DIY Flatbed Build Part 2: Toolboxes, LED Lights, and the CORRECT Way to do Automotive Wiring

I continue the custom flatbed build for my GMC C3500HD. I fabricate and weld toolboxes and rub rails. I also install LED lights and do the wiring the CORRECT way.
Comfortable, DURABLE welding gloves: amzn.to/3eIr7tT
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Flatbed Build Part 1: • DIY Flatbed Build [par...
Build series playlist: • Cummins Swapping a GMC...
Instagram: / waldowelds
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[@noobFab]

@Waldo's World - 32:40 That contortionist act to weld inside the weather sealing holder strip made me smile. Determination wins out!

[@WaldosWorld]

Hahaha. The ABCs of welding are Always Be Comfortable. Except for when you *need* to get into an uncomfortable position 😂

[@taliakuznetsova7092]

@@WaldosWorld be comfortable. Unless it takes to much effort to get the clamps or they get in the way.

[@dylanhicks7996]

This is freaking insane, litteraly building everything yourself. Great work.

[@WaldosWorld]

Thanks a ton! 🤠

[@dylanhicks7996]

@@WaldosWorld are you going to paint the bed?

[@lukehaak5907]

@@dylanhicks7996 he said it at the end

[@dylanhicks7996]

@@lukehaak5907 oh alright, must've missed it

[@boxoftj1]

I knew i liked ya for more than being a great builder. "Thats what happens when you print a lot of money..." Exactly, my friend. Exactly

[@WaldosWorld]

It feels good to know I'm not the only one who understands economics 😬

[@edwardkane3237]

@@WaldosWorld yea it’s a great idea to keep printing money. That’s why everything is costing us more. If this administration keeps this up our dollars will be worthless…

[@dregenius]

@@edwardkane3237 I mean... how much of the printed money has this administration been responsible for? I seem to recall a previous administration that loved the idea of printing cheques (as long as he got to put his personal signature on them lmao)

[@patricelebrasseur5649]

@@dregenius 1 stimulus vs full on welfare for the poor and the big company, same thing really…

[@JCZ0RR0]

@@dregenius Common sense doesn't apply to these guys,. They love to turn everything into a political stance, completely blind to their double standards.

[@theamaturepro]

"Exactly approximately" is my new favorite quote. Thank you!

[@michaelrhein674]

FYI: Those lights and pigtails you used to wire them are standard in the trucking industry. Any place that services trucks and trailers will have them in stock. Also most truckstops will have them.

[@kw900lkevin]

Plus if the truck parts store has it as continuous harness less splicing

[@OnRappel]

You should never weld downhill on anything thicker than 1/4" when using short circuit MIG. The weld might look okay but won't have adequate penetration. For example, those rub rails where you were welding the 3/8" flatbar to the C channel, you should definitely be welding uphill. Love your videos!

[@Tigerfire75]

Don't forget to set the parking brake and chock the wheels. Nothing worse than having the vehicle roll away downhill whe. You have your mask down

[@joshuadixon4931]

I hate welders

[@johnandersson]

This is amongst the most impressive craftsmanship I’ve seen in a long time. Greetings from a fan in Sweden! 👋

[@WaldosWorld]

Wow, thank you very much! 🤠

[@brianthompson8329]

I’m super excited about this build. You’re doing a great job!

[@WaldosWorld]

Thank you! 🤠

[@redlinepaul410]

Also I would go with 22.5 low pro truck wheels.

[@yetisdeuce1315]

Excellent work! One suggestion: Get a piece of 1/2" round tube, bend it to the radius of your wheel arches, then cut a slit in it and slide it over the wheel arch and weld it on (similar to how your weatherstripping slides on). It will give the wheel arch a finished look, and do away with the "sharp edge". Anyways, love the videos! I just stumbled across these two flatbed videos....I'm going to subscribe and watch the truck build!

