Question about reproduction bedsides - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

SLS · 07-28-2003, 12:17 PM

Hey guys,

I've got a '71 Custom Deluxe SHORTBED that has bedside issues (rust and sloppy patch panel repairs).

I feel that I would save time and money by replacing then with new aftermarket or good originals (if anyone has them!...hint hint).

I would even replace the whole bed if I could locate a decent one at a decent price (hint hint again)...as the floor and cross supports are very rough too.

Anyway, my question is this:

Have any of you guys bought the repro ones...and how did they fit? I've seen good, and bad, reports about the hoods, doors, and fenders in the fitting and lineup areas...but have not seen anyone discussing the bedside repros. (I really wish the 'search' feature here was functional!).

I could disassemble the bed, locate and remove the spot welds and repair these bedside panels from the inside out...but when I consider the time involved I feel that just replacing them may be my best option...and concentrate my time and effort on stripping and repairing the ever elusive steel floor panel.

So, any thoughts on this? Any reports on installing repro bedsides (good or bad)? Any comments on the vendors who supplied you with these parts?

Thanks for reading and replying to this post!

Wootdog · 07-28-2003, 02:42 PM

Get a hold of any of the venders for this site. They are all honest and will give you the scoop. Wootdog

mcmlxix · 07-28-2003, 03:02 PM

They just built a wood short bed from aftermarket parts on TRUCKS TV ... for Copperhead ...

kxmotox247 · 07-28-2003, 04:11 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by mcmlxix
They just built a wood short bed from aftermarket parts on TRUCKS TV ... for Copperhead ...

I don't want to steal anyone's thread, but do they give details on how they built the bed from scratch? I'd love to do this. What all would you have to buy besides the 2 sides, front, and floor? How many crossmembers would you have to purchase?

Thanks SLS for bringing this up!

mcmlxix · 07-28-2003, 05:14 PM

i think it was like 6 total. I am about to transfer all the episodes I have on TiVo to a VHS tape so I have them in order ... ( I think I am still missing some anyway) .. I'll count and make sure .. or goto Stacy Davids Gearheads web page for pics ...

Copperhead Link

Trucks TV has more pics of the bed assembly ...
Trucks TV Link
Check out schedule date of July 27th for bed pics

tyger25 · 07-28-2003, 05:44 PM

All of the body parts for Copperhead came from Early Classic Enterprise...

http://www.earlyclassic.com

Baradium · 07-28-2003, 06:05 PM

Do you guys know what guage steel the repros are?

Are they a thinner metal? I've heard that the tailgates are and are a lot weaker and no good for a working truck (use it and it's likely to bend).

*Gee_Emm* · 07-28-2003, 06:50 PM

I think there are different brands of the repro panels. I have a tailgate and front fender that are repros and they weigh about half of what an original piece would weigh.

72chevyLWB · 07-28-2003, 06:56 PM

One of the classic truck magazines had an article about this. They put together an entire short bed box including wood for under $3000. Which if you consider all the time and materials its the way to go plus you can sell your old bed. I talked to a guy that put on these aftermarket bedsides (Goodmark) and he was extremely impressed with the quality and fit. He had one complaint about one side, but when we looked at my original box it had the same imperfection (where the bedside fits against the front panel there is a slightly larger gap way on top on the inside of the drivers side than the passenger side).

SLS · 07-28-2003, 08:49 PM

Thanks for the replies so far, guys!

I'm begining to think maybe the replacement option is the way to go.

I removed the wheelhouse on the driver side today, whipped out the pneumatic angle grinder...and yuck. Looks like a shotgun got it. Even found another patch panel...on the INNER wall sheetmetal!

I do not think anyone will want to buy this bed...unless they are SERIOUS about restoration (and welding). It has metal patches, fiberglass patches, bondo patches, what appears to be some roofing sealer to waterproof some of the metal patch seams (inside the shell), and of course, dents and rust. Whew!

It's too bad...cause it looks pretty good on the outside...from about 50 yards away...hahahaha...er,

Maybe we can pass it around while we are building our 'solid' beds.

