After removal from storage,...
After removal from storage, we found the bed to have multiple layers of filler, primer, and paint. Due to the irregular surface shape and the thickness of the coating, we elected to take the entire bed to Precision Products in Hopkinsville, KY, for media blasting.
There are hot rods, and then there are purpose-built hot rods. A Model A roadster pickup is the perfect example of a utilitarian hot rod-you can enjoy it in a leisurely manner, or you can use it to haul things to and fro.
Seeing as we're almost in the year 2011, there aren't as many pristine antique Fords lying around as there used to be. You either buy a restored or hot-rodded one, or take the plunge and dive head first into a restoration project of your own. Fortunately, you won't have to go it alone if you choose the latter option, especially when it comes to replacing the bed wood.
Recently, Bed Wood and Parts in Hopkinsville, Kentucky, undertook the painstaking process of restoring a Model A pickup bed for us to document, and subsequently, illustrate for any of you who may be looking to do the same. If for some reason, however, you have a bed box that is beyond repair, don't despair-there are complete aftermarket beds available, such as those from Brookville Roadster. As for the wood, Bed Wood and Parts has you covered from head to tailgate-from rare, exotic woods to your basic oak. They not only have that, but everything else you'll need to create your show-quality bed floor or one suitable for those weekend Home Depot runs.
Our bed was in good shape,...
Our bed was in good shape, however the bedsides had numerous dents from years of use and storage. Almost every surface of our bed had these type of dents once the paint was removed.
The bed is now clean of all...
The bed is now clean of all fillers and finishes and is ready for basic metalworking. Have your abrasive blaster blow as much of the abrasive grit from the finished product as possible. Even though we have some work ahead, the metal quality and thickness of this original bed is superior to most reproductions.
No exotic tools were used...
No exotic tools were used in the restoration of this bed. A couple of basic body hammers, assorted dollies, and an inexpensive stud gun were all that was required.