Platform sills dimensions

[wild4679]

I'm rebuilding a stakebed platform I bought separately (I think it came off a '31) and intend to mount it on a '31 frame. The sills on the purchased platform bed are 5 1/2" H x 3 1/2" W x 100' L. This contradicts the specs I'm finding throughout this discussion group. The factory specs call for a 1 3/4" to 1 15/16" x 5 1/2" sill.

I did see at least one diagram where two 1 3/4" sills were paired to create a 3 1/2" sill. I would prefer the wider sills (3 1/2"). Is there going to be any trouble later with bracket placement if I build the platform with the 3 1/2" sills?

Also, the platform has wooden cross sills mated up to each of the metal cross sills. Was this a factory design? If so, what purpose did these wooden sills serve?

[Neil Wilson]

I'm rebuilding a stakebed platform I bought separately (I think it came off a '31) and intend to mount it on a '31 frame. The sills on the purchased platform bed are 5 1/2" H x 3 1/2" W x 100' L. This contradicts the specs I'm finding throughout this discussion group. The factory specs call for a 1 3/4" to 1 15/16" x 5 1/2" sill.

I did see at least one diagram where two 1 3/4" sills were paired to create a 3 1/2" sill. I would prefer the wider sills (3 1/2"). Is there going to be any trouble later with bracket placement if I build the platform with the 3 1/2" sills?

Also, the platform has wooden cross sills mated up to each of the metal cross sills. Was this a factory design? If so, what purpose did these wooden sills serve?

The 1931-1932 AA platform information is found at https://aafords.com/open-bodies/platform-bodies/ – 185-B for AA157 and 187-A for AA131. Follow the links to find details. Sills were 2-1/8" wide (two 1-1/16" boards). 3-1/2" wide sills will be a problem for saddle plates and u-bolt fitting.

[macswoods]

when I did the sills on my 29 I took a 6x8x10 (which is 3.5inches) and carefully cut it on my band saw, split it to two 1.75 inches.