, can’t wait! To get that dump off there. Waiting for the snow to stop flying. Crusty has got a Blizzard 8611 plow on it. One swipe driveways! Names John outta rhode island. Planner/engineer for food machines, got a skid and a mini for concrete work and commercial shell fisherman:-) I take a lot of naps!

[@metaspencer]

@@johneden7975 I coulda used that plow this week around here, but they say the melt is coming. Sounds like you've got some good gear. That truck sounds like the one I shoulda bought for my tree work, but the 350 will have to do for now. Take it easy man

[@kstinson]

I love the wood planks. Really makes it pop! Great job!

[@metaspencer]

Yeah, I wasn't sure about the wood until I got it on there ... now I'm lovin' it. Thanks for checking it out

[@Conservativegamingplus]

Eventually I am putting a Flat bed on my 1973 Chevy P30 Stepvan. Iv already removed the walls and the roof etc. This was a great video to give me Ideas of what to do. I plan on making a Generator mount and air compressor mount etc to go with my flat bed. I might even throw a sleeper cab on because this truck is 27 feet from bumper to bumper. thanks for the ideas.

[@metaspencer]

Sounds like an amazing build! Very cool. It’s gonna be amazing

[@Conservativegamingplus]

@@metaspencer the truck went from weighing 12800lbs to 5800lbs once I removed the roof etc. It's got a ways to go. I plan on rebuilding the windshield as well. sent you an Email of photos.

[@metaspencer]

@@Conservativegamingplus The pics look great man. It's gonna be awesome

[@azaudi1642]

This guy is a BEAST!!! 1 man team!!!! Get it done ✅

[@metaspencer]

Big thanks man!

[@Fred_Durst1]

any ideas for the same build but without a headache rack? or what to do instead of a headache rack? awesome build btw - thanks

[@metaspencer]

I was just chatting with a guy in Indiana who built this bed, using my plans, but left off the headache rack ... it looked cool. His plan is to add a short, 1/2 high headache rackish type thing by the cab, but that's it. So yeah, there are a lot of ways to do it

[@UncleStevesWorkshop]

Pretty damn impressive build for the limited shop space n tools man! Love the attitude of not tryna make everything perfect and just getting it done. Gonna make my own soon and couldn't do it without studying yours. Cheers internet friend!

[@metaspencer]

You're gonna love that new bed -- mine completely transformed the truck and it's been an awesome work truck ever since. Big thanks!

[@randyhunter8558]

Awesome build.!!! I have the same truck and thinking about getting rid of my aluminum flatbed and fabbing all steel flatbed.

[@metaspencer]

You're gonna love that new bed!

[@ronthurmond6266]

Like the garage lights...can apply that myself to my barn

[@metaspencer]

I wasn't sure it would work but I like them too ... affordable way to light a big space

[@grahamkearnon6682]

I went with a dumper/dually conversion for a 2003 f250 single cab 4x4. Looks sweet, i got to pimp my ride, well the hay truck anyway. Nice job by the way, up here in Western Canada its cheaper to buy used oil patch flatbeds.

[@metaspencer]

Sounds like ya got a good truck! I'm looking for a dually ... awesome setup

[@ThePheonix2009]

Looks like the one I built 30 years ago for my 65 Chevy. Nice job.

[@metaspencer]

65! Sounds like a beauty

[@hh1h_334]

Bad. Ass! Looks more than professional. I have an old 1980 Toyta dolphin with the 1 ton that I want to make a flatbed for. You are definitely the inspiration and motivation I needed to finish it up!!

[@metaspencer]

You've got a treasure of a truck there! it's gonna be amazing man. thanks!

[@hh1h_334]

@@metaspencer thank you. First step is sourcing material. Next step is to see if my community college welding course will allow me to use their equipment haha

[@chriscolameco6850]

Just bought the plans, gonna download it when I get home. Can I make this wider with the same ones?

[@metaspencer]

Oh yeah the design is super flexible. Just extend your base supports and you'll be all set. You're gonna love that new bed

[@1waukesha]

That’s awesome! I really like your video, its cut down just right! The end product is Stellar! Good job!

[@metaspencer]

Big thanks! Yeah I’m pretty happy with it

[@kyleagnew6466]

Thanks for the design inspiration! Loving the way my flatbed turned out.

[@metaspencer]

Cool to hear that you built one! That's awesome man

[@littlejoey22]

Damn fine job. Thanks for filming it.

