The Church of Buck / Work in progress

BIG IDEAS.
ONE STEP AT A TIME.

The direction of travel, from the next workday to the cow markings and horns. The floor, frame, and finishing details still need design work.

One thing at a time

NOW. NEXT. SOMEDAY.

A running truck comes first. The ridiculous part gets its turn.

Current focus

Now.

  • Address loose upper-structure connections and welding
  • Investigate intermittent idle/stalling after BT1
  • Finish light mounting and hazard follow-up
  • Confirm readiness before the next outing
  • Turn bed measurements into a floor plan

Work in progress · crew confirmation needed

Planned sequence

Next.

  • Turn the Browns Camp findings into the next workday
  • Evaluate the body lift and traction plans
  • Second test, then alignment
  • Design the floor before the frame
  • Work out seating, mounts and a cut list

Design and sourcing · not a finished build

The idea pile

Someday.

  • Church of Buck cow markings and horns
  • An upper deck and shade
  • Music, auxiliary power and movie nights
  • An Alvord Desert trip with a soundtrack
  • Matching coveralls. Naturally.

Concepts · subject to the truck, time and budget

The ambition, piece by piece

A TRUCK FULL
OF POSSIBILITIES.

Six projects. One very patient Ford. Pick a part of Buck to see the plan and what needs figuring out next.

Concept map · not to scale1994 E-350 / Buck
Buck, with room for a bigger idea Illustrated side view of a Ford cutaway flatbed. Solid shapes show the basic truck; dashed outlines suggest the proposed upper structure, seating, power and sound. The numbered controls below explain each area. UPPER STRUCTURE / PROPOSED BUCK

Basic truck Proposed additions

01 / Design ahead

START FROM
THE FLOOR.

A usable deck is the starting point. The crew is exploring a plywood rebuild over a timber framework before adding the upper structure.

Next move
Use the recorded bed measurements, check remaining heights as the floor comes off, and settle the support and mounting plan.

Bed measurements are reported taken; material condition and the final layout still need checking.

02 / Proposed structure

BIG IDEAS.
REAL STEEL.

An open exoskeleton with gussets, welded base plates, and bolted uprights is the working direction. Salvaged rack steel is one material option.

Next move
Check the steel, mounting points, cab movement, and loads before a design and cut list.

Not built. This proposal is not a certified roll cage.

03 / Ideas in circulation

ROOM FOR
THE CREW.

Donor seats, church pews, and an offered couch have all entered the conversation. No rear seating arrangement is settled.

Next move
Resolve the seating layout, mounting, belts, and legal requirements before choosing a setup.

Passenger seating and restraints remain unresolved. Camp chairs are for camp.

04 / Load plan pending

BRING YOUR
OWN POWER.

Auxiliary batteries and generator options are on the table for the future accessories. The crew still needs a practical power plan.

Next move
List the actual loads, then work out capacity, charging, wiring, and protection.

No auxiliary system is confirmed installed.

05 / Parts offered

A SOUNDTRACK
FOR BUCK.

Speakers are reported in hand as of October 12; an amplifier was previously offered. A projector and screen are also in the someday pile.

Next move
Confirm the gear, its actual ratings and condition, then fit the audio plan to the power budget.

Speakers reported obtained; ratings and installation unverified.

06 / Part progress, part personality

MAKE ROOM.
MAKE IT BUCK.

The larger tires are on. The crew reported trimming the body for clearance on September 21. Cow markings, horns, and a canopy remain ideas for the look.

Next move
Check tire clearance through steering and suspension travel, then develop the finishing details.

Trimming is reported complete and liners are marked done. A full-range or loaded clearance test is not documented.

Build notes reviewed October 13, 2026. This illustration describes the ideas, not dimensions or construction instructions.