98 w/t rcsb

[Cape Codder]

I am going to look at a bed about 25 miles away that my brother spotted in a yard being used as a trailer. I don't have high hopes as it is likely rusty. My wife and I are going to Vegas in a couple weeks so I may be able to find something out in the desert. We are renting a car so I hope to hit a few yards and check CL while out there. Wonder how much to ship a bed east? That style bed just seems to look right with the low steps. I don't mind having to make up a fuel filler even if it has to intrude into the bed some.
It sure would go with the retro look. I want to get the hubcap clips for my wheels to mount the small late 40's caps too.

[LT7A]

Very intrigued by your thread. I really like your way of taking a truck that many would think doesn't have enough "features" and customizing it in a simple way that suits your taste and is appealing to many. Your body and paint skills don't hurt either. I'll go ahead and give you my opinion on a couple of things but you should do what you think you'll like best.

Personally, I'm not sold on the retro step bed. I think it is too "literal" as far as the retro scheme for my tastes. If you could similarly back date the grill and lights, then maybe. But with it's current "squared-awayness" it will not just be a contrast, but at odds with a bed from another era. I think much of the appeal of your truck lies in the careful but simple retro touches rather than swapping in old sheetmetal. That said, I'd love to see what you could do with an actual old truck. I think breaking your paint colors at the upper body line would be very successful. Splitting the white and the blue on the line that runs from the upper corner of the grill to the upper corner of the taillights would give you a white hood and cab, as well as along the top of the bedsides+tailgate. I know that doesn't spell out "retro" but your colors are already saying that and I think that split would continue to develop the character of your truck without being showy. Barring that, a white top, back of cab, and B pillars would successfully repeat a theme done many times. A pillars, body color. Have you considered a bone or ivory tone for your white? Again a subtle nod to days gone by. At that point, the wheels might want the secondary color too.

I'm not shy, so those are my thoughts. Regardless, your truck will look neat no matter what you decide and I'm inspired by your creativity. Thanks for letting us see your work.

[Big Daddy Bear]

So, what was the final decision on the old-school bed?

Really like the addition of some of the old emblems.

[Cape Codder]

I bought a bed and it is here. I then fell from a ladder and broke my femur this winter so just getting back to work now. I have a lot of work backed up but should be able to get back on it by fall. Will be 66 in two months so signing up for SS and going part time for work after the summer.

[Big Daddy Bear]

Sorry to hear about the fall, hope you mend fast and go easy so you don't have any setbacks.

Will be looking forward to seeing it when you get all caught-up.

[Palf70Step]

Heal up...Be looking forward to seeing you get back at it.

[LT7A]

Bob, I hope that leg is good and healed! Sorry to read about the fall. How is the truck?