Made my own tie-downs

[dstig1]

As I have read about the continued de-contenting that Ford has done the one casualty that mattered to me was the mid bed tie-down points on the bed sides that were AWOL on my '23. Ended up making my own. Some steel rod (3/8" IIRC) and some 1/4" flat stock. First step: heat up and bend the rod:

Bends were not perfect as it was not easy to do using just a bench vise, but they will do. Made overlong and cut to length as you see marked.

Weld up the feet with a little TIG time after beveling the ends of the rods to get deeper weld penetration. I'm not the best welder and tight radius work like this shows it...

Then off to the mill to slot in a couple bolt holes and then an Ospho dip for rust prevention. A touch off center on the one set of holes due to twist in the rod during bending

And finally sprayed with a few coats of bedliner in a can and installed. I sprayed the heads of the bolts too, protecting the thread with some masking tape. I did have to chase the holes in the bed due to the Ford spray-in liner.

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[subquark]

As I have read about the continued de-contenting that Ford has done the one casualty that mattered to me was the mid bed tie-down points on the bed sides that were AWOL on my '23. Ended up making my own. Some steel rod (3/8" IIRC) and some 1/4" flat stock. First step: heat up and bend the rod:

Bends were not perfect as it was not easy to do using just a bench vise, but they will do. Made overlong and cut to length as you see marked.

Weld up the feet with a little TIG time after beveling the ends of the rods to get deeper weld penetration. I'm not the best welder and tight radius work like this shows it...

Then off to the mill to slot in a couple bolt holes and then an Ospho dip for rust prevention. A touch off center on the one set of holes due to twist in the rod during bending

And finally sprayed with a few coats of bedliner in a can and installed. I sprayed the heads of the bolts too, protecting the thread with some masking tape. I did have to chase the holes in the bed due to the Ford spray-in liner.

They look great! Nicely done and I'd trust your work to at least the rating of the OEMs, if not more.

And Ospho brings me back 40 years! My dad was in the Merchant Marine and would bring gallons home for me - I distinctly remember its smell. =)

Now ya gotta share pics of stuff strapped down! Awesome work! =)

 

[cfhgarza]

You selling these?

 

[Buckbull]

You mean you didn't want to pay $80 for OEMs?

 

[moorejl57]

User MY23Ranger has them available for the cost of shipping from time to time. I got a pair in mint condition for ~$17 shipped. I do commend you on fabricating your own however.

 

[JoeDop1]

Nice work! I love DIY!

 

[dstig1]

Am I selling these? SURE! $500 ea and I will even sign them for you! ? It was easier and faster to just make them myself than to source them from somewhere as I used scraps lying around. Plus I like making stuff and welding and this was a good excuse...

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