Quote:
Originally Posted by Rickysnickers
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I went with a piece of 10 gauge plate steel from the local supply store. I had to buy a 5'x12' sheet since they don't carry the 4'x10' sheet, but out the door, the entire sheet was $175. I clamped on a fence to keep things straight, and cut it down to the proper 49 1/2" x 97" for the floor, using a metal cutting blade on my 7 1/4" circular saw. Now i have plenty of plate metal left over for future projects and a floor that will out last the truck.
Once I got it cut to size, I tack welded five pieces of 1" angle stock to the bottom, between the location of the cross sills. Then I tacked on a length of 2" square tube down the middle, to act not only as a spine, but to use for lifting it in to place. It worked like a charm and I was able to use my engine crane to set the floor in to place on the upside down bed.
I have been drilling the holes in the bottom for the cross sills now and then I will add the holes needed for the bed strips and recessed D-rings. Once all my holes are drilled, I will cut the welds on the angle stock, weld in the D-rings, and clean the bottom of the bed floor for paint. After that, I can reinstall the cross sills and flip the bed back over so I can bed line the floor and install the bed strips.
-Joe