That 'Copperhead' is just awesome....must be nice to have such a great place to work on an old treasure. That Picture of the cab being lifted on the jacks...man, oh man. SWEET! I wish I had such a fine work area.

billsbowtie · 07-28-2003, 09:44 PM

sls i dont no how much you would be willing to pay out for a good bed i have one about 95% rust free surface rust only no dents maybe a few little dings tailgate has one small dent at bottom about the size of a 50 cent piece tailgate is bowed a little at floor when shut floor bed has like a couple of waves but is very soild i was asking $1000.00 but would concider a reasable offer i am 2 hours east of knox.tn if interested pm me my email is not working i am hopeing to have some pics. tomarrow nite thanks bill

billsbowtie · 07-28-2003, 09:51 PM

if you interested there is one guy infront of you on the bed

SLS · 07-28-2003, 11:58 PM

Thanks for the info, Bill.

I have PM'ed you!

trucks72 · 07-29-2003, 04:47 PM

I just put a bed together. I used a steel floof in mine. I could send you some pictures if you like.

kxmotox247 · 07-29-2003, 05:01 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by trucks72
I just put a bed together. I used a steel floof in mine. I could send you some pictures if you like.

Hey, can you send me a few? Please?
Is this bed assembled from scratch? Goodmark?

SLS · 07-29-2003, 05:27 PM

trucks72,

Seeing your pics would be cool! Being that this thread has kinda turned into a discussion about beds, and bedsides, in general...hows about posting them here on this thread so we can all see how it was done? I'm sure a bunch of us would enjoy seeing them.

*Phillip Johnson* · 07-29-2003, 05:45 PM

I think Cheyenne10 in Eugene Oregon may have a good short bed complete that may be for sale

MOTHERTRUCKERS · 07-30-2003, 08:18 AM

We have built a few beds using aftermarket parts and they went together very easy with no real problems, a little rat tail filing in 2 or 3 holes where the front bed panel bolts on. We had the whole bed in our catalog for under 2200.00 up until last year. e-mail if interested in pricing and shipping quote.

GloryHound · 07-30-2003, 08:43 AM

What about long wheel base fleetside beds? I found outer bed sides at one location so far as for the inner box sides I've had no luck. Also as for finding a replacement steel floor I can't seem to find them either just patch panels!

MOTHERTRUCKERS · 07-30-2003, 09:27 AM

We have complete fiberglass long beds in our catalog. Where did you find new long steel bedsides?

GloryHound · 07-30-2003, 09:31 AM

Mothertruckers: Chevy Duty

Here is the web address to the exact page:
http://www.chevyduty.com/frame-free-cat.html

meathead95 · 07-30-2003, 11:00 AM

I saw some that tim christian was selling at pigeon forge and they looked like a high quality piece and they are quite heavy. I believe he used them on his sons truck (not positive though) and it looks beautiful

MOTHERTRUCKERS · 07-30-2003, 06:17 PM

GLORYHOUND I found short fleet and long and short stepside, no long fleetside?

Baradium · 07-30-2003, 06:53 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by MOTHERTRUCKERS
GLORYHOUND I found short fleet and long and short stepside, no long fleetside?

"Bed Side Panel-Long Fleet-Left-No Hole "

that's it there isn't it?

Fount that listing... didn't see right, but am assuming it's there...

MOTHERTRUCKERS · 07-30-2003, 07:55 PM

Thats a 73-87 bedside I believe.

07-28-2003, 12:17 PM	#1
SLS Finish the'71..or bust! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Nashville, TN. Posts: 441	Question about reproduction bedsides Hey guys, I've got a '71 Custom Deluxe SHORTBED that has bedside issues (rust and sloppy patch panel repairs). I feel that I would save time and money by replacing then with new aftermarket or good originals (if anyone has them!...hint hint). I would even replace the whole bed if I could locate a decent one at a decent price (hint hint again)...as the floor and cross supports are very rough too. Anyway, my question is this: Have any of you guys bought the repro ones...and how did they fit? I've seen good, and bad, reports about the hoods, doors, and fenders in the fitting and lineup areas...but have not seen anyone discussing the bedside repros. (I really wish the 'search' feature here was functional!). I could disassemble the bed, locate and remove the spot welds and repair these bedside panels from the inside out...but when I consider the time involved I feel that just replacing them may be my best option...and concentrate my time and effort on stripping and repairing the ever elusive steel floor panel. So, any thoughts on this? Any reports on installing repro bedsides (good or bad)? Any comments on the vendors who supplied you with these parts? Thanks for reading and replying to this post!

