Step or Fleet, which one should I go with? Opinions wanted? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

LeftEar55 · 08-29-2006, 10:42 PM

Well, my 68 came with a short step, but it will need a lot of work to become road worthy again, but I've been bouncing back and forth with the idea of adding a fleet, instead of fixing my step. I've found about 5 short fleet beds locally, but nobody wants to sell them and I'm not crazy about forking up over $2500 for a new fleet, so I'm asking yall which bed should I go with. The cheapest, would be fix the step, obviously, but I'm not fond of the step beds on the 67-72 trucks...

So, I guess I'm just trying to make myself fix the step, even though I don't really want too, then again, I don't waat to pay almost 3k for a new fleet.... What to do, what to do?

BigMike · 08-29-2006, 10:49 PM

Personally I like the fleet better, plus I think they are more desireable/worth more. But I would own a short step, kinda growing on me.

Mike

**FleetsidePaul** · 08-29-2006, 10:50 PM

Fleetside...but I'm prejudice.

Sammy · 08-29-2006, 10:55 PM

I feel your pain..I posted a question after yours about compatability. What few fleets I have found used are $2300 and needing lots of love. I thought of doing a short/step bed in walnut with stainless strips. I have a connection on some limited amount of walnut cheaper than Oak or Pine. If you were not hauling stuff it would be easy to maintain. Plus something about that shiny deep wood has sex appeal.

lilpup69chevy · 08-29-2006, 11:09 PM

i know a guy with a very good 67 short fleet who wants to trade for a stepside bed but he wants one in decent shape obviously but his is perfect shape

Chevyman680063 · 08-30-2006, 12:01 AM

I'm partial to stepside myself.

71SWBChevy · 08-30-2006, 12:16 AM

Fleet but i am biased!

mcw1 · 08-30-2006, 12:29 AM

I've always found that if you kind of don't like something starting out, you won't put as much time and effort into it, and therefore you won't like the finished result. Much better going into a project that you like, where you can have a vision of the end result.

If your torn like, me, just get one of each!!

HeavyD · 08-30-2006, 02:26 AM

Buy a fleet, because that is what you want. Why own something you don't really like?

**special-K** · 08-30-2006, 06:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HeavyD

Buy a fleet, because that is what you want. Why own something you don't really like?

I agree,we can give our opinions all day long.What matters here is what you like/want.I like them both.There are so many ways to go with these trucks and in some ways the Fleet looks best and in other directions the Step sets the look off better.Low,sleek,and smooth...no doubt,Fleetside.But,a tubbed-out pro-street stepside can`t be beat.If you want a more modern look or more of a throw-back to earlier times is another consideration.My solution is multiple trucks,so you better ask someone else

.

6977chev · 08-30-2006, 07:04 AM

i'd go fleet. now if it were a 60-66 truck i'd say step.

**special-K** · 08-30-2006, 08:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HeavyD

Buy a fleet, because that is what you want. Why own something you don't really like?

I agree,we can give our opinions all day long.What matters here is what you like/want.I like them both.There are so many ways to go with these trucks and in some ways the Fleet looks best and in other directions the Step sets the look off better.Low,sleek,and smooth...no doubt,Fleetside.But,a tubbed-out pro-street stepside can`t be beat.If you want a more modern look or more of a throw-back to earlier times is another consideration.My solution is multiple trucks,so you better ask someone else

.

Joe67 · 08-30-2006, 07:09 AM

For Solid colors, I prefer the Stepside.
Fleetsides are much better for nice two tone applications or custom paint work

71HUGGER396 · 08-30-2006, 07:33 AM

I could not make up my mind, so I'm building one of each!!!!

Yeller68 · 08-30-2006, 07:49 AM

Fleetside here. I think stepsides look good on older trucks (50's and earlier), but after trucks started getting straighter lines, stepsides just don't look as good.

**DREW67** · 08-30-2006, 08:06 AM

Crazy as it sounds I've been thinking about having both beds and switching them out once and a while only thing is the hassle of finding 4 guys and then worry about chipping your paint when switching. I know what you mean I love steps but I have grown to love fleetside too.

cdowns · 08-30-2006, 09:27 AM

i like long fleets and short steppers

white82 · 08-30-2006, 09:49 AM

I say go with what you want to do the first time so u dont go back to fix later what u should had done first.

