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

[@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...

[@derick3482]

@@Torbox1 you mad bro?

[@derick3482]

@@BoJoFohPah that made me laugh

[@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 !!!++!

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@thewhitesloth9408]

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

[@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

[@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!!

[@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!

[@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

[@lorenmeyer5290]

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

[@WaldosWorld]

Thank you so much! 🤠

[@linesanraman7974]

Appreciate the metric conversions!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@CL-yp1bs]

I am a computer and wiring junkie as well. I solder all my wiring, I don't crimp anything except big battery lugs and i use a hydraulic crimper with tinned copper lugs. Just a tip, use tinned copper wire. Not just OFC, but TINNED OFC... copper corrodes and tinned wire is they key to a long lasting installation Get tinned everything if you can. You'll thank me a few years down the road :)

[@WaldosWorld]

Good call 👍

[@johnhamilton9229]

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

[@codyprice0295]

When you started welding, my wife looked at me funny

[@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 .

[@MRSketch09]

02:40 I'm so glad you mentioned this.."Sound", b/c I was always told that when you weld properly it sounds like bacon, at least with carbon steel.. so hearing that particular noise.. I was like "wtf is something wrong?" *Edit* SO I mowed my yard in between watching this video, coming back to finish watching... You said you don't know how "non youtubers" get anything done without the snap... ah we don't.. we just absorb content, & live vicariously through the youtubers.. lol. I'm really curious how you did the wiring.. itself. & made it work, since the truck didn't originally have a headache rack/flatbed. You probably have another video that explains its pretty simply..? *goes to look*

[@danielwoolfe1135]

18:22 - for much of the world, the amber turn signal is normal and mandatory. Here in Australia, I couldn't imagine not having it. When I went to the US, I thought it was bizarre seeing the combined red one!!

[@kylecube15]

I wish we had the mandatory amber turn signal so much more visible I love that my 01 chevy truck had the amber from the factory

[@bcubed72]

Amber is really hard to see in early morning/late evening when the sun is yellow. Red is easier to see, plus 100%/0% intensity is far less subtle. It's possible to "not see" a poorly-designed amber signal; it's impossible to not see a red light flashing on and off.

[@mrjibrhanjamalkhan2144]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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!!!

[@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.

[@lloydhill9150]

My tip for you as a fellow fabricator is invest in slim cutting discs and a large candle. Coat the disc with candle wax as you cut as well when you drill Aluminium. Makes life easier.

[@larannar123]

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

[@WaldosWorld]

Thank you!

[@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!

[@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.

[@enclavegeneral2077]

Ah yes my favourite youtube channel

[@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…

[@johnshaw4140]

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

[@212caboose]

That is a GORGEOUS truck bed!!

[@informative_walrus]

Fuel filler work blew me away. Incredible work.

[@evonpersonal6388]

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

[@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.

[@MontanaMetalWorkssigns]

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

[@keith_hudson]

You killed it. This bed looks fantastic.

[@mconfluence]

The bed turned out extremely well. Great job

[@tomwinkle1597]

If you attach piano hinge before cutting door, then remove , cut and reattach, you will always have a perfect fit.

[@davidintrone3914]

Suggestion: 1. All aluminum welded travel trailer 2. Fish pond with aluminum dock 3. Aluminum boat restoration

[@blackIce504]

Hi Waldo i have a similar background to your self and enjoy working on cars, one thing i found especially after a long time is solder joints with shrink tube sound good but depending on your environment it can be bad, I live in Australia Sydney we have really hot weather and cold weather plus its high humidity so i found that shrink tube and solder is not enough so i found some shrink tube that has a glue stuff in it to protect from water ingress, the other is off ebay crimp connectors but with a shrink tube that melts there common and they work really well just thought i would let you know they are also really cheap considering the downside is if you need to splice in ether of these its going to be a mess or not possible, but as for water no chance or dry joint not possible. P.S i have been binge watching your truck vids as well and really enjoying the videos and learning some tricks and tips you have so please keep them videos coming.

[@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.

[@stephenm.2150]

I build one tons, invest in a motorcycle jack the wide surface area helps a lot when setting up boxes and other things

[@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! 🤠

[@jimmyssnowremoval1075]

24:31 would be cool if the lower revenue lights went on also when of course parked. Also be cool if there were some white light the sides by where the gas cap are on both sides of corse too when parked.

[@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.

[@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.

[@miferna]

Great build, as usual! Just a tip from having cut and drilled a lot of 5mm aluminium... Usually you can deal with aluminum with any tool that cuts hardwoods (circular hand held saw, carbide tipped chopsaw, hole saws, regular metal drill bits, etc.) but aluminium is waaaaaaaaaay gummier than wood (more or less depending on specific alloy and grade), so it clogs the teeth easily. Using any cutting fluid (even plain WD40) on the blades or material to be cut makes a huge improvement. Cuts faster and cleaner. Beware that some of them may erase your marks (even permanent markers). Also if you plan on welding, you will need to clean them with acetone or some solvent after using any lube. Keep up the good work!

[@detroitdiesel12v71]

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

[@billh230]

1) Screw the DOT 2) The headache rack blocks the CHMSL. 3) You replaced the CHMSL with high mounted stop lamps anyway. 4) Screw the DOT.

[@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!

