Before attempting to install a wood bed, it is important to know the proper measurements. The size of the wood planks should depend on the model year and layout of the truck. You can determine the correct dimensions by measuring the width and length of the existing planks, as well as the mounting holes in the cross sills of the bed. In addition, you must allow for one-eighth-inch expansion and contraction to ensure a smooth fit. For example, if you are installing a wood bed in a Chevrolet first-series truck, a 3/4-inch-thick wood plank is appropriate.
Next, you will need to prepare the wood bed floor. This includes sanding down the old bed, making sure to create grooves in the boards to account for the expansion and contraction of wood in different temperatures. You can also use wood floor pads and rubber mats to prevent water from getting trapped under the wood floor.
What is the Best Wood to Use For a Truck Bed?
There are many factors that go into choosing the perfect wood for your truck bed. First and foremost, you need to choose a wood that has good shock-absorbing qualities and will fit in with your vehicle’s interior. Ash is an excellent choice because it is resilient, flexible and shock-absorbing. Black walnut is also a great choice for your truck bed. This type of wood is normally reserved for high-end furniture, and it will look great on show trucks in climate-controlled garages.
Linseed oil is another option for finishing your truck bed. This oil is non-toxic and will not harm any metallic parts in your truck bed. The best way to apply this oil is to spread it evenly over the entire truck bed and rub it in with a soft cloth. Once the oil dries, you should apply another coat every six months to a year. You can also apply linseed oil to your truck bed before painting it. Linseed oil will prevent water from damaging the wood’s surface.
Another wood choice for your truck bed is hickory. This wood is durable and will last for many years. If you want to customize your wood, you can visit a company that specializes in truck bed construction. Then, you can choose from a wide selection of woods.
What Can I Put on My Wood Truck Bed?
To preserve the wood bed of your truck, you can apply linseed oil. Apply the oil liberally over the entire bed length. Let the oil soak into the wood until you cannot see it anymore. Repeat this process every six months or so. It may take an hour to completely soak into the wood.
Choose a durable, shock-absorbing wood. Ash is a sturdy and flexible wood that is great for truck beds. If you want a traditional, classic look, you can choose oak. Another good choice is black walnut, which is typically used for fine furniture. Its warm, rich color makes it an excellent choice for a truck bed.
To protect the wood in your truck bed from moisture and stains, you can apply linseed oil. Linseed oil is non-toxic and will not damage metal parts. However, it’s a good idea to wear protective gear while using it.
What are the Different Types of Truck Beds?
Depending on the size of your truck, there are a few different types of truck beds available. The most common types are the stepside and the fleetside. Fleetside beds have their wheels underneath the bed, and the flat side of this type of truck makes for less interior space. Stepside trucks have wheels on the side of the bed. They can be more rectangular, but the wheels are larger than the bed and cabin.
The first thing to do is to measure your truck’s bed. Measure the length and width of the bed and compare it to the measurements advertised. If the measurements do not match, you can find a different model. You can use a tape measure to find the exact length.
The standard short bed is around five feet long, while the full-size bed is about seven feet long. This bed is ideal for carrying large cargo, but is not too long.
How Deep is the Bed of a Truck?
To determine how deep a truck’s wood bed is, look at the truck’s dimensions. The bed on a 1947 to 1951 model truck usually has nine bed boards. The bed on a 1952 to 1954 model usually has seven boards. The measurements for a 1949 to 1953 model truck are different.
There are many factors to consider. Your truck’s bed size can vary a lot, but a good rule of thumb is a full-sized mattress is roughly 75 inches by 38 inches, while a twin-sized mattress is only 54 inches by 75 inches. However, if you’re going to haul furniture or other large items, it’s best to buy a truck with a bed that’s at least half an inch wider than the bed.
The width of the bed is a consideration, but some trucks have a shallower wood bed than others. For instance, a Ford F-150 truck bed is 19.7 inches deep, while a Chevrolet Silverado 1500 truck bed is 21.1 inches deep. A shallower bed makes it easier to tie down your cargo and allows you to carry lighter items.
Why Did Old Trucks Have Wood Beds?
Wooden truck beds are a classic way to customize a truck. They can be made of different types of wood and can be stained or sealed. You can even choose the color of the wood. If you want the wood to look a little more natural, you can use exotic woods.
In the early days of truck production, wood beds were standard. Later, however, metal bed floors became standard. You may have seen pictures of a 1948 Chevrolet 3100, which has a wood floor in its bed. This photo is courtesy of Mecum Auctions. The wood is attached to strips that bolt to cross sills, which give it strength.
When Did Chevy Stop Using Wood Beds?
In the past, Chevy and GMC trucks had wood beds made of southern yellow pine. These beds were treated with linseed oil and lampblack, and held in place with metal strips. Later models had the bed wood painted the same color as the rest of the truck’s exterior. However, today many people are opting for clear finishes, which bring out the wood’s grain and color. It is also important to ensure the finish is UV-resistant.
Wood floors were also used on beds until 1978. However, it is hard to police the “original” wood bed. The bed is the largest flat surface on a truck. It also has an important role in the overall presentation of a truck’s build. Thankfully, today’s trucks can be customized to include wood beds, and some companies now offer kits to convert steel beds to wood.
The first series of truck beds varied in length according to payload capacity. They were either 77” or 85 3/4” in length. Some 1/2-ton trucks featured shorter planks. The bed also featured metal strips called “wear strips” on the cross sills.
What Size Truck Bed is Best?
Truck beds come in many shapes and sizes. One factor to consider is the amount of space you need. Typically, the length of the bed is measured from the wheel wells to the interior. Most trucks have a bed length of 48 inches. This length is roughly the equivalent of a standard sheet of plywood or drywall.
To determine the right size, you’ll need to know how much space you have to put goods. You’ll need a truck bed measuring tape. Find the make and model of your truck and then measure the length of the bed. Make sure to compare this measurement with the bed length that’s advertised. Measurements can differ slightly depending on the angle of the tape measure.
Another consideration is the size of your mattress. Although most truck beds can accommodate a full-size mattress, the exact size of your mattress may vary. It is always best to measure the bed first before purchasing a mattress. Mid-sized trucks usually fit twin-size mattresses, and full-sized trucks can fit full-sized mattresses.
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