67ChevyRedneck · 08-30-2006, 09:50 AM

Go with what you want.... that sounds like a fleet. One will turn up eventuelly.

*Shane* · 08-30-2006, 10:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LeftEar55

Well, my 68 came with a short step, but it will need a lot of work to become road worthy again, but I've been bouncing back and forth with the idea of adding a fleet, instead of fixing my step. I've found about 5 short fleet beds locally, but nobody wants to sell them and I'm not crazy about forking up over $2500 for a new fleet, so I'm asking yall which bed should I go with. The cheapest, would be fix the step, obviously, but I'm not fond of the step beds on the 67-72 trucks...

So, I guess I'm just trying to make myself fix the step, even though I don't really want too, then again, I don't waat to pay almost 3k for a new fleet.... What to do, what to do?

Let's repair that short step. We gotta keep these short steps on the road.

Get in touch with me, I got some decent bedsides and fenders ... plus I am only 15 miles west of ya.

The repair may cost less than you think, I need to get this stuff outta here. PM me, let's talk.

lpaine · 08-30-2006, 10:38 AM

Go with the fleet, one will show up eventually, (box or sides that is) I found a decent set of short box sides for $100 just recently. Be patient-all good things come to those that wait....

slt0066 · 08-30-2006, 01:09 PM

fleetside here
I was in the same situation myself . I just got a short fleet off ebay for $610 I spent 200 in gas and 14hrs round trip to get it.. couldnt be happier
you just have to be patient and keep ur eyes open. Ive been looking since I bought my truck in January

69face · 08-30-2006, 03:35 PM

buy a fleet or get a step and buy a fleet bed( i know they are hard to find!) there isn't anything like a clean fleet!

farside847 · 08-30-2006, 04:09 PM

My baby's got hips! (stepside)

LeftEar55 · 08-30-2006, 04:37 PM

Thanks for all the replies guys. Like I said, I love the short fleet on the 67-72 Love the short step on 62-66, and even further back. I bought my 68 short step for 300 bucks and the only reason I bought it, other than the price, was this pic at the Good Guys show in Nashville, TN a few months back. I'm jumping too quick anyway, the bed is the least of my problems, I'm starting ground up and haven't even got the frame blasted yet. Anyway, check out this pic!

EDIT: My wife also says she likes the step side better...

08-29-2006, 10:42 PM	#1
LeftEar55 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Huntsville, Alabama Posts: 107	Step or Fleet, which one should I go with? Opinions wanted? Well, my 68 came with a short step, but it will need a lot of work to become road worthy again, but I've been bouncing back and forth with the idea of adding a fleet, instead of fixing my step. I've found about 5 short fleet beds locally, but nobody wants to sell them and I'm not crazy about forking up over $2500 for a new fleet, so I'm asking yall which bed should I go with. The cheapest, would be fix the step, obviously, but I'm not fond of the step beds on the 67-72 trucks... So, I guess I'm just trying to make myself fix the step, even though I don't really want too, then again, I don't waat to pay almost 3k for a new fleet.... What to do, what to do?

08-29-2006, 10:49 PM	#2
BigMike Registered User Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Rancho Santa Margarita - SoCal Posts: 1,432	Re: Step or Fleet, which one should I go with? Opinions wanted? Personally I like the fleet better, plus I think they are more desireable/worth more. But I would own a short step, kinda growing on me. Mike __________________ Mike My 69 SWB Project Father/Son 72 Nova Project My Airbrushed RC Car Bodies

08-29-2006, 10:50 PM	#3
FleetsidePaul R.I.P. E.S.L.L. Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Kernville CA./ Lake Isabella CA. Posts: 11,418	Re: Step or Fleet, which one should I go with? Opinions wanted? Fleetside...but I'm prejudice. __________________ 1971 Custom C/20 1970 CST 20 1970 C/30 Flatbed 1983 C/30 Dually 2015 Corvette Z51 2021 Corvette Z51 1991 Cadillac Hearse 1982 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz 2000 Porsche Boxster S 2020 Jeep Gladiator 1973 VW Thing 1973 Plymouth Satellite wagon 1963 Baja Bug 1959 Bug Dune Buggy 1970 Baja Bug 1987 Jaguar XJ 350. R.I.P. El Jay R.I.P Jessie. R.I.P Grumpy. Every day is a gift from God.