07-28-2003, 02:42 PM	#2
Wootdog Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Virginia Beach, Va, USA Posts: 1,683	Vendors Get a hold of any of the venders for this site. They are all honest and will give you the scoop. Wootdog __________________ 1967 C10 Got it back after three years Boy I sure missed Peppy 1969 Chevelle 1990 IROC Z Convertible 2002 Silverado LT

07-28-2003, 03:02 PM	#3
mcmlxix Collector of Projects Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Las Vegas Posts: 3,106	They just built a wood short bed from aftermarket parts on TRUCKS TV ... for Copperhead ... __________________ Rich 1972 K5 Blazer CST Click HERE D60 BIG BRAKE UPGRADE Click HERE

07-28-2003, 05:14 PM	#5
mcmlxix Collector of Projects Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Las Vegas Posts: 3,106	i think it was like 6 total. I am about to transfer all the episodes I have on TiVo to a VHS tape so I have them in order ... ( I think I am still missing some anyway) .. I'll count and make sure .. or goto Stacy Davids Gearheads web page for pics ... Copperhead Link Trucks TV has more pics of the bed assembly ... Trucks TV Link Check out schedule date of July 27th for bed pics __________________ Rich 1972 K5 Blazer CST Click HERE D60 BIG BRAKE UPGRADE Click HERE Last edited by mcmlxix; 07-28-2003 at 05:17 PM.

07-28-2003, 05:44 PM	#6
tyger25 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Little Rock, Ar Posts: 124	All of the body parts for Copperhead came from Early Classic Enterprise... http://www.earlyclassic.com __________________ U.S.A.F. 68' C-10 Stepside 305 w/ 4 speed

07-28-2003, 06:05 PM	#7
Baradium Binder Rep Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Salcha, AK Posts: 1,506	Do you guys know what guage steel the repros are? Are they a thinner metal? I've heard that the tailgates are and are a lot weaker and no good for a working truck (use it and it's likely to bend).

07-28-2003, 06:50 PM	#8
Gee_Emm Account Suspended Join Date: Sep 2000 Posts: 3,991	I think there are different brands of the repro panels. I have a tailgate and front fender that are repros and they weigh about half of what an original piece would weigh.

07-28-2003, 06:56 PM	#9
72chevyLWB Got 20's???? Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Aberdeen SD Posts: 1,451	One of the classic truck magazines had an article about this. They put together an entire short bed box including wood for under $3000. Which if you consider all the time and materials its the way to go plus you can sell your old bed. I talked to a guy that put on these aftermarket bedsides (Goodmark) and he was extremely impressed with the quality and fit. He had one complaint about one side, but when we looked at my original box it had the same imperfection (where the bedside fits against the front panel there is a slightly larger gap way on top on the inside of the drivers side than the passenger side). __________________ 99 Silverado Ex-Cab 2wd, Bagged&WhippleCharged 02 Sierra Ex-Cab 4wd 2500 HD The 72 went down the road.

07-28-2003, 08:49 PM	#10
SLS Finish the'71..or bust! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Nashville, TN. Posts: 441	Thanks for the replies so far, guys! I'm begining to think maybe the replacement option is the way to go. I removed the wheelhouse on the driver side today, whipped out the pneumatic angle grinder...and yuck. Looks like a shotgun got it. Even found another patch panel...on the INNER wall sheetmetal! I do not think anyone will want to buy this bed...unless they are SERIOUS about restoration (and welding). It has metal patches, fiberglass patches, bondo patches, what appears to be some roofing sealer to waterproof some of the metal patch seams (inside the shell), and of course, dents and rust. Whew! It's too bad...cause it looks pretty good on the outside...from about 50 yards away...hahahaha...er, Maybe we can pass it around while we are building our 'solid' beds. That 'Copperhead' is just awesome....must be nice to have such a great place to work on an old treasure. That Picture of the cab being lifted on the jacks...man, oh man. SWEET! I wish I had such a fine work area.

