As the CUSTOM CLASSIC TRUCKS Project F-1 was nearing completion, we realized an all-new bed would be preferable to trying to renew the dented, rusty existing bed box. We decided to contact Pro's Pick, a manufacturer and distributor of top-notch components for vintage trucks in Fergus, Ontario, Canada. Upon visiting the company's website, we realized we could obtain the whole shooting match--the box front, sides, and tailgate, rear roll pan, an oak bed floor, stainless steel stringers, and an automatic electric-lift tonneau. Not long after we had ordered everything we needed via the Pro's Pick toll-free number, all of the components arrived at the office.
Since Project F-1's principal builder, Altered Engineering Rods & Rides, in Orange, California, would be assembling the Pro's Pick products, we hustled everything over to its shop. If you've been reading the Ford F-1 build articles, you know that Altered's pro builders Don and Pete do exceptional work. We had a feeling that Altered Engineering would be able to construct the bed box blindfolded since Pro's Pick components are always so well-made. Though we didn't blindfold Don and Pete to put 'em to the test, they had all the components assembled, disassembled, painted, and reassembled fast enough to be ready for the 2005 indoor show season to commence. CCT readers who were fortunate to attend the Grand National Roadster Show, held January 21-23, 2005, at the Pomona Fairgrounds, in Pomona, California, could see first-hand how well the F-1 turned out. To find out how easy it is to construct a first-class Pro's Pick bed for your vintage hauler, follow along with Altered Engineering's builders. Who knows, you may also opt to go with Pro's Pick truck products as opposed to resuscitating the rusting tin box on your venerable hauler. CCT
 As did the rest of the truck,...  As did the rest of the truck, Project F-1s bed turned out to be worthy of a studio feature photo shoot. Read on to find out how the Pro's Pick products go together. |
 Pro's Pick provides complete,...  Pro's Pick provides complete, well-written, and easy to understand directions for all of its products. One can even download the instructions from the Pro's Pick website. The first and last pages of the bed box and bed floor instructions are shown here. |
 One can either weld the box...  One can either weld the box together or use fasteners. Since the bed box pieces were going to be painted while disassembled, Altered Engineering decided to use chrome-button Allen head fasteners. |
 This photo shows where the...  This photo shows where the front bed-mounting rail-bolt holes are located in relation to the front of the bed. |
 Don started by attaching the...  Don started by attaching the trick, hidden-hinge-equipped rear roll pan to the bottom portion of the rear bed stakes. |
 With the roll pan attached...  With the roll pan attached on both sides, it looked thus. |
 Pete slid the tailgate in...  Pete slid the tailgate in between the hidden hinges of the rear roll pan. |
 Using his Allen head wrench,...  Using his Allen head wrench, Pete screwed the button Allen head bolts into the pre-drilled holes to fasten the tailgate to the hidden hinges. |
 To hold the tailgate closed,...  To hold the tailgate closed, Delrin latches are used on either side of the tailgate. They were put into the appropriate openings in the tailgate. |
 Next, the knobs for the Delrin...  Next, the knobs for the Delrin latches were threaded on. |
 Phillips head screws were...  Phillips head screws were used to fasten the Delrin latch catches to the top rear portion of the bedsides. |
 Lower on the rear of the bedsides,...  Lower on the rear of the bedsides, Pete installed the supplied Nutserts, which will hold the tailgate straps. |
 He bolted the tailgate straps...  He bolted the tailgate straps to the bedsides before... |
 ...attaching the straps to...  ...attaching the straps to the tailgate. |
 One can see how sanitary the...  One can see how sanitary the inside of the tailgate looks when the latches, knobs, and tailgate straps have been installed. |