I have "acquired" a wrecked 97 F150, it needs a replacement bed... but I am mroe interested in getting a flatbed for it if someone makes a kit that saves me some fabrication. Can anybody point me to a kit that is made for 97's or such? I could make one but I'd like to see if there is something functional for a farm type application.

 

Anybody??? no flatbeds eh?

Hmm... sounds like an opportunity here!

 

Well since FORD designed those "nifty" notches on the cab corners for the bed to fit into it would look kinda funny with just a flat bed. Of course you could form up some cab corners.....

 

Yeah, I think you could cut a flatbed to contour up around, or into, those recesses. The curved front might look kinda cool, too.

A custom-cut bed-front would hide that, and protect the cab from a load moving forward.

 

You might do what I did and find a solid used flatbed/stakebed and adapt it. I made some 2" tube crossmembers, bolted them to the frame of my '76, set the bed on them, and welded it in place. No alteration to the frame and very easy work.

That mount on ncrancheros frame with the angles over the sides (dump bed kit?) is a very strong way to go too. I have the same general setup adapting my Holmes 440 boom. Low, strong, and the angles halt lateral movement.

Check salvage yards and scrap metal places for big flatbeds you can trim (I Sawzall 'em) to size, as well as the Carolina Trader.

If you are near Sumter, Infingers is a convenient place to buy metal. I'm not affiliated with them, but they are nice folks with a good selection.

 

That's the under bed frame for the gooseneck hitch that was in the bed. I removed the hitch and frame before installing my "new" bed. But you're right, that frame is a REAL chunk of steel!