Top hat channel for the bed

[XSapper]

Anyone know a source for the top hat channels that are on the underside of the bed? Or any of the stiffeners on the underside of the bed for that matter. I have a sheet metal bender, but it only does up to 36" and I would rather not splice if I don't have to.

[tgreese]

Raybuck used to sell universal hat channel. https://raybuck.com/product-category/bo ... ed-panels/ They may only have the brand-specific products now, but that could maybe be made to work.

The CJ bodies have hat channel under them (which is available from Classic Enterprises), but many replace rusted hat channel with thin-wall rectangular steel tube. Works fine. Your local steel supplier can sell you a 10' stick that you can cut to whatever length you need. https://www.onlinemetals.com/merchant.c ... op_cat=849

Or check with a local HVAC shop - they may be willing to make the pieces you need.

[XSapper]

Thanks, I will do the tubing as a last resort since it tends to hold dirt and moisture. Raybuck does have some cross sills for 67-72 Chevys that may work. I know places locally that can cut and bend what I need, but I think I can get a lot cheaper by ordering thru a vender.

[REDONE]

hat channel is also called "furring" if you just want to order sticks of it from your local steel yard (or the interwebs) and cut it yourself.

[XSapper]

hat channel is also called "furring" if you just want to order sticks of it from your local steel yard (or the interwebs) and cut it yourself.

OK, I have been welding / fabricating for 25+ years and never heard it called that. But then again most of my experience is with Heavy machinery where a 1/2 plate is thin metal.
Thanks for the info I will look it up.

[Stuka]

Yeah, you should be able to pick up some furring strips very easily. You can even get it galvanized if you don't need to weld and it don't want it to ever rust.

[tgreese]

Mmm... isn't this stuff used in construction for steel framing? Isn't it like 24 or 25 gauge steel, way too thin to use for automotive repair?

[Stuka]

Mmm... isn't this stuff used in construction for steel framing? Isn't it like 24 or 25 gauge steel, way too thin to use for automotive repair?

You can buy it in 16 gauge. Which is the same as what my truck has under its bed.

[tgreese]

Yes, 16 ga would be good. That is used for structural parts often in car bodies.