Curved Front Bed Panel

[hotrod1]

You have seen them; curved front bed panel that matches the curve of the back cab. Looks cool. Has anyone here done this? I lot of work? What do you think?

Pictures of the mod in progress?

[Nsanehotrodz]

Yes, I just finished the bed on a 48' Chevy with a custom made front bed panel to match the curve of the cab. DeWayne

[xpickup]

Nsanehotrodz, you know we need pictures. HAHA I think when ever I do my 54 I will make a curved front panel. I would roll the front tube to match the cab and the make the front panel with a 90 degree bend at the top and cut it to the curve of the tube. Then the front panel would be in a couple more inches further than the factory front.

Shannon

[hotrod1]

I imagine that u cant just adapt the stock bed. Just a hunch?

[blitz'd]

I did this to my truck with the stock front panel. Not finished yet.

[hotrod1]

I like it. Has anyone else done it this way? Does the curve turn out nice and smooth?

[mknittle]

Originally Posted by blitz'd

I did this to my truck with the stock front panel. Not finished yet.

I like your thinking on this

[Nsanehotrodz]

[Nsanehotrodz]

I also worked the bedsides to match the vertical curve of the cab.

[Kabwe]

Thats nice and all but whos 57 Convert in the background? Man that is nice.

[Nsanehotrodz]

Thanks, you can check out the other builds on my website including the 57'. www.nsanehotrodz.com

[hotrod1]

Nsane:

Do you have a different technique in bending it or just splitting it and re welding as a prior post suggests?

[duwem]

I was looking at my 50 last night thinking about this.

Did you extend the bedsides forward any, or are the bedsides stock length aside from the curve you did for the cab?

[hotrod1]

I think that this subject deserves a build or demo from someone who knows how to do it. Anybody????

[BlueJeep]

Originally Posted by duwem

I was looking at my 50 last night thinking about this.

Did you extend the bedsides forward any, or are the bedsides stock length aside from the curve you did for the cab?

Judging by where the rear axle lines up with the wheel tub, I'm guessing he slid the bed forward and he'll center the axle later.

[Nsanehotrodz]

Originally Posted by hotrod1

Nsane:

Do you have a different technique in bending it or just splitting it and re welding as a prior post suggests?

It's a custom made panel

Originally Posted by duwem

I was looking at my 50 last night thinking about this.

Did you extend the bedsides forward any, or are the bedsides stock length aside from the curve you did for the cab?

I slid the bed forward 1.5"

Originally Posted by BlueJeep

Judging by where the rear axle lines up with the wheel tub, I'm guessing he slid the bed forward and he'll center the axle later.

The axle was way off when I received the truck so when I moved it forward it centered the wheels up.

[hotrod1]

nice. Do you make the front panel and the bed sides one piece by completely welding them together?

[Nsanehotrodz]

Yes

[xpickup]

Nsanehotrodz, that was just what I was thinking. Great job.

Shannon

[Nsanehotrodz]

Originally Posted by xpickup

Nsanehotrodz, that was just what I was thinking. Great job.

Shannon

Thanks Shannon

[hotrod1]

nsane: Thanks for the info. Beautiful work.

[Nsanehotrodz]

Glad I could help. When you get ready to build a front bed panel and need some help let me know. DeWayne

[hotrod1]

Nsane:

Have been looking for a stretcher and shrinker setup. I am not professional and dont know how much use I will get. I know that you get what you pay for, but what would you suggest? Would a harbor freight work or should I save up and get a Lancaser?

Thanks

[BlueJeep]

I have been very happy with my harbor freight units. You can see pictures of some of the things I've done in my build thread. I did the research before I bought it and the jaws are interchangeable with the Lancaster jaws, so if they strip out or break I can just replace the jaws with the better ones.

[Nsanehotrodz]

Originally Posted by hotrod1

Nsane:

Have been looking for a stretcher and shrinker setup. I am not professional and dont know how much use I will get. I know that you get what you pay for, but what would you suggest? Would a harbor freight work or should I save up and get a Lancaser?

Thanks

I ordered mine from Tricktools.com which are made in the US by Lancaster. I use them on a daily basis and have never had a problem. Be sure to keep the teeth clean and you'll be fine. It sounds like BlueJeep has had good luck with the harbor freight units also.

DeWayne