Wood to "Steel" bed conversion

[jetfixr]

What would be involved if I wanted to convert a shortbed from wood bed to steel? I have done lots of searches and there are plenty of posts to convert to a wood bed, but not much out there on converting to steel. It will be a daily driver so I just want to go with steel and rhino-line it.

[68bowtie]

you need a different header panel for steel bed, and a steel bed floor. everything bolts together except the 4 small welds at the rear brace.

[cooperhw]

Originally Posted by jetfixr

What would be involved if I wanted to convert a shortbed from wood bed to steel? I have done lots of searches and there are plenty of posts to convert to a wood bed, but not much out there on converting to steel. It will be a daily driver so I just want to go with steel and rhino-line it.

I have a build thread called "Meet Homer" in this 67-72 thread. In the build somewhere I pulled out a wood floor and installed a metal floor I sourced from a 73-87 square body bed I had laying around. Trimmed it to fit and welded it in place in one weekend. Not saying this is the only way to do it or even the best way to do it, just it's how my simple brain did it.

[67chevemall]

I just got a sheet of steel. Had it bent every 3.5"'s so it looks like wood.
Then welded it in to the crossmembers. Butts to the header and welded to rear steel roll pan. Looks and works great. 4 drain holes, and a flap for the fuel cell hole.

[BigMike]

Too bad you were not closer because I want to go from steel to wood, we could swap parts....Too far apart though, bummer.