[@metaspencer]

Thanks man. Much appreciated

[@yahshuasaves7478]

Wow! how much for all your material cost?

[@metaspencer]

Back when I built it well under $2k but likely now more with prices what they are

[@eamonnmckeown6770]

That's awesome. I'd love to have a small classic pickup with a flatbed and if possible a boom crane for lifting motorcycles onto. Kind of like how in Europe their wreckers lift a car onto.

[@metaspencer]

Great idea! I just got a used crane and will put it on my truck or trailer. Love the possibilities

[@raywabinga5359]

Looks really good,..really clean!.best flatbed video on KZbin!..

[@metaspencer]

Big thanks man!

[@jerrygibs8120]

Great share. Appreciate the information and your thoughts along with your creative expertise. Keep it coming. Looking forward to your next video. Stay safe, healthy, strong, discerning and successful. Blessings and prayers to you and family in Jesus's Mighty Name. ☝🙏🙌💪👊

[@metaspencer]

Thanks for checking out the build!

[@stevenorsinelli4029]

Holly God, that is just awesome!!!!!!!!!!! You are an amazing craftsman. Man the video was great, the editing perfect and the final product was just amazing...I could build this from just watching your video! GreaT JOB PAL

[@metaspencer]

Woah! Nice of you to say. Yeah it really saved the truck and made it perfect for my work. Thanks man!

[@jkridd2579]

That is one of the sexiest flatbeds I’ve ever seen! Amazing work!! Amazing

[@metaspencer]

Big thanks! It turned out great and somehow is also a joy to drive. Lots of fun. Thanks for checking it out!

[@oilleakalley4990]

I think that “flat mitre” is more satisfying and precise than a regular one!

[@metaspencer]

I've gotta agree with ya there! :)

[@jamesmclean4632]

In the fabrication world we call it a "cope"

[@georgebrown943]

The back window must be hammered from sparks getting enbeded in it. Rusty glass?

[@metaspencer]

I didn't do any welding on the truck itself this time around ... but I know what you mean: have that problem on my other rig

[@aviatorblc]

Brilliant !! Beautiful work. Excellent videography.

[@metaspencer]

Oh that's so nice to hear! Big thanks! :)

[@trevermarco9206]

Awesome, I'm still looking around but I think I will buy these plans. Maybe a chainfall too lol I'm getting too old to hulk things around like I used too.

[@metaspencer]

I vote YES on the chainfall. :) thanks man

[@johnathanwhitten1111]

No headache rack gussets? No tool boxes? No option for bed rails?

[@metaspencer]

No gussets on the headache rack to make room for the boxes, which went on in the next video. No rails because of the boxes ... gussets would beef up that rack but it's kinda decorative :)

[@masonlutz1937]

bro this guy has his plans on a seperate website and sells them, what a genuis. Also great work, i plan to build a flat bed and will use this for inspiration. Great video.

[@metaspencer]

Thanks for checking it out! Yer gonna love that new flatbed you build

[@andrewcoyne4387]

Hi mate, jus t want to say, beautiful work, quite the inspiration, will share when I finish mine. Thank you for spending the time to edit this.

[@metaspencer]

Big thanks! Cool to hear you are building one!!

[@tonyserrato1757]

That home made gantry is awesome I have two chain hoist just sitting in a box I need to build something like that

[@metaspencer]

Big lag bolts to the rafters seems to work… thanks man

[@acorn8879]

Great job! Guessing the answer is buried somewhere in the comments, but any idea how much the bed weighs? Thanks in advance.

[@metaspencer]

It's definitely been a question I've had but I never weighed it ... I'm guessing a bit more than the original bed but that's just a guess.

[@ogrocha]

RIGHT ON GOOD JOB, IM THINKING OF DOING THIS 2 MY 75 CHEVY RV CAMPER C30 DUALLY.

[@metaspencer]

oh dang that's a nice truck -- it's gonna be sweet with that flatbed

[@coltonmayes2006]

What did u treat the metal with it looks like u sanded and then cleaned with laqer thiner and what was the primer and the coat after. Thank u for ur time -colton

[@metaspencer]

My process is: sand, then clean with acetone wearing protective gloves, then prime, then paint

[@pyro_angler]

Great work. Only thing missing is d rings on the side to strap stuff down

[@metaspencer]

I ended up putting storage boxes on it so no rings. Thanks for checking it out!

