Last month, our Model A pickup bed went through the first phase of its restoration-bringing the box back to life. The original Ford tin was media-blasted and initial bodywork performed. The bed was halfway through its journey to a second life.
Primed, with preliminary metalwork done, the next step for the bed box was final bodywork (filler and block sanding) followed by primer-sealer. Once all the panels were straight and smooth, paintwork ensued. The result: a nice light shade of yellow, which will perfectly complement the curly maple wood flooring it's about to receive.
Originally, early Ford pickup beds came with basic pine (or similar species of wood) floors, most of which were painted, not stained and varnished. This is where the "restoration" takes a major detour, as painted wood with painted strips were not an option. Instead, the bed floor will go from utilitarian to show quality, something Bed Wood and Parts specializes in.
The Model A's bed floor features the aforementioned curly maple, finished with the company's new EZ Seal & Shine acrylic urethane kit. As for the divider strips, standard steel is replaced with polished stainless pieces with hidden fasteners. The results speak for themselves. And what's even better, the professional-like process is something you can accomplish yourself at home.
A thin coat of metal glaze...
A thin coat of metal glaze blended with finishing putty was applied to the top of the tailgate where the surface was more wavy than straight. It's obvious that a bed of this vintage will require a substantial amount of bodywork-the nicer you want it, the more effort it'll take, so plan accordingly.
Next, the bed is thoroughly...
Next, the bed is thoroughly cleaned and readied for primer. To take the bed to the next level of finishing, you'll want to consider a series of guide-coating and sanding to ensure any remaining imperfections are removed.
Regardless where you perform...
Regardless where you perform any type of painting, do so in a proper manner-use the appropriate safety equipment and adhere to your local regulations pertaining to paintwork (using the proper type of paint and doing so in the proper location).