About to replace the wood bed, have some questions!
 

So, I just finished tearing out all the old, rotted plywood from my 63, and I have a few questions regarding replacing it.

I can't afford a kit premade for replacing it, so I'm resorting to some DIY options. I plan on using 2x6's for my replacement wood, and without the metal strips that go between them. I was wondering how much should I plane off of the wood, what kind of gap should I leave between them, and if 2x6's are even the best option. For anyone who has done this before, how wide was the wood you used?

Pictures are always appreciated!

Re: About to replace the wood bed, have some questions!
 

Use 1 x (3/4" thick) lumber. Anything else will throw off your bed height. Thicker wood wont fit into the front roll pan either. Check out GMC Pauls for directions on how to make your own replacement wood. http://www.gmcpauls.com/47-72_BedWood_Info.htm

Re: About to replace the wood bed, have some questions!
 

I also cut my bed myself using GMC paul's dimensions. It's not hard just use a scrap piece first to cut it right. It cost me about $80 to do it.

Re: About to replace the wood bed, have some questions!
 

Be carefull if planning on using treated lumber....some of the new chemicals will rust / eat metal.

Re: About to replace the wood bed, have some questions!
 

Thanks a bunch, that website will definitely help me a lot!

Re: About to replace the wood bed, have some questions!
 

Great site Sillyoldman! Thanks for posting that!

Re: About to replace the wood bed, have some questions!
 

Getting ready to do the same myself. Got the wood today and plan to work on it the next couple of weekends.

Re: About to replace the wood bed, have some questions!
 

Is pressure treated ok to use if the wood is completely primed/painted with exterior paint?

Re: About to replace the wood bed, have some questions!
 

Pressure treated lumber is no good as bedwood. The sun makes it crack,check,warp within 8-12 months, It's only good when in constant moisture/water. As a Dockbuilder by trade, ask me how i know.

Re: About to replace the wood bed, have some questions!
 

Glad I got rid of the wood 20 years ago.....T6061 T-6 alum plate.

Re: About to replace the wood bed, have some questions!
 

My deck is made of pressure treated. It still looks fine ten years after being built. It sits outside all year in the rain and snow....;)

Re: About to replace the wood bed, have some questions!
 

also used pressure treated wood in my bed no problems at all just a ***** to cut

Re: About to replace the wood bed, have some questions!
 

Did you paint it?

Re: About to replace the wood bed, have some questions!
 

Just giving an opinion, If i was replaceing bedwood, Thats a job i would want to do only once.

Re: About to replace the wood bed, have some questions!
 

I completely agree, I only want to do it once. What else would you suggest for a truck that is going to sit outside. I will paint it. Low cost is good, too!

Re: About to replace the wood bed, have some questions!
 

I've seen some guys use that composite lumber before, that is maintenance free and will probably outlast the truck, only issue is the cost.

I called a lumber company and asked for Hicory/Pecan wood. Cut to my dimensions was $175. Picked up. Before you say anything, I gave them what GMCPaul had. It is a very hard wood,will weather well and take stain easily. This is what I'll do for my bed when I get to it.
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