[@WaldosWorld]

Thank you for the tip and the sub! 👍

[@johnrmonroe3946]

You should add rubber hole grommets to protect the wires from chaffing and shorting out over the years due to vibration or movement of wires!

[@WaldosWorld]

I'll put that on the to-do list 👍

[@toolwarrior1773]

Really nice work, Waldo. I also really appreciate the format of your videos. You speed things up where needed to avoid redundancy and you eliminate redundant footage. The amounts you show in real time are just right. Great work. I know it takes a lot of time to put these vids together, but just know that we appreciate not only great content, but great format. I just subscribed to your channel and liked the vid as well. I also appreciate that you don't beg for likes and subscribes like so many other youtubers. Really well done, sir.

[@WaldosWorld]

Thank you so much! I appreciate the feedback! 🤠

[@kylegetty5029]

When the truck is finished can you do a build breakdown and cost to build? It's wild how it came out and super curious if its "budget friendly" for the average joe

[@WaldosWorld]

Sure thing! I was planning on doing that for part 3. If you don't factor in the time it takes to build it, I think it'll be fairly budget friendly

[@benjaminolsen6520]

Yeah im curious too. Just showed my wife this and it's helping her see with her eyes what I've been planning on doing for myself instead of buying something. We've been talking about this for years

[@PedroMartinez-hw6uy]

Just did one similar with wild high steel prices came out to about 3800 total. Sprayed it with raptor

[@rudyescandon4018]

@@WaldosWorld what was the size and gauge of the tubing you used for the bed frame?

[@dustinmeier9753]

I'm impressed that someone finally did a proper wiring job in KZbin. It seems that only dealership technicians know how to solder and heat shrink an electrical joint.

[@WaldosWorld]

Yeah, way too many people use those stupid T-tap connectors for wiring. What a nightmare 😂

[@dustinmeier9753]

I was so disgusted when I crawled under my flatbed to check the wiring and looking at all the Scotch Loc connectors when I bought the truck... I just cut everything behind the cab out and started over.

[@SegoMan]

@@dustinmeier9753 The road salts raises hell on unsealed connections (even some of the sealed ones). Some states are now requiring S & HS connections on trailers

[@yourdadsdad]

I too am excited to see how this truck turns out. You got a killer deal on the chassis but, it be nice to see it built from a Ford. Still a super cool truck with a badass flatbed.

[@StateFun]

Love the use of the 7 way for wiring. Awesome way to make it more easily removable!

[@chescabler2659]

Why do I find myself rewatching these videos? Am I addicted? Hello I'm Ches and I'm a waldoaholic.

[@zynifi]

I'm so happy to see part 2!

[@soil-aint-dirt4903]

Another fine piece of work! Yours is the only channel I keep on top of for new content. So great to see Billy-Bob coming along like this! 👍🏼

[@WaldosWorld]

Thank you so much, that's great to hear! I'll be driving him in no time 🤠

[@ebersalcido8810]

This is cool. First I find a guy with a fresh 7.3 swap series at My Garage. Then a Flatbed series with you. Perfect

[@WaldosWorld]

Glad you enjoyed it! 👍

[@ohiofarmer5918]

Need a link to where and maybe how much to pay for an engine. I found an outstanding F250 7.3 that needs an engine

[@ebersalcido8810]

@@ohiofarmer5918 found my 7.3 on a truck off offerup

[@jeepercreepers54]

I have become obsessed with your videos working on the various vehicles. The insane technical skills, narration and video is inspiring.

[@MrSirjud01]

This was exactly what I was looking for while searching DIY Flatbeds! Awesome craftsmanship!

[@deanwylie9893]

Some flush fit tie down points on the top side would be ideal for strapping things to the bed.

[@baileysconstruction7898]

Why would he need that when he has stake pockets and rub rails to tie down to

[@Georgiaguntraining]

Great series. Learning a lot. Suggestion, when soldering, heat the wire and hold the iron in the same place. Let the wire melt the solder. Once done applying solder, hold the iron on for the count of three to ensure a hot joint.

