I can make LPB box sides (9 Viewers)

[D'Animal]

That bed looks so nice I would hate to be the first one to throw firewood in it.


Keep up the Great work!

 

[45hopin]

beautiful work!!!!

 

[Awl_TEQ]

Thanks guys, I have some progress pics I need to download and post up - maybe I'll find time tonight.

 

[Awl_TEQ]

Just random pics of progress

front and rear corner posts

rear post with brace bracket attached and tail gate chain shoulder bolt - also latch hook bolts

front wall and sides w/o corner posts

 

[Awl_TEQ]

rear post test fitted

added a small shim ...

because the post overlaps the end of the floor. Also the holes were a bit off but rather than elongate them I welded them shut and match drilled them so as not to have any sort of weakness at this joint

 

[Awl_TEQ]

another post on posts

welded in place

 

[Awl_TEQ]

Front post - more of an angle really, but when installed it wraps around the end channel of the front wall and gives a lot of strength


front and rear installed - lots of fitting and removing of the side on the floor assembly to ensure a good fit before welding. FYI - the bed is exactly 16.5" deep from the top of the top rail to the bottom of the floor ribs

 

[Awl_TEQ]

 

[Awl_TEQ]

Though not welded in place the side assembly is very stiff with just the bolts holding it

 

[Awl_TEQ]

I made some latch hooks at work using 3/8" x 1" HR bar. The original is more like 5/16" x 7/8' but we didn't have that oddball size so I was hoping it wasn't too wide for the latch. After taking it home and test fitting it on my original bed I found that it wasn't too wide for the latch but it was for the opening through the tail gate. So I took a set back to work and warmed up my hands on the 6" belt sander. Now at 7/8" width they fit good.

 

[Exiled]

I am not kidding when I say that this thread is better than porn...WOW! I am in respectiful awe of your work, I can't wait to see the finished bed!

 

[merbesfield]

Beautiful

 

[oldfj40]

Keeps looking better and better! I'd like to buy a complete bed from you but then I wouldn't feel the same sense of accomplishment I'm getting by working with my rusty junk.

You should stop by for a beer on your next trip though.Looks like you had a great trip.

 

[a.greenspan]

Kevin,
what do you think, will the weight of your new bed be less /more /
or approximately the same as the old Toyota bed?
Cheers
Peter

 

[Rhinoliner]

Bed

That bed looks awesome. You're a talented man.

When I put my bed together I was amazed at what a key role these couple of welds (where you have bolts now) play in the whole assembly. They seem to give the side panels all of their strength and determine if your tailgate lines up properly.

Keep up the great work.

 

[Awl_TEQ]

Keeps looking better and better! I'd like to buy a complete bed from you but then I wouldn't feel the same sense of accomplishment I'm getting by working with my rusty junk.

You should stop by for a beer on your next trip though.Looks like you had a great trip.

Absolutely - next time I'll contact you first and get your address

Kevin,
what do you think, will the weight of your new bed be less /more /
or approximately the same as the old Toyota bed?
Cheers
Peter

Peter - this bed will be slightly heavier than stock due to using 14 Ga side panels instead of the stock 16 Ga (at the customers request). Also, some of the original bed parts are made from gauges of metal that are not commonly kept in stock at my suppliers (i.e. 13 Ga = 0.093"). In such cases I used the next thicker gauge of material to reproduce the part (i.e 12 Ga = 0.104" , with metal gauges a higher number means thinner material)

My standard bed is all 12 Ga - 0.104" (top rails, cross members, rear valence, corner posts) and 16 Ga - 0.059" (sides, front wall, floors, humps) and 10 Ga - 0.134" (cross member to frame mounts)

I would estimate this finished bed at around 20 Lb heavy and with 16 Ga sides about 8 Lb.

That bed looks awesome. You're a talented man.

When I put my bed together I was amazed at what a key role these couple of welds (where you have bolts now) play in the whole assembly. They seem to give the side panels all of their strength and determine if your tailgate lines up properly.

Keep up the great work.

Rhino - yes, with those bolts and the extra stiffening bracket that corner is rock solid. I will be adding a bit of hidden weld there as well just for insurance.

I am not kidding when I say that this thread is better than porn...WOW! I am in respectiful awe of your work, I can't wait to see the finished bed!

You're watching the wrong porn dude!

 

[a.greenspan]

again, your job is awesome ,
can`t clap enough

but you need new tailgate hinges, if you make some more I take two
Cheers
Peter

 

[Awl_TEQ]

Peter, I haven't measured them up yet but I plan to make the hinges. Someone here made some for the earlier trucks that looked great but I think the hole pattern is different. I'll be sure to make you a couple also

 

[crushers]

very impressive work.
congrates.

 

[Awl_TEQ]

Thanks Wayne, I appreciate it.

I finished welding the bed last night so it is done save for some grinding and buffing.

Now I'm working on the tailgate. I've made them before but I didn't make the chains or hinges.