2011 Flatbed Build by SMKYTXN

By diyauto
( 4 )

3 minute(s) of a 57 minute read

12-23-2014

Put the truck on the scales. Myself and my dad were in the cab along with probably 100lbs of stuff in the back seat. The toolbox is loaded, but the bed is empty. 



 


12-28-2014







12-29-2014


Slippery!!!!!




1-22-2015


I figured this picture should be in the bed build thread. Now to figure out the new shocks and bumps. 




Also, I have an issue with the UHMW deck expanding on me. It turns out I should have added a row of fasteners down the middle of the deck. If you look at the back end of the bed in the picture above you can see the deck bulged above the steel. We haven't had a hot day yet, but sitting out in the sun on a 65 degree day resulted in the deck buckling up nearly 2" in the middle. 


So my options are to weld in a center support and through bolt the deck, or just cut the deck down the middle so it can expand and contract. I'd rather not cut the UHMW though. 


When I add the upper shock towers I'll have to weld on the bed, so I'll probably just pull it off and add the center support.


I had square tube on the brain when I decided to build the bed, so channel didn't come up. I'll let my new chevy 63's compensate for the rear frame rails not flexing as much as they used too. 


I really hate to do it, but for the time being I'm just going to cut a strip out of the center of the bed. That will allow it to move as much as it wants. Stepping in the middle of that area will result in some deflection, but it won't keep me from carrying gear back there. It's a shame too, as I went to a lot of trouble to find a sheet that I could put down in one piece. 


This will keep me from having to remove the bed as well.



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