[@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

[@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.

[@dcrahn]

Nice job! One change I would make it the tool box latch. Switch over to Boltlock brand and you can use your ignition key for all of the locks. I changed everything I have, tool box, trailer hitch receiver, and all of my trailers. Now I only have two keys on my key ring, ignition key and my house key. And I would have went sequential on the hash mark taillights. I did on my custom build. Since I was in the Navy, mine look like chevrons on a first class petty officers sleeve turned sideways and I even include a lighted cutout of Hero's Aeolipile, since I was a Boiler Tech.

[@mrmotofy]

Can't really picture it but sounds cool, make a vid of it and describe how it's done

[@chasemcmurray3737]

Put the reverse lights that are on the headache rack on a switch so you can load or unload stuff at night.

[@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

[@kevinhornbuckle]

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

[@chasemcmurray3737]

When put the truck in reverse only the headache rack lights come on. You should wire it so the reverse lights on the bumper come on in reverse as well.

[@1232lesach]

Removal of top light wont effect much as you got them on the headache rack so it fits the requirements really; its more of if you took it out and didnt have anything else up there for replacement. Though could have replaced it with LED replacement and kept it along with the lights in headache rack as it wouldnt really look bad due to being LED too and placement in the top gap there. But the filler neck of your fuel line needs to be fully boxed in to protect it. Creating a box there and then making the rest of the bottom of the headache rack and deck into a tool box would be perfect too. Gaining the Large box up top along with the under boxes too. Always need a larger storage for things that you just cant keep in the smaller boxes. But man thats a nice bed. But yeah premade aluminum beds run 6-7k easily for skirted beds like that. While steel ones are 4kish usually. Aluminum ones just look so much nicer but are just so crazy expensive.

[@theclosetcarpenter7172]

Just found your channel yesterday and I've been bringing ever since so all those new likes you got on some of your old uploads are all coming from me! Thank you and you're welcome. =-)

[@Joemama69kl]

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

[@Bernardomeneghini732]

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

[@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

[@theoneandonly2590]

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

[@WaldosWorld]

Thank you so much!

[@305racing6]

If you use candle wax on your jig saw blade it lubricates the blade when cutting aluminium. Also try a stainless steel wire brush to clean your aluminium before welding.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@hanifmalik-mcbride4952]

I put coil over load leveling shocks on my 1500 chevy Silverado to take the weight & it really helps & works

[@cotynietling2567]

Cant wait to see bumper build

[@123suzukisamurai]

Excellent job and very articulate presentation. Just a thought if u use boat heat shrink it has a sealant on the inside that’s waterproof

[@oby-1607]

Pretty darn awesome for home built. A suggestion would be to have a steel rear bumper which is separate from the flatbed body to protect it. Bumpers, well, they tend to bump into things. Sometimes hard.

[@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!

[@redbeardtree1776]

My 2018 f350 flat bed came from the factory with out a third brake light, so I think your good

[@charmio]

For your wire splices you can get glue lined heatshrink with a low temp solder pre installed INSIDE THE HEATSHRINK, just heat them with hot air. Not that there's anything at all even slightly wrong with the method shown here. These just don't need a soldering iron and are a tiny bit quicker.

[@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?

[@Silveradoss]

I see the live free or die plate glad you did aluminum the salt here in NH sucks on steel vehicles

[@jeremysmith876]

Nice job. The flatbed looks killer!

[@wallysprint]

Ahh! Such a "relief" every time you finished welding XD

[@hotroder48]

You don’t need a converter. Tap into the factory trailer light plug for combined stop and turn signal light.

[@fabien4470]

I don't own a pickup truck, I don't need a flatbed but this makes me feel like I should learn welding and build one 😂 This looks pretty neat, cheers from France.

[@IeeIee778]

Do it then sell it

[@AdelinoGambiarras]

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

[@crazypict]

The bed look perfect! Great job

[@PaulWhitedWoodStoneIron]

Hey another video from my new favorite youtuber! Thanks Waldo!!!

[@WaldosWorld]

Thank you! 🤩

[@LocklesstoM]

Well done, I personally would have attached thr back of the tool boxes to the frame to support them.

[@ltarbet56]

Great job with your flat bed. You are amazing!

[@stevesalvage1089]

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

[@WaldosWorld]

Thanks Steve! 🤠

[@LazySix]

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

[@samrodian919]

As a first time viewer I'm bloody impressed with that build. The only criticism I have is the angled back end. I think I would have made that curved instead, but it aesthetic thing, definitely NOT a criticism Waldo. You don't show it but I'm sure you countersink or use a Noga deburrer to remove the rough edges of the holes you drill. I say that because when you were inserting the wiring into the pillar of the upstand, it looked as if there were quite big "rags" as we call them here in the UK inside the holes where the hole saw broke through and that of course left in there would be likely to cut through the grommets you used to close the holes and possibly short your power wiring to ground.

[@organicintelligence6431]

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

[@adultonsethunter5370]

Looked at an aluminum flatbed similar to this that's professionally built for an '07 Ram 3500. $12,000 for the bed. It also didn't have box lights. So when my buddy totaled his drop deck 48' semi trailer, I offered a custom flatbed for his pickup in trade. Going to be maybe $3k total on the high end for 3 custom flatbeds.