Questions on grain bed-F750

[Tree-Farmer]

I bought a 1977 F750 that doesn’t run, but the bed is in very good condition, 18 foot. I plan to put this grain bed on a newer F750 or Freightliner M2-160

I would like to ask you experts some questions on this:

1. The top of this bed has a one foot extension (maybe) on the top Question: Is this stock? Did they put this on a lot of beds?

2. There is some putty/caulking on the bottom, where the sides meet the bed. Do you think this is stock? Do you feel this is needed? I wonder if wheat or something could escape the cracks at the bottom? It doesn’t seem like there is much of a crack there. I want to have it repainted and am trying to figure out if the caulking is necessary?

3. How do you get the wooden part in the back, out? I want to ask someone to make new wood pieces. It seems like I would have to take the top off to be able to remove the wooden end piece. Without that top piece, looks like it would slide up, slide out.

Thank you!

 

[paul]

1 I am not first hand experienced with Omaha boxes but have seen enough around with that extension I would assume it is a normal option from them.

2. I would remove all the caulk. If needed, it would be better applied on the inside. Other brands of boxes I’m familiar with did not use caulk in that location, but over time and wear farmers used about anything to seal up the cracks, splits, rot, and dents that happen over time.

3. The roll tarp is an add on, and covers over the top extension. The extension is an add on, and covers over the end gate. If they aren’t offset, usually have to take apart.

Some truck body builders could make you a hinged end gate that would swing out and open that entire wood part, making the truck dump grain fast, or easier to open up and get stuff in that opening without having to remove the tops. It would lock in like a semi box rear door, still have the grain slide in it.

Paul

 

[GermantownGreen]

I bought a 1977 F750 that doesn’t run, but the bed is in very good condition, 18 foot. I plan to put this grain bed on a newer F750 or Freightliner M2-160

I would like to ask you experts some questions on this:

1. The top of this bed has a one foot extension (maybe) on the top Question: Is this stock? Did they put this on a lot of beds?

2. There is some putty/caulking on the bottom, where the sides meet the bed. Do you think this is stock? Do you feel this is needed? I wonder if wheat or something could escape the cracks at the bottom? It doesn’t seem like there is much of a crack there. I want to have it repainted and am trying to figure out if the caulking is necessary?

3. How do you get the wooden part in the back, out? I want to ask someone to make new wood pieces. It seems like I would have to take the top off to be able to remove the wooden end piece. Without that top piece, looks like it would slide up, slide out.

Thank you!

Yes car siding is the boards to make the new end gate. You will have to take the aluminum top cap for the tarp off, and the top top, extension off. To be able to slide that end gate up and out.
Caulk was for wheat or milo or canola...
Nice box.... GG Wes

 

[Tree-Farmer]

Thank you for your responses! OK, I will remove the caulking and too bad that I have to take off the top.
For Wes, Thank you for the "car siding" name of those boards, I had not heard that. before, didn't know that was a type used.

 

[Mule Meat]

I do believe that the caulking is used to keep water out rather than the grain in.

 

[paul]

I do believe that the caulking is used to keep water out rather than the grain in.

That is why I don’t like it. After a couple years of the box moving as it’s loaded and unloaded the caulk gets old and will crack away in spots. As water runs down the side of the box, it will funnel bits of water onto the wood, and in to the bottom of the box.

In theory I like what you say, but reality gets in the way.

Paul

 

[Bob Bancroft]

That is why I don’t like it. After a couple years of the box moving as it’s loaded and unloaded the caulk gets old and will crack away in spots. As water runs down the side of the box, it will funnel bits of water onto the wood, and in to the bottom of the box.

In theory I like what you say, but reality gets in the way.

Paul

Definitely not made to be left outside. My aluminum grain box only has seams around the tailgate. It is stored under cover. I hate running wet roads as it sucks water in around the tailgate.