[@mcr9b6]

Hi yep very nice. My only thought would be to make the front frame behind the cab a bit wider so that if you do carry lengths of timber, steel or whatever on top and a piece was to slide off it would run down the angled sides (that would also stick out a bit beyond the width of the cab) instead of hitting the cab. Hope that makes sense haha. Nice though love to have the gear you have.

[@metaspencer]

I see what you mean there. Good idea. As is it's been a great flatbed on the job

[@ljprep6250]

Wow, that's gonna be a real work truck! (after noticing the 2 D-rings at the back) ;) Thompson's? (OMG) Get some spar varnish or they'll rot in a week. When they rot out, get some nice fumed white oak to replace it. Lovely, lovely stuff, and beautiful when fumed dark. All in all, a pretty nice, clean build. Kudos.

[@metaspencer]

Thanks for checking it out. Yeah, it's my daily work truck and so far it's taken everything I throw at it ... and drop on it ... and spill on it. Those ideas for the deck are great. Just gotta see how long the existing wood lasts :)

[@riancallahan9685]

Awesome build. I’m using your idea as inspiration for an all wood version. I’m a woodworker and really enjoy my craft.

[@metaspencer]

All wood flatbeds can be great! I saw one yesterday here in town and it was awesome. Good stuff man

[@chipbrown3009]

Great looking Flatbed! Do you know approximately how much it weighs?

[@metaspencer]

It's about 80lbs heavier than the original bed

[@troytreeguy]

Came out really slick! I don’t know much about the weather in Illinois, a bed of mine with tube cross members rotted out fast because rain followed the deck bolts in and it had no way out. I should have put drain holes in mine. I really dig the clean lines.

[@metaspencer]

Drain holes! I'm thinking I'll need a few of those. So far I've been trying to see where water and mud build up ... if I find the time this summer, I should pull the bed and see what needs updating. I see that pic of the blue Ford on your channel: similar setup! woohoo

[@cowthewow211]

I know i’m really late, but thinking about doinf this instead of buying a used or new one. In your opinion, whats cleaning it like? Is anything really hard to get off? And if so whats your solution?

[@metaspencer]

I've used it now for several years and the cleaning has been simple since it's so open and exposed underneath. No signs of rust yet. I just pressure wash it top and bottom

[@cowthewow211]

@@metaspencer Great, thanks!

[@arctic975]

How much do you think it would cost you to do this today? I plan on buying your step by step plans but trying to figure out how much it’s going to cost. And do you plans come with a list of everything you need? And where do you buy everything at?

[@metaspencer]

Yeah I listed all the materials and tools you'll need in my plans. You'll need to have a steel yard near you for the metal -- everything else can come from a lumber yard or hardware store. As for cost these days I'm not sure: it was dang cheap back then! These days I'd probably expect to pay 2x or 3x as much ... you could save some $$ with thinner tubing so 2" or possibly using all angle iron, depending on what you will be doing with the new bed

[@arctic975]

@@metaspencer you think I could just use like 3” angle iron for the entire bed? I don’t plan on using the bed for anything very heavy

[@metaspencer]

@@arctic975 absolutely -- a lot of cool flatbeds are made out of angle iron. sounds like a good idea!

[@teeti9401]

Thas some good work. I have truck and someone stole its bed. Now I am looking for a bed but I can't find. I guess I will ask someone to build a customized one. This is very professional.

[@metaspencer]

You're gonna love it when it's on the road again!

[@kingtut5923]

I see you can get a kit prefab in the US for 800 dollars. By getting it yourself and cutting it , is it cheaper?

[@metaspencer]

I haven't seen kits that are that cheap, but it sounds like a good deal!

[@laughton57]

Very nice work... I have a 1998 Chev Cheyenne K2500 4x4 with only 37K miles and zero rust. 350/ 4spd AOD/3:73 gears. I want to make a flatbed out of it. 2" lift. bigger wheels and tires to improve looks and maybe mileage - bigger tires will change the gear ratio for better mileage I hope. I have some friends who operate a sawmill in N. WI. I used to sell logs to their dad back in the day. I can get rough sawed white oak for the bed from them. II really want to do it - I'm too old to do it myself - got some medical issues too. Age and economy (high gas prices) - we'll see. I sure like the look of a flatbed pickup truck. I really like this one in the video.

[@metaspencer]

That oak sounds AMAZING! You'll get it done I bet ... great truck you have there

[@Casey2]

So you have a chain hoist in the shop and didn’t lift the old bed off the truck with it?

