Dude is into construction vehicles big-time these days and as a result I know far more about front-end loaders, excavators, grapple trucks and the like than I ever thought possible. (Honestly, before Dude came along I hardly knew what any of those even were!) Since this is his current passion, my handy husband Bob decided what Dude needed for his third birthday was a dump truck bed!
It's reported that when Michaelangelo was asked how he made his statue of David so lifelike he said, "It is easy. I just cut away anything that didn't look like David." In making the dump truck bed Bob did just the opposite - only putting on what looked like it belonged on a dump truck. Therefore, there is no pattern for me to share with you. However, you can see the truck in its stages and get a good idea of how to construct it if you're familiar with this type of thing.
It's reported that when Michaelangelo was asked how he made his statue of David so lifelike he said, "It is easy. I just cut away anything that didn't look like David." In making the dump truck bed Bob did just the opposite - only putting on what looked like it belonged on a dump truck. Therefore, there is no pattern for me to share with you. However, you can see the truck in its stages and get a good idea of how to construct it if you're familiar with this type of thing.
The bed is primarily built out of MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard - and yes, I had to ask what that is) with 1" x 3" maple around the top edge of the "bed" of the truck for durability.
It's always good to plan ahead! Bob built the bed in pieces so he'd be able to fit it into his truck and get it into Dude's bedroom.
Early in the afternoon Bob (aka "Papa") said he'd bring the bed over after dinner. Dude thought a minute and said, "Can we have dinner now?" It was a long afternoon for two little boys waiting for a special delivery!
Bob put the frame on wheels so the bed can be moved easily once it's set up. A crib-sized mattress will sit on top. Below is plenty of room for storage (or, let's be realistic - playing!)
Dude practices getting on board by grabbing the handle and putting his foot in the toehold just like Papa taught him.
Despite all the planning and much effort on the parts of Papa and Uncle Steve, the corner was a little too tight so a bit more disassembly had to take place in order to get the bed to its final destination.
The sides were built high enough so that even with the mattress in the truck bed there's no way Dude can accidentally fall out. (Now jumping, that's another matter entirely, not that my grandsons would ever do such a thing!)
Still in the process of assembly but the boys are ready to take it for a test drive! Good call on my part to install TWO steering wheels, for obvious reasons :) The wheels spin too, and the boys like turning them just because.
Inside the cab, the ceiling is reinforced just in case for when the boys get the idea of climbing on top and jumping onto the mattress. There is a handle to assist with the step up into the cab. The driver's seat also serves as a step up to the mattress, so a second handle was placed there.
This is the best view of the front of the truck/bed. Bob used reflectors as lights.
Looking in from the back you can see more reflectors and all the space for Dude to store his toys (theoretically.) Mama did her part by going online and finding these cool construction sheets.
Construction jammies are on and Dude is ready to take his new dump truck bed for a spin! Do you think Dude likes his Papa, maybe just a little bit?
Next year, Bubba turns three, so of course there will be another bed in the works. His passion is dinosaurs; only time will tell what Papa comes up with for that!
Lisa
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That's one awesome looking dump truck!
This is so awesome! I have a cabinet full of John Deere tractors, dump trucks and everything! My boys would have LOVED this - I will keep this in mind for when we have a grandson!!
Oh my goodness, this was a project of love!!! Hope you can find your way over to share in Oh My Heartsie Girls WW this week!!!
Wow thats so awesome! I wish we can have one like this in here for my son =) #WW
That is a very cool bed, any little boy would be trilled with such an awesome bed.
Thanks for sharing!!
Have a lovely rest of the week!!
This looks amazing - what a cool idea! Thanks for sharing! :)
What a wonderful place for a little boy to play, dream and grow! :)
Awesome bed!
What a cool bed! Having not had boys, I might not can relate to the dump truck part, but I do understand how delightful it is to have something so special, and made especially for him!
Wow such amazing picture (My brother would have loved that bed)! I would love for you to post something on my wordless Wednesday link up party on my blog!
http://jennymaire.blogspot.com/
Love it! What a blessing that Papa can make his little grandson's dream come true! Wish we could do that for all of life, right? But we can trust them to a God who cherishes them even more than we do. Thanks for sharing this! (I'm visiting from Wholehearted Home.)
Oh my gosh, Lisa, what a wonderful gift & memory for you all! I love it!
I'm sure this is a huge hit! It is really great! Thank you for sharing on Little Things Thursday!
Definitely a dynamic Papa and dynamite bed ~ and great photos ~ thanks ~ Cute little man for the Dump Truck Bed ~
artmusedog and carol (A Creative Harbor)
That is all kinds of awesome! Super cool. Thanks for sharing with Three Word Wednesday. :) Blessings.
That's awesome! So glad you shared this on my link up party.
Chris
somuchathome.blogspot.com
Best bed EVER!
Wow with amazement I followed the progress. I am sure both boys will enjoy this great dump truck! Thank you for sharing your lovely post with us here at “Tell Me a Story.” At: http://letmetelluastory.blogspot.com/
Thank you for sharing & for the progressive pictures.
http://newhorizonreviews.blogspot.com/
This bed is the best. I wish I saw this post before my son outgrew dump trucks. The boys will have lots of fun in that bed. Alaina
Oh my goodness- this is amazing. My boy would love it!!
How creative!!