DIY Flatbed Build, Each Step in My Process
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- Опубликовано: 28 дек 2020
- Every step in building this flatbed for my truck. Plans for the build at metaspencer.etsy.com
The project cost me $800 to build. Supply list is here:
Paint
* 2 cans acid etch primer amzn.to/3mMo1ZL
* 1 bed liner kit amzn.to/3rDHKi6
* 2 cans black spray paint amzn.to/34JhPvg
* 2 quarts reddish tinted Thompson’s WaterSeal amzn.to/3RkI0yO
Fasteners
* 2” strong wood-to-steel screws (this is an example of this type of screw: amzn.to/3lRxZcN); used to attach your decking to your cross rails
* 8 1/2” bolts, grade 8, to connect the brackets to the vehicle frame; these will be approximately 1.5” - 2” depending on the thickness of your truck’s frame
* 8 1/2” bolts, grade 8, to connect long rails to the brackets; 4” to travel through your 3” tubing and the supporting brackets
* 1/2” washers, lock washers, and nuts; at least 16 of each threaded to match bolts
* Assorted self tapping screws for attaching accessories to your flatbed
* 1/4”-20 1” bolts to attach your license plate to the tail section
Accessories
* Round rear tail lights amzn.to/3rnxXwt
* Flush mount flood lights (1 or 2 sets) amzn.to/2WXZc2N
* Wiring harness (1 for each set of floods you plan to use) amzn.to/38BB1fJ
* Orange running lights amzn.to/3poEkhb
* Backup camera amzn.to/38zNctA
* License plate light amzn.to/34LXa9Y
* Assorted wire connectors amzn.to/37N2qMw)
* Wire conduit amzn.to/3aJfXa0
* Stranded wire for rear floods and additional connections amzn.to/3nVXZow
* Heat resistant electrical tape amzn.to/3aJmgtS
* Weld on tie-downs amzn.to/3pRLLyC
* Fuel filler door of this general style amzn.to/3rrISoT
* Fold down steps (optional) amzn.to/3mKNtPf
Tools
* Welder (stick, MIG, or flux core)
* Angle grinder with grinding, cutting, and flap-disc attachments
* Optional: Plasma cutter and/or horizontal band saw
* Speed square and measuring tape
* Power drill
* Drill press (not necessary but ideal)
* Assorted drill bits
* Orbital sander and sand paper (to finish your deck boards)
* Hand plane
* Chain hoist (aka chainfall, amzn.to/37Q2nzt) or equivalent way (engine hoist, system of jacks, small derrick of some kind, beam trolley, etc.) to move the flatbed on and off of the truck
* 1/4”-20 tap for license plate bolts
* Circular saw or chop saw (for cutting decking)
* Hand plane
* RamBoard or equivalent for making templates amzn.to/3hjnWf8
* Crimpers, wire strippers, heat gun, etc. for making electrical connections
* basic safety gear: ear and eye protection, ventilator, dust mask, gloves, etc.
(the above are Amazon Associates links; buying products through the links helps support the channel)
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Хобби
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
I definitely feel fortunate and lucky ... thanks for checking it out!
That's a small work area.
Love how the dog is already sitting in the cab ready for the next road trip
Yep, she love that truck as much as I do
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.
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!
Bless you sir
@@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.
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 RUclips correctly. Don’t let the BS get you down you’re helping everyday dudes!
Sounds like a great truck!
I think that “flat mitre” is more satisfying and precise than a regular one!
I've gotta agree with ya there! :)
The way you marked out the fender well arc, that was meta. 👌🏻
Haha! Sometimes ya gotta meta-it-up! :)
@@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
It was about $600-$800 but prices are way higher now for materials
Damn fine job. Thanks for filming it.
Thanks man. Much appreciated
I love the wood planks. Really makes it pop! Great job!
Yeah, I wasn't sure about the wood until I got it on there ... now I'm lovin' it. Thanks for checking it out
Thanks for the design inspiration! Loving the way my flatbed turned out.
Cool to hear that you built one! That's awesome man
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!
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!
Brilliant !! Beautiful work. Excellent videography.
Oh that's so nice to hear! Big thanks! :)
That’s awesome! I really like your video, its cut down just right! The end product is Stellar! Good job!