[@metaspencer]

Exactly. Just had to manhandle it

[@LivingOnCash]

Very nice job! Just wondering about using 4x4 cross members. Did you go with them as opposed to 2x4 for extra weight carrying capacity? I want to convert my truck to a flat bed but it will be used strictly for a camper and won't be carrying heavy weight. I want to keep the deck height as low as possible and would like to use 2x4 or even 1x4 cross members. I'm thinking I can go thicker wall and more cross members. What do you think?

[@metaspencer]

Great question. Here was my thinking and it had nothing to do with strength. 1) I wanted that beefy look and feel of the thicker tubing, and 2) I wanted to elevate the bed up over the wheels significantly. Because a flatbed has no wheel wells, you can run into a situation where you don't have a lot of space over the wheels. So the two layers of fat tubing brought the deck up more than just one layer or thinner stock. I think there are a lot of ways to do it -- that was just my approach on this one.

[@LivingOnCash]

@@metaspencer Thanks for the reply. Makes sense. I have a 6" lift on my truck so I think I won't have to worry about tire clearance. I'll take my forklift and raise one side tire up to full compression and see where it stops so that should tell me if I need wheel wells or not. I'd prefer to have a flat side rail with no well.

[@metaspencer]

@@LivingOnCash That sounds awesome. I always think that building it for what you need is the way to go. that is gonna be one nice camper!

[@lab7461]

Hello awesome video I appreciate you doing this but you did not leave a list of the exact Steel that was Bought for the build can you please show me the list Or type it up for me thank you so much !! Subscribed !!!!!!!

[@metaspencer]

In the plans my man … you gotta build one!

[@lab7461]

@@metaspencer ok cool cool

[@robr1551]

How much material was used total in feet I’m trying to figure out how much material I need I Measured my bed for the frame I want with angle for slots like your bed total feet for all of it came out to 100 feet that’s including the headache rack for a old Ford long bed single axle

[@metaspencer]

I have the full materials list in my plans over on Etsy ... can't remember off the top of my head

[@lawnandlight]

Awesome build. I wish I would have had your plans when we built ours last year

[@metaspencer]

Sounds like you got it done! Thanks for checking out my build

[@arctic975]

I don’t know if you will still answer but I looked at the list of things you need to make this but it dose not include what size metal tubing you used or how much of it you need and where you bought it from thank you

[@metaspencer]

Hey, thanks for checking out the project! I have some plans over on Etsy that cover all of that, but basically the tubing is 3"x3" as is the angle iron, but of course you can build with all kinds of dimensions of stuff. If I were to build this now I'd probably use smaller stock to save $$$$ since prices are through the roof. It's been a great bed

[@arctic975]

@@metaspencerwhat do you mean by smaller stock?

[@metaspencer]

I was thinking thinner tubing like 2x2 even ... after using my bed for several years now I realized that I don't put a lot of load on it. It's mainly for tools. So I'd be tempted to go lighter in the future

[@arctic975]

@@metaspencer ah ok gotcha, thank you for the advice

[@overthetop040411]

Could this work with a regular pickup truck. Like a dodge 1500. Or would it be to heavy?

[@metaspencer]

You might want to go with thinner tubing to lighten it up

[@f0rmatPlayz]

Wanting to build one for my 90s dually awesome video

[@metaspencer]

Oh that dually would be great with a flatbed! You're gonna love everything about it except for the higher materials costs these days

[@BRIDGEBURNERSTV]

Another thing I’ve wanted to do for a while. Incredible job.

[@metaspencer]

Thanks for checking it out! Yeah, I was thinking about it for the while and the right messed up truck came into my life :)

[@capogiraffe]

Great build! I'm looking at getting a flatdeck on my truck. What do you think about those 2-ton pickup truck hoist kits to make it a dumping bed? Would they jive with the plans you sell on etsy?

[@metaspencer]

Those hoist kits are cool … I’d have to test it but it would work with some modifications…. You’d want to economize on weight for sure

[@robertmerrill621]

I'm just curious. Why did you not make the bed wide enough to extend over the wheels? Looks kinda odd with the wheels out beyond the bed. Doesn't road crud and such fly everywhere? Very nice craftsmanship and detail. Excellent video. Well done!!

