My kids and I have decided to build our own wood bed. Prolly would be cheaper to buy the wood kit somewhere like some bed specialty company that will go unnamed , but where is the fun in that I ask you? Besides, the kids are hot on doing it themselves. Read lots of posts on the subject. Nate has even mentioned in previous posts that there are two really good bed assembly manuals out there. I can't find 'em. Anybody know where to get the specs on bed wood for a '55 first series? I have all the wood working tools and the talent, just need a plan, man. Andy
Here's another site www.chevytrucks.org/jeff/ and then go to the tech tips. Mar-K sells an instruction book for $10. I have not seen it, but i did buy a copy of "Bed Restoration Manual" from Chevsofthe40s for $4.
Here's another site you might want to check out! Go to www.getthegrillsmokin'.com for some hot ideas on truck bed tips!
Bed Rebuilding Booklets There you have them ~ the Chev's Of The 40's and Mar-K's most excellent booklet . chock full of usefull information ... Remember to treat the boards top and bottom before you do final assembly . -Nate
Tonights the night Speaking of building a bed, I am to get the bed parts from the painter tonight. Hooooooorayyyy!!!!!!!! Oh, I am sorry but this is exciting. After 5 years the lights at the end of the tunnel do not look like a train anymore. My neighbor and I will be up till 4:00 AM if it takes that long. I have the SYP boards coated with Spar Var and all the bolts from the kit all laied out. Oops, one is missing. No time to wait for a replacement when there is a hardware store on the way home from work. Hmmm, I wonder if I should call in sick today.
Of course you should call in sick! Something that special would cause me to have to call my boss and say "I have a problem with my eye-Can't see myself coming into work today!"
Ken you the man !!! I would Love to use that one but Opps I am the boss . Still a Great line anyway. My 2 cents Chiro unless you got a wood shop in the basement Just buy the kit. I have a friend whom after a lot and I mean a lot of work made a bed up for a 51' only to have it warp out to all He-- a few months later . Something to do with the wood not being perfectly dried.
smile or frown It would also have A BUNCH to do with if the end grain looked like a smile or a frown when looking at it installed. If it looks like a smile- you will end up frowning. You would want to make sure the center of the tree faces down to the street. (bark side up) Otherwise the wood stands a great chance of cupping. Reguardless of the extra work in finishing.
