DIY Network

Fire Truck Bed Old headboards make a fire truck bed. From "From Junky to Funky" episode DFJF-306

Host Samantha Gleisten uses old headboards to make a fire truck bed for the homeowner's son. This bed features working headlights and realistic train wheels.

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Materials:

1 large headboard
2 small headboards
twin size mattress
3/4" plywood
2x4 boards
1x3 boards
round containers
screws
nails
salvaged wood trim
cinder blocks
wood glue
primer
paint
tap lights
carved wood numbers
wood putty
3" bolts
washers
table saw
circular saw
chop saw
power drill
paint brush
roller

Figure A

Frame:

1. Measure the mattress. Cut a piece of 3/4 inch plywood to 1/4 inch larger than the mattress' width and length using a circular saw and table saw.

2. Make a simple frame out of 2x4's the same dimensions as the plywood using a chop saw, power drill, and 2-1/2 inch screws (figure A).

Truck Cab:

1. The center portion of the headboard will become the front of the truck. Measure and mark the width of the frame onto the middle of the headboard, and then make cuts using a circular saw.

2. Cut the legs off the headboard, making the bottom completely flat.

Figure B

3. Tack the front and sides to the frame (figure B) by screwing the frame to the bottom of the cab with two inch screws.

4. Using 1x3's, make new corner uprights and a cross support at the back of the cab using a chop saw. Screw into place with 1-1/4 inch screws.

5. Cut a roof out of plywood using a table saw. Screw into place through the top with 1-1/4 inch screws. Add screws at the corners to strengthen the structure.

Truck Body:

1. Screw a small headboard to both sides of the frame on the back section with two inch screws.

2. Cut a tailgate out of plywood using a table saw, and then screw it to the back.

Wheels and Trim:

1. Using a round object, trace and cut four circles out of plywood using a band saw.

2. Trace and cut out four smaller circles with the band saw.

3. Measure and cut salvaged trim to line the roof and create detailing on the truck body.

Paint:

1. Putty all screw holes.

2. Prime all surfaces on the truck body and cab inside and out. Prime the big and small circles, salvaged trim and plywood mattress platform.

3. Spray salvaged trim, small circles and numbers with chrome spray paint.

4. Paint the inside and outside of the truck body bright red.

5. Paint the big circles and truck body accents gloss black.

Wheel and Trim Installation:

1. Nail the small chrome circles to the center of the large black circles using wood glue and a nail gun.

2. Prop up the bed on the cinder blocks, making sure the bed is level.

3. Drill holes through the small chrome circles to accommodate the rounded head 1/2" x 3" bolts with washers on the outside, and then lock the washers inside.

4. Bolt the front wheels through the body and frame starting about 12 inches behind the very front of the truck with half the wheel extending below the frame.

5. Bolt the rear wheels about 10 inches from the back of the truck, halfway extending below the frame.

Figure C

6. Measure and cut pieces of the 2x4 to fit behind the wheels and support the frame. Paint these pieces black, and then screw to the back of each wheel (figure C).

7. Create the bumpers, grill and custom trim by gluing and nailing the previously cut and painted chrome trim in place.

8. Add the working headlights by attaching tap lights to the front. Nail the chrome numbers to the side of the truck cab.

Project Cost:

Headboards, footboards: Free
Plywood, trim: $26
Lights: $6
Paint and materials: $29

Total: $61