Need help on building a flatbed stake bed

[Big Barn]

3 sets each side should be adequate. Might have to do 4 depending on spacing and where your spring hangers are in relation to the length of the deck.

 

[Big Barn]

Determine what deck height you would like. That will help determine if you just put a wear strip between your truck main frame and your flat deck subframe or rip a timber (width of truck frame) to accommodate your finished height.

This is what I was used to doing as we did all loading dock work.

Regarding stake pockets. I would get someone with an iron worker to bend up "C" brackets to accommodate 2x4 or whatever size stakes you plan on using. "Wrap" /weld the pockets with matching width flat bar (horizontally) the length of your deck as a "rub rail". This will give your outer edges of the truck body a finished look as well as providing chain down and tie down areas.

Terry

 

[sixdogs]

Big Barn--I thought about the rub rail down the length but it isn't historically true to the 1967 truck I have. Not that it needs to be but stake pockets in a flat metal floor would look better I think. What do you think? Take a look.

Here's an example off the net--but with a wood floor.



I've also discover what appears to be pre-made sides for building truck beds. Look at the photo below and it sure looks commercially made. That would make life easier?



Thoughts?

 

[Big Barn]

I like the way you think. I'd go with the "historically correct". When we bought our F600 new in 1960 we built our deck with the enclosed stake pockets similar to your second photo.


We used 3/16" 3"x4" (I THINK) angle iron for the outer perimeter. The stake pockets weren't available commercially that we were aware of so we had them preformed to accept rectangular (steel)square tube.

As far as premade goes I suppose it would depend upon cost.

Terry