Step vs. Fleetside

[FatRanza]

Hello all,

This is my first post, forgive me if I've posted in the wrong area of the board. I've tried searching the board for this info, but didn't find anything, so here goes...

I am shopping for my first truck (at 48 years old!) and could use a little advice. I've decided on a mid 60's to early 70's Chevy, but here's where it gets dicey...in short, Stepside or Fleetside? What I want is an everyday truck that is the most practical for general truck stuff. I'll admit that I am partial to the look of a stepside, but I don't know the pros and cons of the two beds. Why are there there two different bed styles anyway?

The other issue is engine. Can I get by with the straight six for towing all but super heavy loads?

Thanks Guys,
George H

[70' GMC]

I got a 350 and it is a fleetside gmc and it looks cleaner with lots of trim. 1970 model

[8mpg]

Straight six should be adequate for hauling just about anything in the bed.

Step vs fleet really comes down to preference. A fleet is wider but has inner wheel wells. The step is narrower but the wheel wells are outside. They are basically the same. The fleet allows a bit more room in front of and behind the wheel wells.

Fleet seems to be the visual preference

[mvfd70]

I like my stepside. And I'd say the 6 banger will tow/haul anything you'd want to. They used to put them in big trucks some. Just depends on the gearing.

[Ricks1971]

either way but I think if you find a stepside it would cost you just abit less than a shortie fleetside.

[big_al_71]

Fleetside alot more popular specially a short bed.....

[68shortstep]

I feel discriminated-against, I think.

And to think, I only wanted a stepside...............


Finding one like mine was pretty tough, & I passed by a bunch of fleetsides to get it.

[ERIK D]

You will never accomplish this look with a fleetside!!!!!

[jorgensensc]

THis is purely a personal preference thing. A stepside is usually easier to find, and cheaper to buy. Fleets are very nice, but are pricier and seem to have more rust issues with the beds. THey do bring higher dollar on resale though. You can also use side trim with fleets, where as with the stepsides there is no side trim. if at the end of the day you have a truck with no bed, finding a nice fleetside bed is usualy costly, but finding a stepside is a bit easier. At the end of the day it is purely a preference. You have to choose what moves you, not what will be cheaper, or have better resale value. JMHO.
Shawn

[jorgensensc]

Now wait a second, that's not fair! you posted pics. Well maybe this will even up the fight some:

[19673ontree]

I considered this when I started looking for a truck to buy and I really did not care if it was a stepside or a fleetside but I did know that if it was a stepside it would HAVE TO HAVE !! the fender mounted spare tire !!
but other than that I like u'm both , I ended up with a fleetside ,,

[heavy71chevy]

Im more of a fan of longbed fleetsides but if I had to go with a shortbed id take the fleet still...looks right in my head for some reason vs the stepside at least when it comes to 67-72 trucks

[FatRanza]

Are there such things as long and short stepside beds, or are they all short?

What about cargo, can you lay a sheet of plywood flat into a stepside?

Here's what I'm considering http://portland.craigslist.org/clk/cto/906456439.html

Geo

P.s. Great looking trucks everyone!

[glock35ipsc]

There are long steppers, they are just harder to find.

I have been thinking of either finding a short step bed, or slowly piece one together. That way, I could swap out beds when I felt like being different!

[WorkinLonghorn]

The way your post sound,you want to really use a truck for work or chores and a long fleet is the best for this simply because there is more room back there! A "longhorn" model has an even longer bed (8 1/2 ft.or so).
The truck you are looking at,if a shorty won't hold a sheet of plywood in the bed,you'd have it hanging out the back.
But I think that is a good deal on that truck and I'd get it if it was me,even though it is pretty much stripped- few options. If it's for work you won't miss those options at all. The 250 motor is excellent,and that 4 speed will haul ANY load up ANY hill. I once pulled an antique 27 foot travel trailer with a 230 motor in a chevy pick-up.
I say get it and don't waste any time----UNLESS the guy is hiding something.Check it over real good with help from a buddy.

[68shortstep]

That Craigslist truck definitely looks like a long stepper to me.

Think of it like a bulldog.

Basically fugly, but unique & lovable to a lot of folks, nonetheless.

[Old Yeller 1970]

Originally Posted by FatRanza

Are there such things as long and short stepside beds, or are they all short?

What about cargo, can you lay a sheet of plywood flat into a stepside?

Here's what I'm considering http://portland.craigslist.org/clk/cto/906456439.html

Geo

P.s. Great looking trucks everyone!

I'd buy it.

When I was truck hunting 18 years ago a yellow long bed step side was not on my short list of trucks. Now I wouldn't trade Old Yeller for anything. Long step trucks are certainly the least popular but what really matters is do you like the truck? As long as you like it then the rest is just details.

Having read the write up on the craigslist truck if it really is rust free then you can't say no for only $1000. But be sure to check the rocker panels, rear cab corners and right front inner and outer fenders beneath the battery because those areas almost always rust through on 67-72 trucks. If it has a 250 6-cyl that's not going to pull much beyond a very small trailer. If it has a 292 6-cyl they are as stout as a 307, maybe more so, and can pull small trailers fairly easily. Both engines last forever.

[glock35ipsc]

Wow, for $1k Id be all over that! Yes, a sheet of plywood fits perfectly.

[msgross]

YOu have
1. Short Fleet 6ft (SWB)
2. Long Fleet 8ft (LWB)
3. Longhorn fleet 8.5ft
4. short step 6ft?
5. long step 8ft?
6. C-30 (1 ton) with dump, camper, flatbed, wrecker etc...

you are lucky to live were you are, good trucks at great prices...

Engines in a nutshell

1. 250 6 cyl
2. 292 6 cyl
3. 307 V8
4. 327 V8
5. 350 V8
5. 396 (big block V8)
6. 402 (big block V8)

not sure whe the 283 went away 66 or 67?

tranny:
TH350 (auto)
TH400 (auto HD)
3 speed manual (on column)
4 speed manual (on floor)

I am sure there are a few other combos but you can find anything you like... biggest choice is year, disc brakes vs drum, power steering, power brakes, gearing etc..

67-68 nose with two trim rings
69-70 chrome grille
71-72 plastic grille

of course you have 2WD (c-10,20,30) and 4WD K-10 & 20...

or GMC's!

good luck

[72BLUZ]

i like steps

[Richard8971]

I love the steppers... the fleetsides are very cool, but something about the older trucks screams stepside!

D

[glock35ipsc]

Hey Mike, can you do us a favor, and be just a little bit more specific?

Great post!

[72BLUZ]

Originally Posted by 72BLUZ

i like steps

here is my stepper

[Richard8971]

Originally Posted by 72BLUZ

here is my stepper

That is one of my favorite steppers!

Sweet truck.

Don

How could you go wrong with a stepper???

[72BLUZ]

Originally Posted by richard8971

that is one of my favorite steppers!

Sweet truck.

Don

how could you go wrong with a stepper???

hey thanks for the compliment!!!!!!!!!!!!!