Reproduction bed vs Original bed.
 

I found a repro bed at the Goodguys show this past weekend and it cracked me up how the stake pockets are so much nicer on the reproduction. I think it was a Mar-K. From what the guy said, he didn't buy it, he believed it was.

Brian

Re: Reproduction bed vs Original bed.
 

That is cleaner. I never noticed that before.

Re: Reproduction bed vs Original bed.
 

Here's my mar-k.....

Re: Reproduction bed vs Original bed.
 

Yep, there you go, thanks Greg!

Brian

Re: Reproduction bed vs Original bed.
 

Classic car owners often complain about the quality of reproduction parts, but pickup boxes are not one of those items. The boxes I have used from Mar-K and Brookville Roadster have been virtually perfect in every respect - maybe only detectable from the originals in that they are BETTER quality.

Re: Reproduction bed vs Original bed.
 

I wonder how different the ones LMC has, darn it, they are about half as much when you count shipping. They are about $800 and the Mar-K are about $1200 but then $350 shipping. If it was just the $1200 I wouldn't think much of it but when you put another $350 on top, crap.

Brian

Re: Reproduction bed vs Original bed.
 

I have Mar-K bed sides, rear sill and tail gate. They are all as good as, or better than OEM.

Re: Reproduction bed vs Original bed.
 

I have had them bring pickup beds to Pleasanton Good Guys events for free - zero shipping charges. Since you live so close you might call and ask.

Re: Reproduction bed vs Original bed.
 

I would do that in a second, I didn't see them there. But I will email them right now.

Brian

Re: Reproduction bed vs Original bed.
 

without putting it on a scale I don't know for sure, but the mar-k bedside feels like it weighs twice what the original does..
my only complaint is I wish they made more parts

Re: Reproduction bed vs Original bed.
 

Mar-k parts are awsome, but others like Counter parts are very bad. I bought some from a supplier not knowing what brand they sold. They were very bad and needed a ton of body work.

Re: Reproduction bed vs Original bed.
 

HOLY CRAP! That photo right there has convinced me to not think a thing about anything but Mar-K holy CRAP! If I wanted that I would fix the one I have.

Thanks SOOOOO Much for posting that photo!

Brian

Re: Reproduction bed vs Original bed.
 

BTW, that was about 1998 when they brought me a box to Good Guys Pleasanton. I don't know if they go there anymore. Can't hurt to ask.

Funny story about that. They brought a big truck full of parts for their commercial display. When they took my box out of the truck they DRAGGED IT ON ITS SIDE ACROSS THE PAVEMENT to my trailer. Yeah, I had some clean-up after that.

Re: Reproduction bed vs Original bed.
 

I just sent them an email and will call them tomorrow if I don't hear from them.

Brian

Re: Reproduction bed vs Original bed.
 

How the Heck are spiders suppose to get in, out of the rain with those mar-k stake pockets? I mean CMON!!

Re: Reproduction bed vs Original bed.
 

This thread has been VERY useful, thanks to all!

Brian

Re: Reproduction bed vs Original bed.
 

That pic was from parts I got last summer. I should have taken more pic's but didn't think to until I had already started work. The stake pockets were the worst, and where they attached to the bed side. Put straight edge on inside of bed at each end and it was cupped in and wavy. Needed a lot of work each end to about 12" in, inside and out, and the entire top from the angle to the tube.

Re: Reproduction bed vs Original bed.
 

Yep, once I saw that photo I am not going to think about it a second more, it's Mar-K or I will use the original. There is no way I need that work forget it, I have enough. Honestly, thank you so, so much for posting that photo.:metal:

Brian

Re: Reproduction bed vs Original bed.
 

I keep going back an forth on whether or not to fix my original bed or buy a Mar K repro. I look at the sides of my bed and think not so bad but then the front and back panel are just beat. Sure it would be a great place to work on straightening skills but being flat I probably wouldnt be satisfied with the end result.

Im trying to do the my truck on the cheap and splurge on a few items perhaps this should be one of the splurges.
I read where Mar K doesnt prime there beds but they are zinc galvanized. Anyone have a feel for how long they can be stored until being painted?

Re: Reproduction bed vs Original bed.
 

Forever?....just a guess....mine still look great...Had em fo several yrs...

Re: Reproduction bed vs Original bed.
 

If you can have it last for several years with no rusting in Alabama then North Texas shouldnt be an issue.

Re: Reproduction bed vs Original bed.
 

a lot of powder coating places now offer baked primers that accept body fillers and regular primers and will last a few years