I've been slowly piecing together enough parts to build a '32 Ford Pickup, and I have run across a '31 Model A "wide bed". I did a search, and couldn't find any info on whether it was feasible to use the Model A wide bed on a '32 with fenders. I know there are some differences between the '31 bed and the '32 bed...mainly the overall length, the arched front panel, the bead rolled in the side, and the pockets at the bottom for what I think are the shocks. However, I was going to shorten the '32 bed to 60" whenever I found one...and the Model A bed is already right around 60". The shorter length would be a plus in this case, and the difference in the bead doesn't really bother me because the '32 pickup is going to be a hot rod, and I'm not overly concerned with keeping the correct original look. I measured the fender bead on the '31 bed, and it looks like the '32 pickup fenders that I have may actually fit it, but I'm not sure. I'm also not sure if the extra wheelbase of the '32 frame would put the wheel in the wrong spot in relationship to the bed. Anyone ever seen a '31 wide bed installed on a '32? If it was going to be a highboy, I'm sure it would be no big deal. But with fenders, I want to make sure the bed will fit pretty close to the same as a '32 bed without having to completely dissect it. At a glance, it looks like it could work?
Here's a picture of a '31 Model A wide bed pickup and a picture of Danny's '32 Pickup. Other than the bead in the side, and the overall length...they look very similar. The tailgate even looks the same?
Brian - The tailgate is the same, late 31 to 34. I can get you a measurement on my 32 from the front of the bed top the centerline of the wheelwell if that helps... Neal
Neal, that would help! I could then go measure the '31 Wide Bed to see what the difference is. Thanks!
I'm thinking it would work,the Model A's have a flange on the bottom of the bed that basically fit's a 2 X 4. HRP
Model A wide bed dimensions. 46" wide 60.5 front to tailgate These are the interior bed measurement I took these measurements off my dad's restored truck a while ago, unfortunately for you its 200 miles from me right now and I don't know the front to axle measurement. Hope this helps you though
I may be wrong about this, but I think some of the A wide beds crossed over onto some of the B models back then. Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!
I can take any measurements you need off of mine, to save you a trip or unneeded purchase if you need.
I haven't done this one in particular, But I am pretty sure the wheel well beads on the Model "A" bed a few inches forward of where they are on a deuce bed. My best guess is right at about 3". That unfortunately would leave a gap between the bed and cab that would have to be stretched close. Not saying anything for sure, but that's what I'm thinking...
I just looked at mine, it has fenders on. but is close to 3 inches shorter on each of the measurements NealinCA provided.
The divot for the shock is on the front for an A and the rear for a B. So, cut out the wheelwell and bead, but cut an extra three inches behind the bead. Flip them side for side and weld them in. Shock divot now in the right spot and wheelbase correct as well. Viola!
I just went and measured the '31 wide bed, and it looks like it is pretty much exactly 3" shorter on both the measurements that Neal provided...just like you guys said it would be. I like the idea proposed by alchemy. That wouldn't be all that tough to do, since the bed is currently missing the floor. I would just need to carefully remove the same material from each side, swap them, and weld it back together. Thanks for the help!
Damned clever!!! My other immediate thought was to slide the cab back that three inches and add it to the hood. It might be a little "street roddy" for around these parts, but lots and lots of deuce highboys have been built by some of the "bigs" in this industry with a couple of inches of hood stretch and it seems to help the deuce's proportions a bit, not that they needed much tuning in the first place... It would also help keep any power plant you envision from invading the firewall and taking up valuable leg room real estate inside that small cab. I have pulled this same trick with a "T" bed/'29 RPU cab on "A" rails fenderless and it works great visually and legroom wise. Food for though if nothing else.
Or add an inch to the cowl and a couple inches to the doors. Leave the firewall where it's supposed to bolt down. This would alleviate the space problem inside these little cabs a bit. And 90% of the viewers wouldn't see the alterations.
Just add 3" to the front of the bed. Most of the work would be hidden behind the stake pocket. Only about a foot of welding on each side. 63" or 60" bed. Not much different. You need to make floor either way. Heck I might just bolt 3 " to the front of the bedsides as a filler panel and bolt it on, easy to do, will not hurt the bed, in case you find the right one a week after you get the truck done. You can just swap it out and sell the unused bed.
Ha! That's funny, Trent. Seriously, I like that this has turned into a bit of a brainstorm session. Some pretty good ideas so far! I actually sort of prefer the shape of the '31 wide bed's front panel, with the arched top. I think it would look good against the rear body line/reveal on the cab.
I couldn't find a bed for my '32 truck when I built it also Brian. I found this unknown bed for $100. I slid my cab back 1.5 inches to clear the Nailhead and lengthened the wheelbase 1.5 also. The running boards are '33-'34 shortened up to fit...
Here is a picture of my friends 32 pickup it has a 31 wide bed from Mac's on it. The fit and proportions are just right with a 2 1/2 inch chop.
Looks like a shortened 32 bed to me. The body line on a 31 wide bed does not go all the way to the bottom of the bed sides, like this (pic stolen from elsewhere on the HAMB)... Neal
The Jalopy Journal
