Bed floor repair.... HELP!

[TroyPilcher]

Ok... Be gentle I'm very green to this truck stuff. I am in the process of buying a 1965 ford f100. It's in pretty good shape but the bed floor is really ruff. I don't see a fix using wood available unless it's a step. So how can one replace the metal bed using the same type of original material? Help!!!!

[sully5]

I have only found patch panels for the floors of these trucks and lining up and welding a bunch of patch panels would be a nightmare. Someone on here installed an entire floor cut out of a later model. A couple of us, went down to the local steel supplier and bought a sheet of tread plate.

FYI, a steel company can order tread plate in sizes bigger than 4x8. Mine was ordered big enough (6'x10' IIRC) to cut the wheel wells out and install it in one piece. I also had a 90* bend at the front with a 3" vertical because my bed front panel had some rust too.

[Rusty 63]

another build used a new late model ford floor right from the dealer parts dept

[64 f100]

Long bed short bed, what have you got? Might be easier to try and get a better bed later and just cover up the floor for now.

Rich

[TroyPilcher]

Sorry it's a short bed 1965 f100. Early model.

[Anthony]

pics would help a lot on how to tackle this project.. I am replacing mine as we speak.. I cut mine all the way out and am installing a $10 bed floor from a late 80's truck... I am using a grinder with wire brush and cut off wheels, and a saw saw. I will use a 110 mig to get it welded back in. Anything is possible if you put your mind to it and take your time and plan it out...

viewtopic.php?f=1&t=26816

by the way Troy, Welcome to the Slickest place on the web.. .. from West Virginia

[Rusted64]

Seen a few use diamond plate.

Probably pretty expensive, but it does look good.

Also, there is another thread in Truck Talk that did the late 80's swap.







J

[62bigwindow]

I am using 14 gauge sheet metal.May not be for everyone but with a flipped axle I can have one piece braked at a local shop to clear step notch and axle.If done right I like the look of a smooth bed floor, but I have been accused of not being right in the head also.

[DukeRoche]

I would say your better off looking for another bed but thats due to my lack of autobody skills.

[rwhistles]

RPD sells an 8 foot 70s model floor for about 389 dollars.that the way I'm gonna go when I get around to it.
but I live pretty close to the RPD warehouse in ocala fl. so shipping wont be a problem.

[jwh f-100]

check out my build thread.. i used a floor from a '86.. Free!!!

viewtopic.php?f=32&t=8950

[Gritsngumbo]

RPD sells an 8 foot 70s model floor for about 389 dollars.

RPD? Do you mean NPD or do you have a link?

[65MercTruck]

Hey all. I know this thread is old, but I JUST happened upon it. I'm currently repairing the bed floor and bed head in my 65 short style-side. Here's some photos I took over the weekend. I'm only just beginning this project.
I recently located a bed section cut from a 65 long bed. Took me a year of looking through swaps, junkyards, online, etc. These beds are tough to find! So, here starts the project! I'll post my progress in the coming weeks / months. Wish me luck!

Here's what my bed looks like now.



This is the bed section (half of a long-bed I recently purchased) that I'm taking apart. Drilling out the spot welds.



More drilling and popping the spots.



One side removed. Same process for the other side will follow.

[rderr]

viewtopic.php?f=32&t=31235

In the build thread you can see a few pics of the bed floor replacement I did. It was a center section from an 86 F150 and fabricated pieces in each corner. If you want to see more PM me and I will get your email add and then send you a powerpoint file I put together that documents it.

Rick

[bruceandersson]

I do not have any pics. My 65 short bed needed the front 6"s and the front crossbrace. I found that the second cross brace on a long bed was the same as the front one on the short bed. I had a bed that was otherwise junk and cut this brace out with the 6" of floor and needed and welded them together. Its a lot of welding and grinding, but it looked good when done. I also have a 'spare' short bed that has a rust-free floor, but the sides could be better. PM if interested, I'd let go for less than the RPD/NPD floor.

[64 f100]

Bed floor is available from NPD but cost with shipping is about 670$ for me. Floor is 500$ . These ship out of Michigan if I remember what I was told.

Rich