08-29-2006, 10:55 PM	#4
Sammy Registered User Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Bonne Terre, Mo Posts: 3,005	Re: Step or Fleet, which one should I go with? Opinions wanted? I feel your pain..I posted a question after yours about compatability. What few fleets I have found used are $2300 and needing lots of love. I thought of doing a short/step bed in walnut with stainless strips. I have a connection on some limited amount of walnut cheaper than Oak or Pine. If you were not hauling stuff it would be easy to maintain. Plus something about that shiny deep wood has sex appeal.

08-29-2006, 11:09 PM	#5
lilpup69chevy 67-72 parts finder Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: southeast mo Posts: 788	Re: Step or Fleet, which one should I go with? Opinions wanted? i know a guy with a very good 67 short fleet who wants to trade for a stepside bed but he wants one in decent shape obviously but his is perfect shape

08-30-2006, 12:01 AM	#6
Chevyman680063 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Georgia Posts: 850	Re: Step or Fleet, which one should I go with? Opinions wanted? I'm partial to stepside myself.

08-30-2006, 12:16 AM	#7
71SWBChevy Post Whore Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Owensboro KY Posts: 11,905	Re: Step or Fleet, which one should I go with? Opinions wanted? Fleet but i am biased! __________________ Drew '71 Chevy 350/TH350 Hugger Orange Currently just a rolling frame, body work soon to follow!!! Check out my Build Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=212927 Daily Driver: 1997 Chevrolet S-10 with more gears than pistons

08-30-2006, 12:29 AM	#8
mcw1 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Fredericksburg, TX Posts: 9	Re: Step or Fleet, which one should I go with? Opinions wanted? I've always found that if you kind of don't like something starting out, you won't put as much time and effort into it, and therefore you won't like the finished result. Much better going into a project that you like, where you can have a vision of the end result. If your torn like, me, just get one of each!! __________________ '72 K5 Blazer, waiting to start engine! '69 GMC 3/4 Custom Camper '69 C10 Stepside

08-30-2006, 02:26 AM	#9
HeavyD Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Wakaw, Sask, Canada Posts: 3,180	Re: Step or Fleet, which one should I go with? Opinions wanted? Buy a fleet, because that is what you want. Why own something you don't really like? __________________ "You can take the man out of PA, but you can't take PA out of the man"

08-30-2006, 07:04 AM	#11
6977chev Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Oldenburg, Indiana Posts: 199	Re: Step or Fleet, which one should I go with? Opinions wanted? i'd go fleet. now if it were a 60-66 truck i'd say step.

08-30-2006, 07:09 AM	#13
Joe67 67 is sold Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Troy, Michigan Posts: 6,733	Re: Step or Fleet, which one should I go with? Opinions wanted? For Solid colors, I prefer the Stepside. Fleetsides are much better for nice two tone applications or custom paint work __________________ Joe - Formerly 67c10step ------------------------------- 1967 Chevy Stepside - ECE 4/6, fuelcell, 5lug - SOLD gr8lakes - My ebay auctions Click here to order forum apparel :: Click here to become a subscribing member

08-30-2006, 07:33 AM	#14
71HUGGER396 Confirmed Truckaholic Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Sarver,PA 16055 Posts: 732	Re: Step or Fleet, which one should I go with? Opinions wanted? I could not make up my mind, so I'm building one of each!!!! __________________ 1968 50th STEP SIDE SHORTY, 350/350, a/c, ps, p,b Daily Driver, 1970 Cst short fleet, all black, 350/350, 1970 2wd Blazer, 2wd, 6 cyl. 3 spd, original, now a 454, 350turbo, 3.73 posi, on the road 1971 2wd fleet shorty, 454, 700r4, 3.73 posi, SOLD to 67OLDSTYLE72 "My rig's a little old but that don't mean she's slow" - SAWYER BROWN's Six Days On The Road SEMPER FI "I use to be a lean mean fighting machine, but now I'm a huffin, puffin, over stuffin love muffin"

08-30-2006, 07:49 AM	#15
Yeller68 Active Member Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Villa Rica, Ga Posts: 297	Re: Step or Fleet, which one should I go with? Opinions wanted? Fleetside here. I think stepsides look good on older trucks (50's and earlier), but after trucks started getting straighter lines, stepsides just don't look as good.

