RaceDeck Freeflow for truck bed

[AndrewnTX]

I've got a vintage '61 Ford Econoline pick up that I take to shows and cruise around. I use it to haul stuff too, it's got a 7'-0" long bed and is pretty handy.

I wanted to spiff up the looks of the bed, and I considered a wood deck, a drop in or spray in bed liner, something that looked good and was functional.. so I put in some RaceDeck Freeflow. It won't trap moisture, should pretect the sheet metal during hauling, and it looks pretty good along with all the black trim on the truck.

I've never used RaceDeck before on anything, but after this little install I'm very impressed. It's so easy to do, and a lot of fun.

Here's some before and after pics.

 

[dubber]

That's awesome, functional and stylish. A definite trend setter there.

 

[Infiltrator]

Looks good

 

[James-W]

That does look really nice, you may have started a new trend. Good job.

 

[Big-Foot]

That looks darned nice alright!!! Good job!!

 

[AndrewnTX]

Thanks everyone! It's one way to cost effectively dress up that bed! Saves further scratches from loads. What I like about it over a rubber drop in bed liner is the FreeFlow is ventilated so any moisture won't be trapped. And the tiles can be reused on another project if need be. (minus my trimmed ones which for convenience ended up being the ones along the right side.

And I really wanted to see what this RaceDeck FreeFlow tile is like to work with, how it feels and snaps together. I'm very favorably impressed with all those aspects of the product.

 

[4xdog]

Whaddya know. I've never seen or thought of that idea. It looks good! Nice job.

I like the truck, too. Those forward controls from that era are pretty cool. They were neat when I was a little kid and the style still delights. Good way to get a big bed on a small truck.

Don

 

[Le Mancave]

That's a great idea, I think I might try that in my UTV. Can the whole assembly be lifted out as one piece?

 

[Dan Babb]

Very cool. You don't hear it rattle or lift up if you hit a bump?

 

[Trey T]

Very cute truck you got there, man!

 

[Big-Foot]

Did he say CUTE????

Dog-ear that Man Card buddy!!!!

 

[Garage Flooring]

The truck is awesome and the flooring looks really nice. I usually do not comment on threads that say Racedeck on them, but I would say this about any garage tile. My concern is what is going to happen in the summer when the sun beats down on it. If you left enough of a gap you might be ok. Would you be willing to update us in August?

 

[AndrewnTX]

Whaddya know. I've never seen or thought of that idea. It looks good! Nice job.

I like the truck, too. Those forward controls from that era are pretty cool. They were neat when I was a little kid and the style still delights. Good way to get a big bed on a small truck.

Thanks, it's a ball to drive and people really freak out around town. I've had people get out of their car at a red light to take a closer look. Most people don't know what it is...

Don

That's a great idea, I think I might try that in my UTV. Can the whole assembly be lifted out as one piece?

I don't think so but I haven't tried it, might come unsnapped.. it is about 6' x 7' of tile, minus the wheeltubs. I bet two people should be able to get it out.

Very cool. You don't hear it rattle or lift up if you hit a bump?

Actually, I haven't driven the truck with the RaceDeck in the bed yet.. it might very well move, rattle or pop up.. hope it doesn't get airborne and fly out.. will report back on that. I am also thinking the minute movement during driving might scuff the floor slightly, not sure. The tiles seem pretty resilent and not brittle so should be ok.

I'm not even gonna address the "cute" comment, lol, ya it's not your typical F150.. it's such a piece of vintage American automotive history, I think it's a cool ride!

 

[AndrewnTX]

The truck is awesome and the flooring looks really nice. I usually do not comment on threads that say Racedeck on them, but I would say this about any garage tile. My concern is what is going to happen in the summer when the sun beats down on it. If you left enough of a gap you might be ok. Would you be willing to update us in August?

Thanks, comments are welcome! The sun effect is a good point, I didn't think about it too much really. We do have it hotttt here in Texas, 100d F+ is normal. Will see how it does. I left some gaps, I trimmed along the right side but will it be enough, don't know. The front to back is all 12" tiles no trims, the edge nearest the tailgate leaves about 2-3" clear until the tailgate. And in addition the tile will be sitting on hot metal, hotter than a typical garage floor's concrete. Something to think about.

And I wonder ifthe ventilated tile like FreeFlow or similar would behave differently than the solid tile as far as heat expansion? It might release heat easier and be more flexible but again that's just commentary on my part.

 

[RaceDeck1]

Hi
With FreeFlow you should not have too much issue with temp swings, but it will expand somewhat, especially black ( could get 2x3 times the actual air temp in direct sun) . It's hard to tell how close you are to the bed walls, but with a floor that size, our lock system will absorb a lot of the expansion...if not a slight trim to the perimeter should solve it.

Thanks, comments are welcome! The sun effect is a good point, I didn't think about it too much really. We do have it hotttt here in Texas, 100d F+ is normal. Will see how it does. I left some gaps, I trimmed along the right side but will it be enough, don't know. The front to back is all 12" tiles no trims, the edge nearest the tailgate leaves about 2-3" clear until the tailgate. And in addition the tile will be sitting on hot metal, hotter than a typical garage floor's concrete. Something to think about.

And I wonder ifthe ventilated tile like FreeFlow or similar would behave differently than the solid tile as far as heat expansion? It might release heat easier and be more flexible but again that's just commentary on my part.

 

[Journaler]

I'd be worried about throwing some stuff back there, driving for a few hours, and having the tiles rub some of the paint off.

It looks pretty cool though!

 

[Trey T]

Just messin' around, man. What's under the hood?

 

[rickyboy]

Looks nice,.... Love the Econoline !!!

 

[AndrewnTX]

Just messin' around, man. What's under the hood?

LOL I know, me too. The truck runs a big 6, 1 barrel, and dual exhaust. It has disc front brakes, an automatic trans and a Ford 9" rear end. It was built by a Ford Truck enthusiast up in Washington state some years ago.

Looks nice,.... Love the Econoline !!!

Thanks!

 

[Trey T]

A month ago at a job, one of our contractor has a early-90s Chevy G20 cargo van like below but in really good condition w/ OEM flat tan color. I thought it was awesome and I told him that next time upgrade to white walls tires.

Lots of potential

 

[AndrewnTX]

Update on the Econoline...


RaceDeck "bed liner" is working great, no problems sitting in the sun or warping up. I installed it in March 2013. Benefits are:

- protects the metal when carrying loads
- looks cool, gives the bed some spiff
- does not trap moisture, lets all the metal dry out when it gets wet
- great value per SF
- can replace a tile at a time should one get damaged

Otherwise, the truck did get a new aluminum radiator and electric fan set up.

And found some nice American Racing Torque Thrust M's on CL, what do you guys think of the wheels? 17x8 up front and 17x9 out back. Fit great!

 

[rburke65]

Love it. That is one sweet, unique ride and a great use of the Race Deck as a bed lined. Very nice!

 

[RaceDeck1]

Very nice!

 

[ARCTIC_RAGTOP]

That looks great with the Free Flow in the bed. Awesome looking Econoline!

 

[AndrewnTX]

Love it. That is one sweet, unique ride and a great use of the Race Deck as a bed lined. Very nice!

Thank you rburke65! Unique it is, people around town do a double take when I'm cruising around... great conversation starter!

Very nice!

Thanks for a great product! BTW, just realized the truck paint scheme of red and black tie in pretty good with your RaceDeck logo!! You should send me a few magnetic signs of the logo that I can put inside the bed walls for free advertising! People are always asking about it!

That looks great with the Free Flow in the bed. Awesome looking Econoline!

Thank you, it's fun to drive and hauls pretty good too!