Posted: 3/17/2011 10:37:05 AM EDT
| I recently purchased a flatbed and need help figuring out how I can mount it to my 84 Ford F250 frame. I am not going to weld it, thats looking for a busted frame. The flatbed frame/ichannel is not pre drilled either. I've heard I should run some retread tire pieces between my truck and flatbed frame for vibration sake similar to the cab mounts. Anyway, my other option would be u bolts, pry like 4 or so of them. Any idea where I can get them and how exactly that may work? |
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I recently returned from Australia and they have a surprising number of Toyota Land Cruiser Pickups (the old ones) plus Mitsus, etc. with flatbeds on them...they are everywhere, at least in the area I was in. Full-size trucks, not so much.
Many were factory installed...they (OEMs) seemed to make a big deal out of emblazoning the flat beds with "factory flat bed" labels. Anyway, point is you may be able to find some Australian truck modification outfits that make the necessary parts/have kits for mounting flat beds or at least get some ideas on how to do so. I know, a stab in the dark...just trying to be helpful. |
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Quoted: Either a lite mate or see if you can find a plug from a salvaged truck to plug into the existing socket?Thanks everyone. I will give it a shot. Any tips as to if I should splice the flatbed lights into my harness before or after attaching it? Im just assuming the truck has some sort of wiring socket for the lights. |
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Either a lite mate or see if you can find a plug from a salvaged truck to plug into the existing socket?
Thanks everyone. I will give it a shot. Any tips as to if I should splice the flatbed lights into my harness before or after attaching it? Im just assuming the truck has some sort of wiring socket for the lights. The flatbed is prewired turns, reverse/work lights, brakes etc. I have to attach that to the feature on my trucks. |
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I am getting ready to attach a new CM Truckbodies flatbed to my 98 Chevy 3500. We used to put a strip of oak wood on top of the frame rail to prevent squeeks. We have used U-bolts in the past too.
I talked with the guy at the dealership where I bought the body, the actual guy who does the installs. He told me to skip the wood, and mount direct to the frame rails. He said that they use 4 pieces of c-channel per side. He welds it to each side of the c-channel of the flatbed body, then drills and bolts it to the truck's frame rails. If you do not have a gooseneck hitch in the bed, then you could probably get by with three per side. Hope this helps. |
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I am getting ready to attach a new CM Truckbodies flatbed to my 98 Chevy 3500. We used to put a strip of oak wood on top of the frame rail to prevent squeeks. We have used U-bolts in the past too. I talked with the guy at the dealership where I bought the body, the actual guy who does the installs. He told me to skip the wood, and mount direct to the frame rails. He said that they use 4 pieces of c-channel per side. He welds it to each side of the c-channel of the flatbed body, then drills and bolts it to the truck's frame rails. If you do not have a gooseneck hitch in the bed, then you could probably get by with three per side. Hope this helps. Yep 30k rated gooseneck. What does he suggest in terms of mounting between the bed and the frame then? I understand he didn't specify however, I would think something should be used? I did think of the weld and drill deal too, just not too sure there. I'm looking to have this on in the next week so purchasing a welder would not workout in the near future. I am sure that I could borrow one, but I'm looking to get this baby on the road! |
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I am getting ready to attach a new CM Truckbodies flatbed to my 98 Chevy 3500. We used to put a strip of oak wood on top of the frame rail to prevent squeeks. We have used U-bolts in the past too. I talked with the guy at the dealership where I bought the body, the actual guy who does the installs. He told me to skip the wood, and mount direct to the frame rails. He said that they use 4 pieces of c-channel per side. He welds it to each side of the c-channel of the flatbed body, then drills and bolts it to the truck's frame rails. If you do not have a gooseneck hitch in the bed, then you could probably get by with three per side. Hope this helps. Yep 30k rated gooseneck. What does he suggest in terms of mounting between the bed and the frame then? I understand he didn't specify however, I would think something should be used? I did think of the weld and drill deal too, just not too sure there. I'm looking to have this on in the next week so purchasing a welder would not workout in the near future. I am sure that I could borrow one, but I'm looking to get this baby on the road! He said they sit the truck body directly onto the truck frame. No rub strips, wood strips, rubber, or anything. My gooseneck is a 30k rated one too. With this kind of load directly onto the body, I want it mounted solidly to the truck, not u-bolted on. The right way may take you some time and effort to do if you lack a welder, but it's the best way. I will be using 8 pieces of 4 inch c-channel about 12 inches long and at least 1/2" grade 8 bolts. I may substitute some 1/2" thick 4 or 5 " wide flat steel depending on what I find laying around the shop. |
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I am getting ready to attach a new CM Truckbodies flatbed to my 98 Chevy 3500. We used to put a strip of oak wood on top of the frame rail to prevent squeeks. We have used U-bolts in the past too. I talked with the guy at the dealership where I bought the body, the actual guy who does the installs. He told me to skip the wood, and mount direct to the frame rails. He said that they use 4 pieces of c-channel per side. He welds it to each side of the c-channel of the flatbed body, then drills and bolts it to the truck's frame rails. If you do not have a gooseneck hitch in the bed, then you could probably get by with three per side. Hope this helps. Yep 30k rated gooseneck. What does he suggest in terms of mounting between the bed and the frame then? I understand he didn't specify however, I would think something should be used? I did think of the weld and drill deal too, just not too sure there. I'm looking to have this on in the next week so purchasing a welder would not workout in the near future. I am sure that I could borrow one, but I'm looking to get this baby on the road! He said they sit the truck body directly onto the truck frame. No rub strips, wood strips, rubber, or anything. My gooseneck is a 30k rated one too. With this kind of load directly onto the body, I want it mounted solidly to the truck, not u-bolted on. The right way may take you some time and effort to do if you lack a welder, but it's the best way. I will be using 8 pieces of 4 inch c-channel about 12 inches long and at least 1/2" grade 8 bolts. I may substitute some 1/2" thick 4 or 5 " wide flat steel depending on what I find laying around the shop. Great thanks a bunch bud. I figure I shall run the ubolts and then buy a welder and do it the right way. 
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