The Ford Barn - View Single Post

Joe K · 03-15-2024, 10:20 AM

The narrow bed is almost "unusable" as a means to carry anything. Maybe pieces of wood not to exceed 6' in length. And the width is narrower than a piece of plywood is wide.

I've carried plywood ON the narrow bed by using the ratchet straps and strapping it to the "top" of the bed and let 3' overhang. While secure, it does not lend confidence to those following.

A wide bed MIGHT allow you to sink the plywood to the bottom of the bed. With a similar overhang issue - but at least you have the tailgate to help.

As looks go, the narrow bed IS better - and the parts (all of them) are available either used or repop. One usually puts a couple of "side boards" to level the bed appearance to be a continuation of the "door belt line." It gives a place to put the advertising message of your choice.

Problems with used beds center around the center front panel which tends to rot out if the trailer box has been used to make a trailer (common adaptation.) Also the stake pockets and rear "Z" strip tend to collect rain and rot out at the bottom of the "u." You can feel underneath the curve to feel holes that may have formed.

Most restore the wood as original with "bed strips" which were being reproduced for a while in stainless (which is nice) but may not be available now. The beds were originally paint on wood "body color" - but many polyurethane for appearance. I recommend "Waterlox" which is a tung oil based coating MUCH superior to polyurethane (which "embrittles" in the sun.)

Joe K

03-15-2024, 10:20 AM	#3
Joe K Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Cow Hampshire Posts: 4,188	Re: Narrow bed or wide bed The narrow bed is almost "unusable" as a means to carry anything. Maybe pieces of wood not to exceed 6' in length. And the width is narrower than a piece of plywood is wide. I've carried plywood ON the narrow bed by using the ratchet straps and strapping it to the "top" of the bed and let 3' overhang. While secure, it does not lend confidence to those following. A wide bed MIGHT allow you to sink the plywood to the bottom of the bed. With a similar overhang issue - but at least you have the tailgate to help. As looks go, the narrow bed IS better - and the parts (all of them) are available either used or repop. One usually puts a couple of "side boards" to level the bed appearance to be a continuation of the "door belt line." It gives a place to put the advertising message of your choice. Problems with used beds center around the center front panel which tends to rot out if the trailer box has been used to make a trailer (common adaptation.) Also the stake pockets and rear "Z" strip tend to collect rain and rot out at the bottom of the "u." You can feel underneath the curve to feel holes that may have formed. Most restore the wood as original with "bed strips" which were being reproduced for a while in stainless (which is nice) but may not be available now. The beds were originally paint on wood "body color" - but many polyurethane for appearance. I recommend "Waterlox" which is a tung oil based coating MUCH superior to polyurethane (which "embrittles" in the sun.) Joe K __________________ Shudda kept the horse.