[@jasonketchum4052]

I need to make a weld rig and this is geniuses! Excellent work man .

[@WaldosWorld]

Thank you! 🤠

[@Scott717]

I found your channel on part one of the flatbed build. I’ve been impatiently waiting the last three weeks for part two. Great video, well worth the wait! I hope you can keep them coming!

[@WaldosWorld]

Thank you! Yeah, this video took *way* too long to get out. Future videos should come out faster (I hope 😂)

[@dillydilly3360]

* rebuilds entire truck* We have been trying to reach you about your vehicles extended warranty

[@WaldosWorld]

Hahaha 🤣

[@coleallen8657]

Finally someone that gets there hands dirty and cloths dirty , no rubber gloves !!! Lol what are people going to say 🤣 You sir do hell of good job filming, editing,working on stuff , and just figuring things out!!! Your channel will only get bigger! I work and build alot of the same stuff except I'm 57 and running out of steam. Enjoy!!!!!

[@WaldosWorld]

Thank you very much! 🤠

[@overzealousmaverik]

I'm so excited to see that bed finished. What a transformation this truck has undergone. Excellent work on everything!

[@WaldosWorld]

Thank you so much! 🤠

[@rileycarelock6481]

I think you should do some sort of rubber coating on the inside of the toolboxes so that tools don’t move around as much and aren’t clanking around inside

[@WaldosWorld]

Good idea! At the very least a rubber mat would be good 👍

[@TheShowgunofHarlem]

Couldn't clip fast enough. Another amazing video. Awesome job my man.

[@WaldosWorld]

Thank you for the support! 👍

[@cool9142]

I’m gonna come back to this video a thousand times

[@benjanos5580]

Waldo subscribed recently seen most of ur videos already and I can tell u that u definitely have a gold mine of a channel this channel is going to grow like crazy.

[@WaldosWorld]

Wow, thank you so much for the sub and the words of encouragement!

[@anthonyp81979]

It's incredible what you have been able to do with this project. I had to subscribe, so I wouldn't miss out on its completion. Keep up the amazing work, and we will be anxiously awaiting your next installment!

[@WaldosWorld]

Thank you so much for the sub!

[@mlkle109]

Here’s a Great cordless iron for your next wiring project. Truck looks great thank you for the content.

[@Rolltide830]

Found this channel on the last video, I love the style of the videos

[@WaldosWorld]

Thanks, glad to hear it!

[@stevesalvage1089]

Ingenious ideas here , thanks Waldo I'll remember when doing my project , engine does sound well too , can't wait to next lesson !!

[@WaldosWorld]

Thanks, Steve! Yeah, the engine is sounding good 🤠

[@thechillhacker]

This is a fantastic build. Thank you for the many tips and techniques. One thing I would suggest though, and I know this seems counterintuitive as someone who does a lot of electronics work myself; on an automotive, nautical, or aerospace setup you do not typically solder wiring. I understand the corrosion resistance and permanence of the job, but the problem is in an overcurrent situation. Let's say you have a faulty fuse that does not blow, or like in many older vehicles, the lights, which are often unfused (at least the head lights). The wire heats up. Hot enough to melt solder. The connection breaks. I know, you used heat shrink to help reinforce it. But the hot solder melts your heat shrink, and due to vibrations and air flow the now free wire, hot both thermally and electrically, is waving around, touching god knows what, and shutting everything downstream off, which may be essential. This is why vehicles typically rely on high quality crimps instead of solder joints.

[@user-ht4iw8yx3r]

You just keep outdoing yourself!!! Keep up the great work man!!

[@WaldosWorld]

I appreciate that!

[@swigg7907]

My new favorite channel! Nice work Waldo! I’m eager to see what you haul home on that bed (and trailer)

[@peteschiavoni]

Wow Waldo that looks AWESOME!!! I really love how that bed came out!! Fantastic job. I noticed that it’s Aspen approved!!

