BED TRICKS

CUSTOM BED TIPS AND TRICKS WITH FREEMAN FABRICATION

Custom Bed Tips and Tricks With Freeman Fabrication

WHEN YOU GO low, expect to lose useable cargo space in the bed along with those inches in height. We’re talking about trucks that can limbo down to the ground and still squeeze massive meats in the rear. If that description sounds familiar, then you are well aware of the struggle that an extreme suspension drop presents.

The shrinking space is a fair tradeoff, though, especially if you’re good at making the most of situations like this. This particular 1961-63 body-style C-10 called for a complete bedfloor reconstruction, raising it in order to accommodate the adjustable suspension system below it, specifically, 11.5 inches higher than stock. To clear enough suspension travel, it just had to be done, but it wasn’t the end of the world.

Josh Freeman of Freeman Fabrication in Orange, California, was called in to add his artistic touch to the sheet metal floor, inner walls and fender designs. LMC Truck also stepped in to assist with the project by providing its quality-built bedsides and tailgate, since the truck’s preexisting parts were toast. Bolt-on products like these are the perfect solution for any truck (lifted, lowered or stock height) that could benefit from arrow-straight rear panels. There is absolutely no need to hop around between parts yards or spend time or money attempting to save heavily bruised factory bedsides and/or tailgates.

This kind of job hinges on precision craftsmanship. The bed floor and walls are comprised of multiple panels that fit together to form a functional structure that just happens to be extremely eye-catching. Ever wondered what goes into lifting a bed floor or making a custom version from scratch? Follow along and see for yourself just how it’s done, from visualizing and measuring to the types of tools you’ll need to tackle such an extensive job.