[@metaspencer]

Great question! Yeah, it's just a personal taste thing ... I like the look of protruding tires so build the bed a bit narrower than the tires. Yeah stuff flies around in mud but it's just a look I like. And for me, the bed is a perfect width for my storage boxes and work wagon in the middle. Thanks for checking out the project and for posting a comment! :) Nice of ya

[@awfab3517]

I feel like I should make it lighter gauge for my f150 or be prepared to buy air bags most of all when I go fire wood cutting. The stock bed feels like tin foil

[@metaspencer]

Yep thinner stack makes sense

[@philliphinkle2812]

Awesome bed. I love flat beds but don’t have a need for one. I have the same truck so maybe I’ll just do it. Even though I don’t need it

[@metaspencer]

Need!? Doing it for fun sounds like a good enough rationale for me :) Thanks for checking it out, man

[@shamwow316]

Are you good at drawing up blueprints for adding an open wall box on a cab and chassis?

[@metaspencer]

I have some plans for this flatbed and can sketch, but I'm not really a blueprint-level drawer. That wall box would be a nice addition

[@bakerthere2]

Besides your brackets how thick was the rest of the steel you used 1/4 inch wall on tubing?

[@metaspencer]

I tend to go for thinner stuff to save weight ... so usually 1/8th"

[@upstatecre8]

So I used some airlift helper springs on my half ton and the frame bend (because that model of air springs mounted to the side of the frame vs air bags under the frame). Have you seen any issues with that yet?

[@upstatecre8]

Love how it looks! I’m a sucker for wood and metal combinations in any craft.

[@metaspencer]

I haven't used airlift helper springs myself, so can't say I know much about them. I've heard they can help stabilize maybe? Yeah, I'm glad I went with the wood ... great look and feel. thanks for checking it out!

[@chrismiltimore]

How did you come up with the angle for the headache rack? It looks like you used a speed square to get the angle but how did you establish what the angle was? I have a 2010 F350 so it should be close to the same angle as what you used.

[@metaspencer]

That's a great question and the answer is very unscientific: I just kinda got a feel for those angles. I worked to match the shape of the cab a lot, so a wider top piece felt too wide and a narrower one felt too narrow. Using some 2x4s held up there a few different ways I decided on the final angles. I was also thinking a bit about the tool boxes I was gonna put on the flatbed, so your final USE for the rack might be a determining factor.

[@chrismiltimore]

@@metaspencer Ok...that is actually helpful. I thought I just missed something in the video. What I'm hearing is I can play around with it and find the angle that works best on my truck. Thank you!

[@metaspencer]

@@chrismiltimore As long as it covers the back of your cab it's doing it's job as a headache rack :)

[@tedtolentino4955]

I've watched this video in the past but came back to review again. It is by far one of the best builds I have seen on the subject. But one question i have asked others who have done such a conversion, if you had an opportunity to do it again, could you have used the old pick up bed as the basis for the frame of a new flat bed, thus saving a bit of work and time to build a frame? That is , if you had cut away the sheet metal, leaving basically the floor of the bed, would it have been suitable to build a flat bed? Thanks for sharing your video.

[@metaspencer]

Hi Ted, thanks for the question (and for checking out the video). Anything is possible, and you could certainly reuse parts of the existing bed. That might have the added value of retaining the existing lights and fuel door, too. The problems I see cropping up include: 1) possible rust on the existing bed, 2) the difficulty of welding anything to that kind of thin sheet metal, 3) and then the challenge of making the overall thing look good. Really #2 would be the biggest challenge: figuring out how to attach things to the existing bed would be tough, and you'd have a lot of rough edges to deal with that result from cutting off the sides. But with all that said, it's worth a shot man! I'd like to see how you do it!

[@tedtolentino4955]

@@metaspencer thanks a million for sharing your thoughts. I agree with you on #2 comment as the most challenging and i am still just a novice working with sheet metal. But if pulled off successfully, it might be quite nice to retain some of the lines and details of the original bed, as in this video by a custom builder: kzbin.info/www/bejne/j5XZg3auasSYeZY

[@walkermccolley2574]

Please tell me you didn’t weld it to the frame of the truck

[@metaspencer]

Nope bolted on so easy to remove

[@keithhill9138]

I think your sky hook is probably the best tool in your shop? It's to bad that production beds aren't as detailed as you have made yours!

[@metaspencer]

Nice of ya to say! Yeah, that hook has gotten me out of many jams

[@kevstieye]

Might be a stupid question but I really don't know. So what's the point to make a flat bed? You can't even put anything on there as it stuff will just fall out? Like you have to strap everything down right? Like smaller things etc.

[@metaspencer]

I run tool boxes on the flatbed and the best thing about it is being able to access everything FROM THE SIDE! so much easier to get at all your stuff that way and then open on top

[@annalisacandaso-robertson9179]

Side rails can be optional by making holes in the bed. Then whenever side rails are needed, throw them on, pin them to wherever they secure to and you have a bigger truck bed than the stock bed.

