Originally Posted by
1948 Cal Willys Pickup
Thats a good question as I am contemplating doing the same thing. My plan was for a fully wooden stake bed but I figured I would need to add some metal cross members but I haven't gotten to that point in my rebuild. Ultimately though I want something I can take off rather simply in the future. For you I would consider the use of your bed. If you don't plan on using it to haul anything heavy you probably wont need too much additional support. I would definitely consider some kind of support to keep your bed square at a minimum. I don't think just leaving a small flange on the sides for mounting your floorboards will be enough. Consider welding in support triangles in all four corners in addition to what ever you leave in the bed. I would also consider a brace across the center as this will be where all your stress moves to if you reinforce the corners. Good luck and let me know what you come up with. Would love to see some pics of your project.