I'd say get a flatbed. Most of the reasons why have already been mentioned. After using a pickup with one, you will probably wonder why they even put a factory bed on a pickup. Bradford Built? makes a very good looking flatbed, thats what I see around here often. Just think of it this way, most people think that a 1st gen is ugly anyway, so what will a flatbed hurt?

 

Man, this is a great forum, you guys are the best. Thanks for the insight. The flatbed idea has always intrigued me because of the truck like qualities and no nonsense versatility of a flatbed. I have designed it so I can put a 3500lb axle under it and a toungue and hitch assembly on it very easily, making a nice deckover utility trailer if I want to replace the OEM bed. I am thinking of a shorter headache rack like only bringing it as high as the bottom of the rear window, just seems that those tall cabguards appear overbearing on a SRW pickup, just a thought. Thanks for the input, this is a great topic, keep 'em comin.

 

After a back glass or two, those head-racks don't look so tall.

 

I have always liked flatbeds and thought that on the right truck they look good, although I am not a fan of them on a 1/2 ton. When I bought my truck the guy said he had a regualar bed for it he would sell me or trade for the flatbed, but I liked the way the flatbed looked so I said I would just take it. After having it a little while I have to say I love it, for all the reasons everybody else already said, but mainly for me the pure ruggedness of it, I like to off road alot and a big ol' diesel truck doesn't fit down all the trails as good as a little truck and my bed has met with a few trees a time or two, but nothing that some rustoleum can't fix!!!

 

Between my father in law and I, we have run this truck since it was new. He used the truck to deliver agricultural bags in a multistate area - often putting 1500 - 1800 miles on in a day.

Since his passing on in 1998, I have run the truck to pull my travel trailer and I use the flatbed for my 2 ATV's. I use a 6.5' ramp and the ATV's have no problem getting up it - and I feel safe also.

This picture is about 3 years old. This past week I have taken the sleeper and bed off in order to fix some problems with the sleeper. I am also getting the cab repainted because the paint has started to strip off.

I have been very happy with the trucks setup. I would not want another truck without the flat bed. I agree with comments made about the steel bed. While it is white, I can afford the 1-2 quarts (rustoleum from Home Depot) of paint that I roll onto the bed. Keeps it looking nice.

I appreciate this forum and have picked up a lot of tips. The respect of the members one to another is great!

I tried to have this image display - but at least the link should work.
[IMG]
https://www.dieseltruckresource.com/...cat=500&page=1
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Happy Camper,

That truck just begs for a set of stacks, mounted just behind the cab doors.

I have seen that very truck before, a few years ago.

Where, I don't know; I have been a lot of places.

 

Boxcar, make the headache rack as tall as the cab!!! its a safety concern, big time.... anything that comes through the rear window is going into the back of you and your passengers heads.......and at even 10mph, a small item can be a deadly missile...besides, you hit the brakes hard more often than you think when driving, why damage your cab by letting things slide into it?