[@metaspencer]

@@annalisacandaso-robertson9179 cool idea

[@mikewilliams6767]

I want to do something similar to my truck and this video gave me alot of inspiration. I would love to know how much was spent in materials. Great job ! This video was very well done.

[@metaspencer]

Most excellent! You're gonna love it ... like having an entirely new truck!

[@buildingsalvage]

Have you ever weighed the bed? Or weight the truck with the bed on it?

[@metaspencer]

truck with bed and tools clocks in around 8k ... never weighed the bed off the truck tough I've been asked that a bunch of times. probably added a few hundred pounds to the back end

[@stevewilliams6354]

Much better than store bought nice job

[@metaspencer]

Big thanks! yeah, it's been great

[@BigGuero1155]

Sweet bed. Any plans for mud flaps?

[@metaspencer]

I suppose I need them but I love that open look

[@The_Bearded_Lady]

new to stuff like this. but curious as to why not grind down rust on frame then protect, prime, and line it like the rest? is it a waste of time? or something else?

[@metaspencer]

There are a lot of ways to deal with rust, but I've found that you can seldom grind it all down and any painting will encourage the rust to propagate under the paint. But again, lots of ways to deal with it. Lots of treatments, too. In this case I just treated the rust with lanolin to slow it down ...

[@The_Bearded_Lady]

@@metaspencer thanks I'll check out if there are other videos showing treatments from more trusted folks

[@reillystsb]

I love it it is a work of art...... I need one for my 03 F550.....

[@metaspencer]

550! Now that's a truck!

[@reyes8444]

Love your shop! simple and organize and capable!

[@metaspencer]

Thanks buddy! It's always great to have a space ya know :)

[@JeffZiegler76]

Why did you use 3x3 sq tube over C-channel?

[@metaspencer]

C-Channel is great stuff ... I went with tubing thinking it might be a bit lighter (not sure if it is) and potentially leave fewer cavities for water and dirt to hang out in. If I build another I may use C-channel ... a good way to go for sure

[@finlay230]

great build, and great style of vid, no BS, love it !!!!

[@metaspencer]

Big thanks! I definitely had fun with it

[@budasterisk2167]

Just wondering what screws you used to hold the boards on? Some sort of self drilling and tapping?

[@metaspencer]

Yeah I used a self tapping screw designed to bridge between wood and steel. You could predrill the steel under the wood if you didn't have hard core self tappers, but the ones I found were robust enough to tap the steel pretty easily.

[@MargisonGODBEY]

Looks really good but I don’t understand why the bed wasn’t mounted inline with the frame

[@metaspencer]

it worked out pretty well and has been great ... I think when I oriented everything I lined the subframe up with the frame :)

[@michaelwillcutt2619]

Did You buy your metal pre manufactured an just welding it up .

[@metaspencer]

just bought the steel at the yard in 28' pieces

[@tomweimer8393]

Truly beautiful build. I would’ve loved to help with a project like that. A lot to learn from you

[@metaspencer]

Thanks for checking it out! You'll have to help on the next one :)

[@rtz549]

Turned out real clean 👍

[@metaspencer]

Oh yeah, I'm lovin' it. Thanks man

[@deanscreekranch]

So as someone who just backed up into an oak tree while looking at his wife’s butt, I’ve folded up the bumper pretty good on the 2004 Silverado. Basically, it’s time to get the bent up bed off and go with a flatbed. Yours is by far the best DYI flatbed I’ve seen so far. Great job.

[@metaspencer]

The good news is you have a good marriage. That's the important thing. As for the truck, my condolences ... you're gonna love the new flatbed once you build it :)

[@deanscreekranch]

@@metaspencer hahahah.

[@nathanwardlow1342]

I'm really curious how much time you have in that

[@metaspencer]

You could check the first video time-stamp to the last -- I'm guessing you'd see a few months of weekends and evenings. It took some time for sure!

[@dontcare3430]

Good choice on the light change. IMHO.

[@metaspencer]

Thanks. Yeah, dodged a bullet there and glad it worked out

[@jasonford3387]

Hi there! Great video! How can I purchase your plans? Regards, Jason.

[@metaspencer]

Hey man -- thanks for checking out the build. The plans are here www.etsy.com/shop/metaspencer/?etsrc=sdt ... good luck!