Truck Bed Makeovers: 3 Best Ways to Revamp your Ride

Ready to level up your truck game? Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned pro, it’s time to dive into the world of truck bed refurbishment utilizing tips from Eric and Joel from Music City Trucks. We took all their tips and have provided you here with everything you need to know about giving your truck bed a makeover no matter what type of bed you are wanting to accomplish. 

Wooden Truck Beds: Classic Cool with a Modern Twist

Do you dream of a vintage-style truck with a sleek wooden bed? Before you get carried away on your new bed build, Eric and Joel are here to help you out. Below are some tips to think about before you get started.  

Measuring Up

First things first, you should always measure twice and cut once. We must stress the importance of ensuring your truck bed is square before proceeding with any wood panel installation. Measure from corner to corner and from side to side to achieve this. For an ideal fit, each measurement should be within a 16th of an inch. Additionally, consider using ratchet straps to pull edges together or a bottle jack to spread them apart if adjustments are needed. With these steps, you’ll ensure a precise fit for your truck bed refurbishment project. Because let’s face it, nobody wants a wonky fit.

Picking Your Wood

Now, let’s dive into the world of wood. From softwoods like cedar to hardwoods like oak, the options are endless. We want to share some tips on selecting the perfect wood for your ride, whether you’re all about looks or durability.

When selecting the perfect wood for your truck bed refurbishment project, consider the following tips:

Purpose

Determine how you plan to use your truck bed. If it’s primarily for aesthetics or light-duty hauling, softwoods like cedar or pine may be suitable. However, if durability is a priority and you’ll be hauling heavier loads, hardwoods like oak or maple may be a better choice.

Maintenance

Consider the level of maintenance you’re willing to commit to. Softwoods are typically more porous and require more frequent sealing and finishing to maintain their appearance and durability. Hardwoods, on the other hand, are denser and may require less maintenance over time.

Aesthetics

Think about the look you want to achieve. Softwoods offer a warm, rustic charm and are easily stainable to match your desired aesthetic. Hardwoods have a more refined appearance and may provide a sleeker, more polished look to your truck bed.

Cost

Factor in your budget when selecting wood. Softwoods are generally more affordable than hardwoods, but keep in mind the long-term costs associated with maintenance and potential replacement.

Availability

Consider the availability of different wood types in your area. Some woods may be more readily accessible or cost-effective depending on your location.

By considering these factors, you can select the perfect wood that meets your needs and preferences for your truck bed refurbishment project.

Conventional Metal Beds: Toughen Up with Bed Liners

For those who like to get down and dirty, metal beds with bed liners are where it’s at. In this section we have a few tips for you if you are going to armor up your truck bed for whatever adventure lies ahead.

Prep Like a Pro

Before you start spraying, you gotta prep that surface.  When preparing your truck bed surface for bed liner application, follow these steps: 

Quick Scuff

Begin by lightly scuffing the surface of the truck bed with sandpaper or a scuff pad. This helps create a rough texture for better adhesion of the bed liner. Ensure all areas of the bed surface are scuffed evenly to promote uniform application.

Heavy-Duty Sanding (Optional)

Depending on the level of durability required and the type of bed liner being applied, you may opt for heavy-duty sanding. Use coarse-grit sandpaper or a sanding machine to thoroughly sand the bed surface. This step removes any existing coatings, rust, or imperfections, providing a clean and rough surface for maximum adhesion of the bed liner.

Trust the Process

While sanding may require some effort, trust that it’s worth it in the long run. Proper surface preparation is essential for ensuring the durability and effectiveness of the bed liner application. By investing time and effort into sanding, you’ll achieve a smooth and long-lasting finish that protects your truck bed against wear and tear.

Spray-On vs. Roll-On

When it comes to bedliners, you’ve got options. When deciding between spray-on and roll-on liners, you can choose the one that fits your style (and your budget!), after all, as long as you do your prep work, they achieve the same results.

Following these steps, you’ll be well-equipped to prepare your truck bed surface for bed liner application, ensuring optimal adhesion and durability for years to come.

Custom Truck Beds: Get Creative with Wheel Tubs

Ready to take your truck to the next level? Custom mods like wheel tubs are where the magic happens. So, if this is more your style, we have a few pointers for you too.  

Build or Buy?

Thinking about adding wheel tubs to your truck? First you should think about whether it makes more sense for you to buy or build.  Below are some pros and cons when considering this: 

Building Wheel Tubs Yourself

Pros

Customization: Building your own wheel tubs allows for complete customization to fit your specific truck and preferences.

Cost Savings: DIY fabrication can be more cost-effective compared to purchasing pre-made kits, especially if you already have access to the necessary tools and materials.

Skill Development: Building wheel tubs yourself provides an opportunity to enhance your fabrication skills and gain hands-on experience.

Cons

Time-Consuming: Fabricating wheel tubs from scratch can be time-consuming, especially if you’re new to DIY fabrication or working with metal.

Skill Requirement: Requires a certain level of fabrication skills and access to tools such as welders, metal benders, and grinders.

Potential Errors: DIY fabrication may lead to errors or inconsistencies in measurements and fitment, which could affect the final result.

Buying Pre-Made Kits

Pros

Convenience: Pre-made wheel tub kits offer convenience as they come ready to install, saving time and effort on fabrication.

Precise Fitment: Kits are designed to fit specific truck models, ensuring precise fitment and minimizing the risk of errors or inconsistencies.

Professional Quality: Pre-made kits are often fabricated by professionals using high-quality materials, resulting in a durable and professional-looking final product.

Cons

Limited Customization: Pre-made kits may have limited customization options compared to building from scratch, restricting your ability to tailor the wheel tubs to your exact preferences.

Higher Cost: Purchasing pre-made kits can be more expensive upfront compared to DIY fabrication, especially when factoring in shipping costs.

Dependency on Supplier: Relies on the availability and quality of pre-made kits from suppliers, which may vary depending on the manufacturer.

In respect to wheel tubs we think it is important to emphasize that there’s no wrong answer when it comes to choosing between building wheel tubs yourself or buying pre-made kits. The decision ultimately depends on your skill level, budget, time constraints, and desired level of customization.

Whether you’re itching to restore a vintage truck, toughen up your daily driver, or get creative with custom mods, Music City Trucks has you taken care of. With their easy-to-follow advice and friendly demeanor, you’ll be turning heads on the road in no time. It is time to grab your wrenches, put on your favorite tunes, and get ready to revamp your ride like never before.