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10-24-2004, 11:37 AM | #1 |
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Wood bed replacement
This wood bed hit every ugly branch when it fell from the tree. Any suggestions here? I will be using it as a work truck to haul tools and wood. Has any body tried to use the plastic/nylon synthetic wood? How about the hold down strips (is that what they are called)? Can they be replaced or should I try and save them? I was planning on replacing the wood bed then getting a mat to cover the bed. What's it take to make it a metal bed?
Opinions?
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10-24-2004, 11:51 AM | #2 |
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The metal stips are available and not too expensive. Since the wood is 3/4" thick, it would be difficult to change it to a metal bed. I know there was some discussion on using other materials like synthetic wood and aluminum. I have a step side with less wood then yours, but the PO put in one full piece of 1/2" plate steel to cover the old rotted wood! ...
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10-24-2004, 12:12 PM | #3 |
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Thanks for the input.
1/2 plate??? Wow that's got to weigh a lot! This wood is really rotten and it's hard to tell if the wood is groved, notched or is it just straight material with straight cuts and no extyra work?
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72 Chevy 3/4 99 Suburban 4X4 91 S10 Tahoe 88 IROC 71rsZ28 28 Model A Tudor |
10-24-2004, 12:16 PM | #4 |
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It has a groove for the strips to fit into and lock it into place. The synthetic wood seems like the way to go if you were going to use the truck- if it comes in 3/4 thicknesses.
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10-24-2004, 02:54 PM | #6 |
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One option that we have done on the farm is weld in steel checker plate.
Works good on a work truck. Dad did a 66 like this.
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10-24-2004, 04:06 PM | #7 |
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You could use pressure treated 2x6 and 2x8 you will need to cutoff all the old bolts from the strips. Use new 2-2 1/2" carriage bolts in the old strips. Plastic/synthetic wood needs closer spacing than the bed has, you will have some soft spots if you use that. I replaced mine in a weekend with PT, The bed will sit 3/4" higher than normal but for a work truck it don't matter. You will have to route 3/4" off the bottom side where it mates to the front of bed. You could also run a rabbit down the top sides for the metal strips if you want but it is not needed. you will need to reuse the large bed bolts or get new 3/8" bolts to anchor it to the frame.
This bed has been in for 20 years and just had a paint job on it.
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10-25-2004, 09:44 PM | #8 |
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Thanks for the info dwaite72lnghrn. 3/4" higher sounds Ok. It will give me a goo reas on to get some bigger rims and tires to fit the wheel well.
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72 Chevy 3/4 99 Suburban 4X4 91 S10 Tahoe 88 IROC 71rsZ28 28 Model A Tudor |
10-25-2004, 11:20 PM | #9 |
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How about using a couple of sheets of 3/4" plywood and having one seam down the center? I was going to do that before I restored mine. I think it would work great for a truck that will be used as a truck.
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10-25-2004, 11:38 PM | #10 |
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if you want t metal bed i will trade ya
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10-26-2004, 01:21 AM | #11 |
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GMC Paul's has a link to wood bed info if you are replacing it yourself: http://www.gmcpauls.com/47-72%20BedWood%20Info.htm
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