[@WaldosWorld]

Thank you, Pete! Aspen supervised me closely on this one 😂

[@yothisiselmo]

cool production on this with the in the fender toolbox instruction cuts, good idea

[@ewanstewart8011]

What a truly excellent piece of work/fabrication, looking forward to seeing the finished product 👍🏻

[@WaldosWorld]

Thank you very much!

[@ricardosworkshop]

Kudos! Your ingenuity is a pleasure to watch. And you video editing is well thought out. Great combo. 👍🏼

[@WaldosWorld]

Thank you for the kind words!

[@jayroberts636]

That flat bed will be around a lot longer than the truck!!

[@WaldosWorld]

Hopefully they'll both be around for a long time! 😬

[@FishFind3000]

At least when the frame rusts away the bed will take the load.

[@ThompsonJosh98]

Cool to see you just building everything most people buy. In the end you will be much happier and proud than people that just buy. Nothing against people who buy just this is exceptional

[@choosetherightify]

I am working on a similar project on a 99 f450 with the 7.3l engine. Currently swapping the engine, adding larger injectors and turbo, etc. in prep for towing an excavator. Your's is already looking a lot nicer than mine will. Nice build!

[@WaldosWorld]

That's a cool project!

[@matthewhattabaugh3771]

I finished the series - great videos

[@republish368]

I just subscribed after a day of LOOKING at your VIDz! I invested MY TIME to learn how to make GREAT METAL WORKS and UNDERSTAND better how to restore old CARS! I specially LIKED the EXCAVATOR vid, you give me RIGHT at ALL FRONTS, cheap, nobody likes them, SNOB PEOPLE, diesel rulez, GERMAN quality, and BIG STUFF for CHEAP ;) GREAT VIDZ DUDE! ;) P.S. I just LOGGED in to subscribe and LIKE, I did not use to do that USUALLY :)

[@turbolifestyle6548]

Amazing to see what all goes into making one of these

[@lchebuhar9212]

Welcome back. Bed looks great - awesome job! 💪👍🏼

[@WaldosWorld]

Thank you very much! 👍

[@juangarcia-rk8qe]

Don’t even need to be into this sort of stuff to be hooked on watching these videos. Keep em’ coming Waldo! Thanks

[@73DiamondReo]

great work. might want to add a drip edge over the top of the toolbox. just some flat iron on a 45* angle to shed the bed water away from running over the side

[@WaldosWorld]

Ah, that's a good idea! 👍

[@73DiamondReo]

@@WaldosWorld we do it on welding beds. then just take some pieces that return back to the bed on a downward taper if that makes sense

[@cm1133]

@28:13, I knew I liked this guy. Anyone who has a Vizsla (essentially a Hungarian version of a German Shorthaired Pointer) has to be cool as hell!

[@allenwilson9656]

Put some grommets in the holes where the electrical wire goes thru the metal , put some split pipe in the wheel well to give it more of a finished look and add a piece of small chain ⛓ from the top of the tool 🔧 box to the door to keep your door from falling. Over all a great design and build 👍

[@spatulace]

My man has to rename this channel Weld'o. Impressive and fascinating stuff haha!

[@franklackie2469]

Very interesting sir , I appreciate the home made stuff gives a guy sense of achievement thanks bud

[@leer-winnobbeefarms2131]

When I started farming I quickly learned there were a few things you can not farm without: a welder, a large air compressor, cutting torches and a 4-wheel drive truck! Enjoyed your videos.

[@jhitt79]

You didn’t have these things when you started farming?

[@CMR1981]

Waiting to see the part #3 I love the way everything is looking so far 👍👍👍

[@WaldosWorld]

Thank you! 👍

[@nikeguthrie22]

Nice series, enjoying many of your videos. Just an observation / suggestion for the flatbed toolbox, perhaps add a plastic covered steel line to the sides that engage just before full open of the toolbox door. This would take stress of the hinge increasing service life, and also provide a mobile fold down work bench for small to medium weight objects, tools, hardware, beers, and such.

