Modern Truck bed for a 47-54 GMC/Chevy

[wigadore]

I have been looking at the idea of swapping the original bed from my truck with a modern bed but add the original fenders back on much like the image attached. Anyone know what year of bed this truck may have. I tried asking the owner, but he must not sign in often.

Thanks.

[GRIMSS]

Looks to be an 88-98.

[sevt_chevelle]

The bed is from the model years of 88-98 chevy/gmc truck
IMO, if I was going to do that swap I get a stepside bed and install a set of short bed fleetside bedsides. This way you have a narrower bed with a relative flat bedside more like the original.

[bensimmons_05]

it looks like the 88-98 bed, but it loooks like a narrowed fleetside instead of the step side.

[Laid_Out_50]

Looks WEIRD I wouldn't do it

[jjjmm56]

They have been known to run S10 beds also.

[durrettcustoms]

Almost positive that bed is originally a step side. An 88-98 fleetside would stick out past the cab!

[Steve@OldSub.com]

I'm almost certain it is an '88 to '98 full size bed and I do know for certain that it was narrowed to fit the way it does. The owner/builder is an older guy who lives in Florida and occasionally pops in on several boards.

He does fantastic work even if its not quite to my tastes. If I remember right those are Cadillac fins grafted on.

[Dan Bowles]

If you email him, he does get back to you. I did a long time ago and had a nice chat. Lots of work, not my style but he's doing a good job with it. There are many out there with the 88+ bed on it. Overdone if you ask me, I'm hoping just DONE! I see them even more on the Tri-5. That front step doesn't line up with anything but an 88+ truck.

There are several with fleetside bedsides with the AD fenders grafted in and they look pretty smooth. Almost suburban/panel esque.

[Wvgearhead]

There's a truck done the same way around here, but I have only passed him on the road and have't seen it up close. If I bump into him and can get a pic I'll send it your way.
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[msteereak]

My $0.02 would be to not do it. No offense to those that have done it or like the look...
Not a fan of the look and unless it is done to the extreme I think it is a cheap looking cover-up.

[wigadore]

This was just a thought that I have been toying with for some time. I am not set on doing it yet...just would like to see an actual truck that has been done so I can decide. As of right now I am still going original.

[weldvair@embarqmail.]

I am the owner/builder of the truck.
The truck is a 48 GMC that is chopped 3 1/2"
lengthened 3" thru the cab/doors
CAD design
The bed is a 96 that was narrored more than a foot & NOS narrowed fenders welded on

62 cadd fins

crate motor
700r4
9"

drip rails removed

frenched antenna plus more

I will answer any questions you all might have.

Don Meyer -mech engr(retired) weldvair@embarqmail.com
St Cloud. FL

[weldvair@embarqmail.]

The bed is a highly modified full size chevy(96). All dimensions have been changed.

Don

[weldvair@embarqmail.]

The most famous Ad truck was done by a fellow named Spencer back
in the 50's.Please do a Google search.

I was highly influenced by his truck thru out the yrs. & have offen wanted to build one of my own design. I am 72 & not in the best
health so it has taken me 5 yrs so far to get to my version of a finned AD truck. I am not trying to please everyone, just myself by doing my design
with extremely high quality work.

At the age of 72 I am not able to do another truck so if you do not like it
keep in mind the design bases.

The basic dimensions of the cab & bed was a CAD design so the basic shape would be as pleasing as possible.

Don Meyer-PhD-Mech Engr

PS- any positive comments would be appreciated

[sparkydog]

Did you model the entire body into CAD? If so, what technique did you use to measure the surface coordinates of the body parts?

[Russell Ashley]

Here's a link to the story.

http://www.kustomrama.com/index.php?...9s_Dream_Truck

I remember that truck well. I loved it and felt like crying when I saw the pic of it and the tow truck after the accident. I'm glad that someone restored it.

Don, beautiful truck. I'd like to see even more pics of it during and after your build.

[weldvair@embarqmail.]

Russel....thanks for the effort you went thru to poat the info. Perhaps some of the younger rodders can appreciate his truck.

Thanls again.....Don

[weldvair@embarqmail.]

Here are a few more pics of the truck. I hope I am not boring you all. The doors are lrngthened 3"

The console hides the wiring...It's made from sheet metal.

Don

[Indian113]

I love the work you did to your truck,You are really good at metal work and I wish I lived closer I'd be bugging you for some of your knowledge!!!!

[drummin89]

I for one like the look of a modern bed on these trucks. Weldvair, the bed you used looks to fit the curve of the cab just right and having the original fenders welded into the bed makes the look. The body of these trucks has so many curves, then the bed is all straight lines and tight curves (rails), not to say I don't like the original look, as I have a 52.

I was thinking of doing this myself as the bed on my 52 3/4 ton truck isn't in the best shape, needs a new tailgate, new or fixed bedsides, bed wood and all strips/hardware. I can get a modern truck bed from the local u-pull-it yard for a bit over $100.

Weldvair do you have any pictures on how you modified the bed to fit?

[Dan Bowles]

I'd like to have a template of what he cut off the fenders in order to make them fit! I like Don's bed MUCH more than the step side beds. This is what I was talking about when I said I'd seen some with the modified fleet sides. There is one in SW Ohio that looks good (no fins, though!)

[sgtusmc]

Mr. Meyer, You are freaken awesome Sir! 72 years old and still bending metal. Hopefully I'll make it to my 70's...and if I do. I hope I'm able to do 1/2 the outstanding work you do. I've always liked your truck. Keep up the good work.

[weldvair@embarqmail.]

Well I finally drove the trk today. It was a real trill......here is a
pic taken in my front yard.

Don

[Dan Bowles]

Don, that looks outstanding. Nice job. If you want to adopt...