Big thanks! Yeah I’m pretty happy with it
Great looking shop and well equipped. A good usable shop makes working easier and more efficient. I'm enjoying your channel and projects.
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
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.
Great to hear. Good luck!
Awesome build. I’m using your idea as inspiration for an all wood version. I’m a woodworker and really enjoy my craft.
All wood flatbeds can be great! I saw one yesterday here in town and it was awesome. Good stuff man
Phenomenal build man! Great video & clips too, very easy to watch and enjoy. Thanks for sharing & absolutely great call changing those lights out! 🤣
Excellent! Good to hear it. I'm loving that truck in soooo many ways
That was a very nice build. Thank you for sharing it.
Thanks for checking it out! It's been a great truck
One of the best flatbed overview build yet
Big thanks! It’s made the truck so much better
Chucke2009 in 30 years. Whoa!!!!!
Excellent
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.
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
Love your shop! simple and organize and capable!
Thanks buddy! It's always great to have a space ya know :)
Awesome build. I wish I would have had your plans when we built ours last year
Sounds like you got it done! Thanks for checking out my build
Another thing I’ve wanted to do for a while. Incredible job.
Thanks for checking it out! Yeah, I was thinking about it for the while and the right messed up truck came into my life :)
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.
The old tombstone welder! But you got it done. Thanks for the kind words man
great build, and great style of vid, no BS, love it !!!!
Big thanks! I definitely had fun with it
Looks like the one I built 30 years ago for my 65 Chevy. Nice job.
65! Sounds like a beauty
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
Thanks buddy- yeah it’s been a great truck
Turned out real clean 👍
Oh yeah, I'm lovin' it. Thanks man
Incredible, thanks for sharing.
Big thanks! Glad you checked it out
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.
Big thanks! Cool to hear you are building one!!
Very nice! You're gifted.
Big thanks! The truck has been amazing with that new bed
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.
Absolutely man ... just practice a bit and jump right in there! Nothing quite compares to fabricating something from the raw components. Big thanks!
Same here, I've always wanted to learn to weld but I keep holding myself back.
Harbor freight is your friend when it comes to learning new skills
Looks really good,..really clean!.best flatbed video on RUclips!..
Big thanks man!
Like the garage lights...can apply that myself to my barn
I wasn't sure it would work but I like them too ... affordable way to light a big space
Awesome! Looks Amazing! Well Done!
Thanks for having a look! it's definitely been nice
Very nice, those lights look a lot better 👌
Thanks for checking it out. Yeah, the round ones were a good choice. :)
Truly beautiful build. I would’ve loved to help with a project like that. A lot to learn from you
Thanks for checking it out! You'll have to help on the next one :)
Beautiful build. Wow.
Thanks man ... yeah, it's been a great work truck
Great video! Looks nice and clean!
Thanks for checking it out! Still loving that flatbed after a year or two
I must say you went the extra mile to make the bed look neat and tidy. I LIKE IT!
Big thanks! Yeah, it's been a good one
Great video. Your bed came out really nice.
Thanks for checking it out!
This guy is a BEAST!!! 1 man team!!!! Get it done ✅
Big thanks man!
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.
Great way to furnish a man cave! I like that story :)
This was awesome. Thank you for this
Great to hear! Thanks
Amazing video! Looks great👌
Thanks man!
Very cool, Man!!!! Awesome job!!!!
Big thanks! It's been pretty sweet to have
Great job looks awesome.
Thanks for checking it out!
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.
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
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
Woah! Nice of you to say. Yeah it really saved the truck and made it perfect for my work. Thanks man!
Absolutely Beautiful
Thanks for checking it out!
Slick job on putting the wood. I like 👍
Big thanks man! Yeah, I'm happy with how it turned out
Thank you, your video has helped me out a lot. Almost done with my truck bed.
Most excellent! You're gonna love it. Totally great
I’d love to see a pic!
@@metaspencer ruclips.net/video/a5Qb7rT-YPc/видео.html I got a lot done since but here is what it looked like few days ago. Tomorrow I sand for painting.
That’s dope . Looks sick
Big thanks! yep, use it every day and it's been great. thanks for checking it out
Excelente video , Fort Puerto Rico USA Beatiful flatvet
Big thanks!
Just spectacular!
