stock short bed -vs- flat bed

[landon4421]

I was wondering what everyone thinks about putting a flat bed on a '72. -vs- putting back on the stock bed.

I have a while before I will get to putting on any bed, don't even have the cab on yet. I wanted some input on changing the bed. There is a green '70 or '71 in town with a flat bet and it looks pritty nice. I have powder coated the frame, so I was thinking that putting a flat bed on it would allow people to see more of the frame. I like the way the flat beds look, but I also like the way the stock bed looks. This is going to be one of those hard decisions. <sp> Any input or ideas ?

Thanks Landon

[nightmare]

now, this is just my opinion but, i would only put the flatbed on there if i were going to use the truck to haul a lot of stuff, big stuff, like cabs, other beds, lots of wood, etc.

[landon4421]

Thanks for your opinion nightmare, I probally will not be hauling a lot of things with the truck. I am hoping for a show quality truck when I am done.

[dubie]

I'm a flatbed fanatic so you know what my answer is already

[70 longbed]

You can make a flat bed out of a longbed anytime. There are to few shortbeds around to use one for that, but as I was once told on this site; it's yours, do as you want. I think that it will be nice either way.

[nightmare]

no problem, landon. good luck with it

[CPNE]

Heres my opinion based on the limited info given.

If you're going to show it, you're probably looking for attention and comments (hopefully positive). I've been to a few shows and the 67-72 short fleets are plentiful and pretty much a me too! crowd. After you see 75 of them lined up they lose the attention getting appeal they'd get if they were parked in a Wal-mart parking lot somewhere. I say if done with some creativity and real attention to detail, the flatbed would be a standout.

The other thing to consider if you're serious about shows is what category you'll be placed in. If your truck is basically stock with the exception of the bed, you may get placed in the customized category, probably not where you want to be in terms of apple to apples judging.

But if you're just thinking of entering in the "fun" field, do the flatbed.

[old Rusty C10]

show quality = perfect stock bed

[landon4421]

thanks for all the in put guys. i'll probally put on the stock bed. who knows !!

[1969 GMC]

here's an idea...totally restore the truck and the shortbed, then put the flatbed on the truck...then put the shortbed on the flatbed and carry it everywhere with you for that "custom" look :p :p

[onetoncrewcab]

You asked for opinions and here is mine. I have never liked flatbeds on pickups. Even the well done ones still make the truck look like a work truck. Like some of the comments that have been posted, unless you are using it to haul big stuff, the stock box would look better. But like it is said around here, it's your truck and your decision.
Mike