So, I didn't like the straight, plain Jane stake pockets. Taking cues from the earlier F1, and the 54 Chevy I decided to make my own. Never done it before, and I'm sure it's probably simple enough to figure out. I just thought I'd throw a few pics up and maybe get some feedback. I started out with a lot of different outlines on cardboard until I had just the right pattern. I cut some 16 guage steel (I like thicker stuff) for the front of the stake pocket. I built a buck out of two 2x4's glued together. I cut the patern into the buck on a table saw. Then I tried to bend the metal over a large 4 1/2 pipe I had. After a while I just beat it out on the concrete until it fit the buck.

Heber City, UT (15 mins outside of Park City- basically it's in the mountains)

55 Effie

I basically had all four of the "faces" of the pockets done. Then I spent about an eternity cutting out 8 square sides. I stacked 4 of them together, traced the pattern onto the outside of the 4 pieces, c clamped them together, placed them into a vice, and cut them out with a sawsall. Very carefully. Then I clamped them over the original stake pockets, tacked welded them. I made sure everything was still Kosher. Then I burned them in. After another little time of carefully grinding the welds I think they came out ok. I drilled all the holes, and a few extra to rosette weld them to the original pockets. Then I rosette welded them to the sides of the box. Final pic shows how they turned out.

Heber City, UT (15 mins outside of Park City- basically it's in the mountains)

55 Effie

They look great! Just to ask what do you have planned for lights?

Now you have to do something "special" with a tailgate. IE: no chains, hidden latch.

Keep up the good work and post them pictures.

Ol'ford nutCentral Iowa

56 Vic w/292 & 4 spd.

Excellent work!


Lawrenceville, GA

Nice job

I'd love to French some Caddilac lights into the rear fender wells, but I'm still undecided. I've also been planning on some kind of custom rear bumper as well. Maybe a roll pan. I don't know on that either.



But I'm for sure going to go with hidden latches.



I'll post more pics as I go.

Heber City, UT (15 mins outside of Park City- basically it's in the mountains)

55 Effie

Nice work.  They look good.  I'm voting for a customer maybe with tail lights???

Warsaw, IN

Looks great Dawg,

there's nothing like making some custom pieces for your

truck. Keep us up to date on your truck.

55f100

West Monroe,La.