Many thanks! It's been a fun one
Super cool look. 👍
Big thanks!
Great video. Thanks!
Thanks for checking it out!
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.
Great idea! I just got a used crane and will put it on my truck or trailer. Love the possibilities
Fantastic work 👍
Big thanks!
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
You’re gonna love the new bed!
The Spencemobile is rockin! Those round taillights just make it. Great job! What new skill you learning in 21? Happy New Year!! 🥂🍾
First skill of 2021 has gotta be plasma cutting ... I'm still super rough with it but have some shop furniture planned that'll school me. After that, who knows right? :) Big thanks!
Always it looks good
Thanks man
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.
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
That is a damn beautiful bed!!
Big thanks!! It’s been great on the truck
Looks amazing
Thanks!
Very talented love your work Great job
Big thanks! great hearing from ya :)
Cool. Great job 👍🏻👍🏻
Thanks for taking a look
Awesome fab skills!
Thanks man! It was a fun one
Looks Great Man !
Big thanks man!
You did an amazing job with this. It's been fun following the process.
Now, I wonder what'll happen next
Options include 1) hot tub back there, 2) the truck never leaves the garage because I'm too protective of it, 3) start piling logs onto it :)
@@metaspencer Let it fullfil it's purpose and pile logs on it.
I meant what's the next project
@@SteampunkSteve Next project! I've got a list but I'm thinking it might be a heavy duty shop cabinet. We'll see :)
@@metaspencer at one camp where I was the facilities manager we built a panel saw. Sure wish I had that when I built my Skoolie
Such a great job. Wow
Big thanks! Yeah, the truck has been terrific since setting this up.
Happy new year to you and your wife
Thanks Caroline. Same to you guys
Excellent work 🤘🏻🤘🏻
Thanks buddy. it's been a great truck
Looks great!
Big thanks man
Awesome work
Thanks for checking out the project, man
Looks great man!
Thanks for checking it out!
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!!
You've got a treasure of a truck there! it's gonna be amazing man. thanks!
@@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
Wanting to build one for my 90s dually awesome video
Oh that dually would be great with a flatbed! You're gonna love everything about it except for the higher materials costs these days
awsome job really nice
Big thanks! It's been a good truck with that new bed
Looks great 👍
Big thanks!
Nice fabrication work!
Thanks man
Great job! 👍
Big thanks!
Nice work!!
Thanks man. I've been loving that truck
Good job men.,.i love your works..
Big thanks! That means a lot
Great job
Thanks! It’s been great
Awesome build!!! I'm gonna have to steal your design but add storage boxes underneath. Also gonna use e track on the seams to have tie down points.
Sounds like some great upgrades!
Very nice work
Thanks for checking it out
Great job.
Thanks friend! Always good to hear from you
Outstanding!
Big thanks!
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.
I vote YES on the chainfall. :) thanks man
I love it it is a work of art...... I need one for my 03 F550.....
550! Now that's a truck!
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!
You're gonna love that new bed -- mine completely transformed the truck and it's been an awesome work truck ever since. Big thanks!
Awesome build.!!! I have the same truck and thinking about getting rid of my aluminum flatbed and fabbing all steel flatbed.
You're gonna love that new bed!
That turned out really nice! Good work! Enjoyed watchin :)
Thanks for checking it out. Yeah, the truck has been really great with the bed on there. I'd definitely do it again
Incredible!
Thanks
Well done Body! Really good work! Looks too. Greetings from Germany
I haven't been to Germany in a while ... I recall seeing some cool Amaroks there. thanks for checking it out!
That home made gantry is awesome I have two chain hoist just sitting in a box I need to build something like that
Big lag bolts to the rafters seems to work… thanks man
That explosion at 6:59 almost made me spit Coke through my nose LOL Great video. Nice bed.
hahaha ... it was one of those POW moments :)
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.
Thanks for checking it out! Yer gonna love that new flatbed you build
That is one of the sexiest flatbeds I’ve ever seen! Amazing work!! Amazing
Big thanks! It turned out great and somehow is also a joy to drive. Lots of fun. Thanks for checking it out!
I’ve never watched a flatbed install video in all of RUclips. This was so amazing! I should have stayed in Shop class in high school😂😂
Thanks for checking it out! Yeah, it was a fun project and it really saved the old truck