08-30-2006, 08:06 AM	#16
DREW67 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Kansas City, Mo Posts: 1,031	Re: Step or Fleet, which one should I go with? Opinions wanted? Crazy as it sounds I've been thinking about having both beds and switching them out once and a while only thing is the hassle of finding 4 guys and then worry about chipping your paint when switching. I know what you mean I love steps but I have grown to love fleetside too. __________________ DREW67

08-30-2006, 09:27 AM	#17
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	Re: Step or Fleet, which one should I go with? Opinions wanted? i like long fleets and short steppers __________________ 71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY



Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

08-30-2006, 09:49 AM	#18
white82 White 82 Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Eustace, Texas Posts: 100	Re: Step or Fleet, which one should I go with? Opinions wanted? I say go with what you want to do the first time so u dont go back to fix later what u should had done first. __________________ 1966 GTO 455 e-heads, 1982 Chevy k10 4'' lift 33’' tires, 2008 Pontiac g6 v6

08-30-2006, 09:50 AM	#19
67ChevyRedneck Hittin E-Z Street on Mud Tires Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Greenville, SC Posts: 23,090	Re: Step or Fleet, which one should I go with? Opinions wanted? Go with what you want.... that sounds like a fleet. One will turn up eventuelly. __________________ Jesse James 1967 C10 SWB Stepside: 350/700R4/3.73 1965 Ford Mustang: 289/T5-5spd/3.25 Trac-Loc 1968 Pontiac Firebird: Project Fire Chicken! 2015 Silverado Double Cab 5.3L Z71 2001 Jeep Wrangler Sport 4.0L 5spd 2020 Chevrolet Equinox Premium 2.0L Turbo 2011 Mustang V6 ~ Wife's ride American Born, Country by the Grace of God 1967 CST Shop Truck Rebuild! My 1967 C-10 Build Thread My Vintage Air A/C Install Project "On a Dime" Trying my hand at Home Renovation! 1965 Mustang Modifications!

08-30-2006, 10:38 AM	#21
lpaine Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Parksville, B.C. Canada Posts: 637	Re: Step or Fleet, which one should I go with? Opinions wanted? Go with the fleet, one will show up eventually, (box or sides that is) I found a decent set of short box sides for $100 just recently. Be patient-all good things come to those that wait.... __________________ 1969 G.M.C 3/4 Ton 920 (Canadian Version) 307 3 speed, currently apart 1998 Chevy 1/2 ton ex cab V-6 5 speed 1967 Chevy SWB - project truck; not started just yet

08-30-2006, 01:09 PM	#22
slt0066 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: concord, north carolina Posts: 50	Re: Step or Fleet, which one should I go with? Opinions wanted? fleetside here I was in the same situation myself . I just got a short fleet off ebay for $610 I spent 200 in gas and 14hrs round trip to get it.. couldnt be happier you just have to be patient and keep ur eyes open. Ive been looking since I bought my truck in January

08-30-2006, 03:35 PM	#23
69face Registered User Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: northridge Posts: 534	Re: Step or Fleet, which one should I go with? Opinions wanted? buy a fleet or get a step and buy a fleet bed( i know they are hard to find!) there isn't anything like a clean fleet! __________________ ""A bagged vehicle is only as good as it's wheel/tire combo!" -getlowness! my build thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=223747:metal: I'M SO SO CAL!

08-30-2006, 04:09 PM	#24
farside847 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Bay Area, California Posts: 995	Re: Step or Fleet, which one should I go with? Opinions wanted? My baby's got hips! (stepside) __________________ 1971 Chevy C10 Shortbed Stepside, 307v8 3-on-the-tree

08-30-2006, 04:37 PM	#25
LeftEar55 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Huntsville, Alabama Posts: 107	Re: Step or Fleet, which one should I go with? Opinions wanted? Thanks for all the replies guys. Like I said, I love the short fleet on the 67-72 Love the short step on 62-66, and even further back. I bought my 68 short step for 300 bucks and the only reason I bought it, other than the price, was this pic at the Good Guys show in Nashville, TN a few months back. I'm jumping too quick anyway, the bed is the least of my problems, I'm starting ground up and haven't even got the frame blasted yet. Anyway, check out this pic! EDIT: My wife also says she likes the step side better... Attached Images Last edited by LeftEar55; 08-30-2006 at 04:40 PM.

Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.