[@zonie1953]

Hey Waldo, good to see the continuation of this build. I have been ill and had to spend a little time in hospital. Nothing major, just like an old truck that need to needs to go to the repair shop once in a while. Your welding skills are getting really good from when you started, I guess there is truth to the practice makes perfect saying . Great work Waldo 🌵 Give Aspen and extra treat for me and my buddy Otis the dachshund !

[@WaldosWorld]

Oh no! I'm glad to hear that you're okay! Thanks, Scott, it's good to hear from you! 👍

[@andrewbennett1773]

Looks really good alot of hard work and patience has gone into that build

[@WaldosWorld]

Thank you very much! 🤠

[@leonardharris8803]

looking good. I decided to buy a CM bed RD model for my 98 gmc 3500hd. In the process of gathering material to mount it. Your part 1 video helped. I too had issues with the flat bed frame rails hitting the bolt heads on the double frame of the truck. Saw that you used a 1/2 inch thick nylon block. Going 3/4 inch thick on the very end of the frame to level it out. Thank you for the video it has been helpful. I have been following since day 1 on this build. I own two of these trucks and love them.

[@WaldosWorld]

Very nice, thanks for watching! 🤠

[@leonardharris8803]

@@WaldosWorld you should build a heavy duty bumper for it next. The only company that makes a bumper for these is move.

[@RenegadeADV]

Just found your channel, that turned into a damn slick truck man, I have had several of those 3500HD's over the years, I quite like what you have done with this one.

[@jacobnicoletti1235]

Very cool indeed. Love watching you craft. This truck is a beast!

[@WaldosWorld]

Thank you so much! 🤠

[@allentyree4457]

Man I’ve been excited about this one.

[@robertkerby2581]

Absolutely Amazing Craftsmanship!

[@MickeyFlood]

you sneaky clever fella :-D a quick mini side bar about what printing a bunch of money does.. i love it Waldo! nobody would hate on you for giving some insight about monetary function, for it is a big thing missing in our society

[@Alexfeaster66]

I've learned so much from you Waldo thank you

[@jad6126]

Nice! You did a great job on that. The truck looks amazing now.

[@WaldosWorld]

Thank you! 🤠

[@COYO-T]

When you stuck your head into the box to weld the inside seam brought me back to the days when I had to do that daily. I still weld just not having to stick my head into anything anymore.

[@colbymcvay8649]

I really like your videos. I am 16 and in welding school and have my own lawn care business. I would love to have this truck. It is so awesome. Great work

[@WaldosWorld]

That's awesome! You have some great work ethic 👍

[@peteratos660]

Great build, thank you for sharing it.

[@gmt400lifestyle4]

Man this thing is awesome!! Great job!!

[@skaterscott007gaming3]

I love your videos! I’ve binge watched all of them.

[@WaldosWorld]

Wow, thank you for watching! 🤠

[@drivingclipsdips9826]

Am back here 3 months later looking at this masterpiece still gets me tingly ! 😎❤️

[@guillaumechoiniere3325]

Great job Waldo just love your videos and think your getting better at it. Just be careful with your dogs and the flat bed they can catch their legs between the rail and the bed when jumping down. Had one breaking a knee doing that just brought up that memory when you had your dog on the bed. Best

[@WaldosWorld]

Thank you for the pointer! Yeah, I was a little worried about that 👍

[@justalsa421]

Hope someone contacts you to make there truck beds too so the videos won’t stop .

[@johng5295]

Thanks in a million. Great content. Awesome imagination. Grade: A++💥

[@cyprianzollinger303]

Nice job man!! Love the tool boxes 👍🏼 Keep up the outstanding videos

[@WaldosWorld]

Thank you so much! 👍

[@markshropshire5995]

This is the first time I’ve watched your work I think you did very good I deal a lot with galvanized steel if you paint it there’s no point in galvanizing because galvanizing is a sacrificial anode. I think it would look fantastic galvanized and left at that.

