B61 Flatbed options

[clemson_tiger29678]

Hey guys...just got my B61 and looking for options for the bed. It currently has the 5th wheel hitch, but I'm not going to haul anything that it could be used for, so trying to give the truck a little more usability. Thinking of going with a period-correct wooden flatbed, as shown below. The rails extend 9' from the rear of the cab. The axle is 6' from the rear of the cab. I would like to be able to build a true heavy-duty flatbed that I could haul a car on, but just don't see that as an option w/o major work (moving the axle, etc.) as the bed would need to be at least 12', or better yet 14'. I think it would look odd to have the axile so far foward in a 12-14' bed.

Anyway, here is what I have. Can anyone else post pics or give suggestions as to what I might do with the truck to make it more usable for my purposes?

Edited November 24, 2014 by clemson_tiger29678

[clemson_tiger29678]

Edited November 24, 2014 by clemson_tiger29678

[thomastractorsvc]

they just stuck something on that truck above.

The thing is what are you going to do with your truck? because of the short wheel base how about a steel or aluminum prefab bed, it would come with lights, bumper hitch, pockets and gooseneck hitch if you wanted. You would also be hard pressed to make one for what you could buy one for. If you are dead set on making one just goggle old flatbeds, plenty to look at.

[clemson_tiger29678]

I'm going to pull my 16' trailer (ball hitch) with a tractor or car on it. Also want some kind of bed that I could throw a couple sheets of plywood on or go pick-up this or that from town on. Really want a period correct look...thus the rough cut wood flatbed thought.

[thomastractorsvc]

here is one

http://www.rockanddirt.com/trucks-for-sale/MACK/B61/invnum=10198029

[mowerman]

ya mine was a dump truck,,and im also planning on doing a flatbed but mine has alot more frame rail,,,you dont have much choice but to extend it,,,would be just what you wanted,,,its not really alotta money just time consuming...good luck,,,nice clean B,,,have a ball...bob

[clemson_tiger29678]

here is one

http://www.rockanddirt.com/trucks-for-sale/MACK/B61/invnum=10198029

I've seen this one before...not a huge fan. Sort of lost the "big rig" appeal...which is a little bit of my fear by doing a flat bed. Is his axle length from the cab the same as mine? Seems shorter/closer to the cab.

[other dog]

I saw this one at a truck show, I doubt they would actually haul anything on this bed-

Saw this one at a truck show too, you can haul a dozer on it.

[farmer52]

A 9'-10' stake bed may look okay. You could put a goose neck fifth wheel hitch on it or build a receiver hitch like Leslie (Leversole) did.

[mowerman]

they seem to look alot better longer,,,even for a single drive,,,if its too short will look like a luggage tug,,,at the airport over???...bob

[steelman]

I have a nine foot (9') utility body in excellent shape I was going to use for the same purpose, but changed my mind. It would fit your truck (wheelbase, length, etc) if you are interested.

[Brocky]

Tiger

Here is a link to a few pictures of the one Chad is building for his Brockway.. Steel frame with wood floor.

http://www.brockwaytrucks.org/messageboard/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=4737

[wyodog]

Always thought a deuce and a half trailer bed would look kinda neat. The old deuce and a halfs used to have a cab style like the B models...

[Phase 1]

I agree that the short flatbeds don't look the best. The green one pictured needs more length, maybe another foot would do it. If yours would be the same length, you could just add a foot to the wood rails beyond the frame. Then an original type stake rack (not a low, fancy one) would make it look better and increase the versatility. But as said, to really look right the axle needs to be moved

[Quickfarms]

I am going to have a flatbed for my little tractor. It will have a king pin under the bed to lock into the fifth wheel, container pin locks at the front, fork pockets at the back to make it easier to put on and off.

[gearhead204]

if you don't want the expense of moving the axle and lengthening of drive shaft and related stuff you could add a spring carry air drop drop axle, this would give you about 4 more feet of frame and they are not that expensive used. 3-400 bucks a chunk of frame with a cross member and away you go!

[mrsmackpaul]

if you don't want the expense of moving the axle and lengthening of drive shaft and related stuff you could add a spring carry air drop drop axle, this would give you about 4 more feet of frame and they are not that expensive used. 3-400 bucks a chunk of frame with a cross member and away you go!

Im liking this idea 4 feet of chassis gives a extra 7 feet of tray which would give you a maximum tray length of between 18 - 20 feet all of sudden your starting to get something a little bit useful for not a big heap of cash could then maybe make it into a beaver tail or tilt tray easier for getting your cars or car on and off

Paul

[Jerry S]

Do you still have the 5th Wheel Assembly . . . need one for my '61 Mack B61 (converted platform to tractor).

 

[mowerman]

After thinking it over he would probably be a lot better off just to find a short drop deck pretty old post he probably doesn’t even come on here anymore good luck… bob