Making a Headboard, wait.. what is this?

Hey, so I am looking to basically create the missing piece of this bed frame. I found it in the garbage and since it is made of solid wood I just couldn't pass it up! I understand the wooden pegs but I haven't seen connectors big enough to fit into the circles. The bracket that looks like something slips into is also new to me. Any suggestions?

 

Welcome to the forums.

Lots of nice pictures but I can't figure out what you are trying to replace or make.
Looks like a wide shot would be helpful.

I see the long piece of wood with the metal track and two large holes.
Is there another one of them ?

 

Here are some more images. I am trying to figure out what brackets I need to buy so that when I design the headboard (which is currently missing, I think. Unless what I have is the headboard and what I am missing is the footboard) I know what I will need to pre drill holes for.

 

What you have is a footboard and two side rails. The pegs in the rail and the foot board are guides. You will need a long carriage type bolt long enough to reach through the foot board frame and half way across the partially drilled hole, along with a washer an nut for each. You'll still need a headboard to complete the bed. Do you plan on making it?

 

Yup I do! I have never done something like this before but I am going to try and plan out a design for the headboard to match the footboard and then just give it a go. Just wanted to see if I could get any info on the bracketing system (not sure if that is what it is called) used on it. So I will need a carriage type bolt. That is a huge help! Now to learn all I can about them ! Thank you!

 

In one of the footboard pictures it looks like you have a threaded insert that lines up with the large circle cutouts when assembled. You'll need to cut lengths of threaded rod that will reach from the inserts to about 1" into each cutout, which then gets a washer and nut.

Bonus points:
If you're feeling handy you can cut a short piece of thinwall conduit of about the same OD as those cutouts, then cut each short cylinder in half and drill a hole for the threaded rod. This makes a curved "washer" that will spread the force out better than a flat washer could.

 

That bracket probably held a piece of angle that supported the center of the box spring. I've never had a bed with one but it's not a bad idea.

Your bed looks very Ikea-ish.
http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/S19931592/

 

I actually thought the same thing! Wow it looks just like it! Perhaps the previous owners sanded it down and painted it? Looking at the assembly instructions I am actually pretty certain that it is from Ikea. That means I can get the brackets and the box spring setup from Ikea. I refuse to use that headboard though and will proceed to design my own lovely one. Just that now the brackets will fit perfectly! Thank you so much you have found my solution!