Tube Bed on the Chevy?

[JohnC]

Ok, since my tow rig was wrecked early this spring and still in the shop I cant get out and wheel. So..... I've decided to put great white under the knife. The bed is coming off and I am going to fab up a tube bed. Anyone have any good design ideas before I start cutting and bending? I plan on making a versitile bed good for a spare, HighLift and toolbox. And incorporate it into an in-cab roll cage next. Guys have any pics or ideas?

[Bill3753]

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1036793&highlight=toyota+bed

This is one of the nicest and most well executed tube beds I've seen.  I'd build I like this one, but dove tail it while you're at it.

[Flex]

Why not incorporate into a inner roll cage. I would just do full exo

[JohnC]

Why not incorporate into a inner roll cage. I would just do full exo

Because I wheel a fullsize so its really wide. Full width axles and cab are wide enough as it is. An additional three or four inches on each side will be a serious hinderance. Besides, I dont worry about body damage. Exo cage on an XJ is nice because you are already limited for space in the interior so keeping the cage outside saves room. but the interior of a fullsize has room to spare. I have no rear cab glass either, so it will tie in nice.

[JohnC]

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1036793&highlight=toyota+bed

This is one of the nicest and most well executed tube beds I've seen.  I'd build I like this one, but dove tail it while you're at it.

I agree Bill, that is probably the cleanest job ive ever seen someone do on a tube bed. Thanks for the suggestion! But it kind of doesn't differ too much from a regular pickup bed other than its aluminum framed in tube. The stepside bed I have now is all fiberglass and really narrow because of the stepside design its almost bobbed (dimension wise) already. Im looking to get away from the "pickup bed" look though. I guess I should've phrased my post differently. I want to build more of a cage that holds a spare, highlift and toolbox. I plan on using 1.75" hrew, combined with 2x2 box. Im moving my shackle hangers about three inches forward and cutting about six inches off my frame plating the rear. I've been scouring the net looking at a lot of different designs but cant seem to make my mind up. Ill update when I do, but feel free to post another suggestion if you happen to see a nice one thanks!