opinions on not repainting the bed

[burkeens]

I recently bought from my uncle the 68 C-10 LWB 307 3ott that he bought new in 67. I will post pictures soon in the survivors thread, but it's pretty much all original. It has the original light blue/white two-tone paint scheme. My uncle is a mechanic and has always taken great care of his equipment, including this truck.

Even thought it has been garaged all its life and taken great care of, the original paint is pretty thin and has patina in places. I am planning on having it repainted, but have to decide how far to go with that -- like do I get the interior and engine compartment repainted, too.

My biggest question is the bed. The bed has never been lined and the truck has been used as a truck, so the bed floor shows the kind of use you would expect. I am thinking about getting the rest of the truck repainted, but leaving the bed as is. Would that look wierd? Does anybody have any photos of a truck done that way?

I don't really want to spray-line the bed. I also don't want a bed-liner because I am afraid of corrosion underneath. And I want to still use it as a truck, so I don't want to paint it just to get it scratched up again.

Any thoughts? Thanks.

[VA72C10]

Originally Posted by burkeens

My biggest question is the bed. The bed has never been lined and the truck has been used as a truck, so the bed floor shows the kind of use you would expect. I am thinking about getting the rest of the truck repainted, but leaving the bed as is. Would that look wierd? Does anybody have any photos of a truck done that way?

I don't really want to spray-line the bed. I also don't want a bed-liner because I am afraid of corrosion underneath. And I want to still use it as a truck, so I don't want to paint it just to get it scratched up again.

Any thoughts? Thanks.

Have you considered a color matched spray-liner? Just curious what is turning you off since you plan to use it. Either way I'd paint it or line it.....don't want to spend the money repainting the truck to have the bed rust away....

[burkeens]

I like the idea, but I worry that the liner would be hard to get off in case of a full restoration some day

[Jacfourteen]

X2 on the spray on liner. They aren't easy to get off, but it can be done. It will protect the bed from rust and dents in the case of a full on resto down the line.

[burkeens]

Hmm. You're starting to convince me.

Is there any difference in the prep work needed for a spray-in line vs. painting? Even though it's in pretty good shape overall, I think it would take quite a bit of work to get it ready for painting.

[VA72C10]

Originally Posted by burkeens

Hmm. You're starting to convince me.

Is there any difference in the prep work needed for a spray-in line vs. painting? Even though it's in pretty good shape overall, I think it would take quite a bit of work to get it ready for painting.

Depends on the liner but a good wire wheeling would be the first step.

Another thing to consider is since you are using it as a truck now...and plan a full resto later....do the liner on the floor now to use and when you get ready to restore buy a new floor or a nice used floor only to replace yours.... if it's already dented from use. And if it's not dented, the liner actually provides some impact resistance compared to paint.

[burkeens]

Very helpful suggestions! Thanks very much.

[cdowns]

paint it up nice and when you go to carry stuff put down a piece of plywood to save the paint

[Brock]

I say paint it when you paintthe truck. Its not gonna take much more time or paint to go ahead and throw some paint down, if it gets scratched...well it was scratched to begine with so your not really losing anything. I noticed on the GMC on Auction Hunters the other night, they painted the truck but didn't paint the bed and it stood out like a sore thumb. So I say shoot it and let the scratches land where they may.