07-28-2003, 09:44 PM	#11
billsbowtie Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: rose hill V.A. 24281 Posts: 17,997	sls i dont no how much you would be willing to pay out for a good bed i have one about 95% rust free surface rust only no dents maybe a few little dings tailgate has one small dent at bottom about the size of a 50 cent piece tailgate is bowed a little at floor when shut floor bed has like a couple of waves but is very soild i was asking $1000.00 but would concider a reasable offer i am 2 hours east of knox.tn if interested pm me my email is not working i am hopeing to have some pics. tomarrow nite thanks bill __________________ i have 67/72 chevy truck parts f/s.

07-28-2003, 09:51 PM	#12
billsbowtie Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: rose hill V.A. 24281 Posts: 17,997	if you interested there is one guy infront of you on the bed __________________ i have 67/72 chevy truck parts f/s.

07-28-2003, 11:58 PM	#13
SLS Finish the'71..or bust! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Nashville, TN. Posts: 441	Thanks for the info, Bill. I have PM'ed you!

07-29-2003, 04:47 PM	#14
trucks72 trucks72 Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Crossville Posts: 315	I just put a bed together. I used a steel floof in mine. I could send you some pictures if you like.

07-29-2003, 05:27 PM	#16
SLS Finish the'71..or bust! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Nashville, TN. Posts: 441	trucks72, Seeing your pics would be cool! Being that this thread has kinda turned into a discussion about beds, and bedsides, in general...hows about posting them here on this thread so we can all see how it was done? I'm sure a bunch of us would enjoy seeing them.

07-29-2003, 05:45 PM	#17
Phillip Johnson Account Suspended Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Grants Pass, Oregon Posts: 1,579	I think Cheyenne10 in Eugene Oregon may have a good short bed complete that may be for sale



Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

07-30-2003, 08:18 AM	#18
MOTHERTRUCKERS Registered User Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: BRADENTON FLA Posts: 3,269	We have built a few beds using aftermarket parts and they went together very easy with no real problems, a little rat tail filing in 2 or 3 holes where the front bed panel bolts on. We had the whole bed in our catalog for under 2200.00 up until last year. e-mail if interested in pricing and shipping quote. __________________ Rest in Peace Ed. Thanks for all the good times.

07-30-2003, 08:43 AM	#19
GloryHound Working on a Nova. Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: ## Posts: 506	What about long wheel base fleetside beds? I found outer bed sides at one location so far as for the inner box sides I've had no luck. Also as for finding a replacement steel floor I can't seem to find them either just patch panels!

07-30-2003, 09:27 AM	#20
MOTHERTRUCKERS Registered User Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: BRADENTON FLA Posts: 3,269	We have complete fiberglass long beds in our catalog. Where did you find new long steel bedsides? __________________ Rest in Peace Ed. Thanks for all the good times.

07-30-2003, 09:31 AM	#21
GloryHound Working on a Nova. Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: ## Posts: 506	Mothertruckers: Chevy Duty Here is the web address to the exact page: http://www.chevyduty.com/frame-free-cat.html

07-30-2003, 11:00 AM	#22
meathead95 computer illiterate Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Des Moines, IA Posts: 6,440	I saw some that tim christian was selling at pigeon forge and they looked like a high quality piece and they are quite heavy. I believe he used them on his sons truck (not positive though) and it looks beautiful __________________ 72 2wd blazer 72 swb 4x4

07-30-2003, 06:17 PM	#23
MOTHERTRUCKERS Registered User Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: BRADENTON FLA Posts: 3,269	GLORYHOUND I found short fleet and long and short stepside, no long fleetside? __________________ Rest in Peace Ed. Thanks for all the good times.

07-30-2003, 07:55 PM	#25
MOTHERTRUCKERS Registered User Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: BRADENTON FLA Posts: 3,269	Thats a 73-87 bedside I believe. __________________ Rest in Peace Ed. Thanks for all the good times.

Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.