[@itsjustme9318]

Very, very impressive work and layout!! You have turned a sows ear into a silk purse!!!

[@WaldosWorld]

Haha thank you for the kind words!

[@mooman86]

Those connectors are available at heavy duty truck shops. Due to the nature of where we live with the salt, we carry tons of them. Same with those Baldwin filters you used on the lift pump.

[@tierfuehrer2]

I like that you solder every connection, instead of crimping. But you really should put rubber grommets on all the cable holes. Otherwise the burrs and sharp edges will eat you wire isaolation.

[@TopOtheMorntoya]

Everytime I watch your stuff I want to go learn how to weld haha eventually I'll get around to it I promise!

[@cjwebb454]

Very talented work. cant wait to see it in action after all your time and patience.

[@WaldosWorld]

Thanks! I'm looking forward to making videos of it in action 🤠

[@motogamer1832]

Can’t wait till part 3 so excited

[@deactivated0057]

Man it took this long to find Waldo… and he’s building a flat bed…. I guess the 10 year search was worth…

[@WaldosWorld]

Glad to hear it was worth it 😂

[@williambradford4159]

Used to build and work on them alot. Some like 1x2 req tube around the bottom adds style and a surprising ammount of structure if your ever do inclined

[@LatinDanceVideos]

everytime I see a custom built rig, I shudder at the idea someone might crash into it. When the bed is this solid, I imagine you won't be worried about that. such a nice build, well done :)

[@WaldosWorld]

Thank you so much! With all the time I've put into this, it would be a shame if it were totaled in an accident! 😂

[@williamdalbey4867]

Waldo, you are one hell of a fabricator. There bed builders that could take lessons from you. I have a 1978 f350 Ford with the 10 ft grain bed on it. The floor is already metal because it spent most of its life as a roofing contractors truck. I have struggled with the anchor locations for the marker light wiring in the bed for ages. Your loops welded on are sweet. A local shop is gonna make some green off of me for that idea. As always, I look forward to your vids and progress.

[@WaldosWorld]

Thanks, Bill! If you bring it by, I'll slap some on for you 👍

[@williamdalbey4867]

Buddy, if you were closer, Id take you up on that!

[@brianbarr8623]

I am really interested in seeing the hot dip process. Your explanations are very clearly articulated. A rarity on KZbin. Well done.

[@WaldosWorld]

Thank you so much! 👍

[@KC3PLG.Kurtis]

I really enjoy your videos.

[@frxa2739]

I saw you loaded cement on this truck in a another vid. It would be cool to see you add air-bags for leveling out this truck. I can imagine some great fabrication and welding for such a project. great videos, thanks!!

[@redwinterfarms9458]

It looks amazing!

[@WaldosWorld]

Thank you!

[@cheeseymccheese7249]

Excellent job and tutorial

[@rhyseolney1475]

You have good content and a good personality

[@rv-n-heaven7849]

YES!!!!!! 🙌👍🏻💪 I’ve been on the edge of my seat waiting for part 2. I’ve binge watched your other videos and have enjoyed them all. Keep up the great work and content Waldo. When’s the Waldo merchandise coming out? Thanks Todd

[@WaldosWorld]

Wow, thanks Todd! I'll have to think about merch. I just need a clever idea for t-shirts or hats or whatever 👍

[@travelingbadger]

Man, this truck is turning out even better than I thought it would. Keep them coming Waldo.

[@WaldosWorld]

Thanks, glad to hear it!

[@kearnsey64]

You crushed it Waldo!! Very impressive!!

[@WaldosWorld]

Thank you! 🤠

[@bruceblais7958]

Great job 👍 Waldo, better built then a factory one, like the tool box, finished job going to look cool 😎 thanks for sharing.

[@WaldosWorld]

Thank you very much!