72 bed floor question - fleetside long bed

[Fl72Custom10]

I've searched the forums but haven't been able to find the answer to this question. I'm in the process of restoring a 72 Custom 10 long bed. I have almost all the parts except the bed floor. The existing floor has rusted through. However, the sides are perfect so I hate to replace the entire bed. Is it possible to cut out a floor from a newer 8' Chevy/GMC bed, or a 67 - 72 if I can find a good floor, and have it welded to the '72? I don't want wood and I'm planning on having a spray-in bed liner. Thanks in advance for any advice.

[Longhorn Man]

You can do that, the sides unbolt from the floor and sub floor braces, maybe a couple spot welds to cut.
You could also do diampnd plate too. It'll be heavy, and kinda expensive, but it'll be indestructable, and with the spray/roll in bed liner, you won't have to worry about slipping like on painted diamond plate.

[truckdude239]

if thats not an option http://www.jcwhitney.com/autoparts/P...001014/c-10101
it is the sheetmetal shaped like our beds 20 buxs a sheet you just cut and form to your bed

[Green Machine]

Those repair panels from Whitney are pretty thin, ok as small patch, but I wouldn't do whole floor with it. Somewhere I have seen bed floor half sections, a left and right, don't know the thickness on those, but you still need the braces underneath but they are being reproduced also.
Post on the parts board, someone may have a good floor for you. That would be best.

[MisterMan]

check ur local junk yards.. also check /w/ a LMC mag (i think thats it, i'm not at home so i cant check to see if they have them. or even if thats the right name)

[special-K]

I think the later panel would be workable.There`s a notch or two for the gas filler and it`s won`t be a perfect bolt-in.But,you`d have a good structure to work off of.I know the bed-mats pretty much fit.