Hot Rod Truck Aluminum Bed Kit - What is it?

[Gizmosrcool]

I am looking at the options. What is the Hot Rod Truck Aluminum Bed Kit? I cant seem to find a picture.

I am thinking a wood bed. I have seen a few folks with the rails that sit between the wood and they have slots in them so things can be tied to it. That is what I am thinking.

Does one need the aluminum bed kit?

Thx, Tom

[PhilO]

Aluminum slats that look like wood. Hold up better in the sun and weather, but wood is a viable choice as well

[edwardb]

This is from my truck build thread on 05-26-2021. Link in sig line below.

About that wood bed. Each update from Factory Five (Brent) was they were having trouble getting it from the vendor. No longer even returning phone calls. About a week ago, they contacted me and said they have totally struck out with the wood bed. Cost plus mainly availability. Lumber is crazy right now if you follow in the news. They recommended a wood grain aluminum product, sent me pictures, and I approved. Upon receipt, learned the kit is from Smokey Bones Rod Shop. Made for Factory five including the gas tank cutout. The kit contains all the required pieces -- SS strips for between the boards, mounting hardware, even a piece to finish the ends at the tailgate. The instructions are a little sparse but I'll figure it out when the time comes. Not clear whether the SS floor piece should be used or not. We'll see. Here's a picture of just the wood grain pieces after I took them out of the box. Appears to be some kind of vinyl (or whatever) clad material stuck onto the aluminum. It wraps around the ends and underneath so you can see that's what it is. No finishing required, should be very stable, and is advertised as more durable than wood. I’m not planning to haul gravel or building materials in my truck. I think it will be OK. I like it.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=148509&d=1621994444

[Robodent]

I have the aluminum bed kit on my truck. I got it from Smokey road rod shop before ffr had it as a option.
If you got to the Smokey road rod shop website you can see all the color options available. I replaced some of the 10/24 bolts with eye bolts so it can tie down lawn chairs so when I go to a cruise nite or car show I have something to sit on. Rob

[cob427sc]

I have done several wood beds with the stainless strips (not on FFR trucks) and it's pretty simple to build. Last one, I bought oak boards at Home Depot, polyed the boards, bought a stainless strip kit (around $100) from one of the hot rod suppliers. You have to drill your own holes for the SS bolts but ends up making a nice truck bed for a whole lot less than buying one from Smokey.

[Gizmosrcool]

I think I have it. If I do not order the aluminum bed kit from FF then I have a hole in the truck bed and I am on my own to find a solution. Roll my own, order one from Smokey, or go back to FF. That sounds about right?

[PhilO]

Not completely. The kit does come with a stainless panel for the bed. The wood or aluminum is put on top of that most of the time. They are just accessories to make it look like you want.

[wallace18]

I was the first to get the aluminum bed from Smokey Road Rod shop. They used my measurements and I hooked up FFR with them vs real wood. Here is their website. and a photo of mine.

https://www.smokeyroadrodshop.com

153192

[Gizmosrcool]

I got it. Thx everyone for all the info