Complaining - I am so damn tired of aftermarket parts that don't fit- ARRGGHH

[MAR-Ktech]

Originally Posted by Green Machine

I do have one good thing to say about the wood bed conversion I bought from Mar-K. That is some damn fine fitting stuff !!! The front bed panel fits EXACTLY like it should, nice thick metal, doubt if even an expert could find a difference, same with the rear bed brace. The floor supports were all perfect, not ONE hole had to be enlarged to fit, and wood was real nice as well as the stainless strips, all holes where they're supposed to be, which was nice that all parts measured as they should, because if you have ever done one of these, there are about 100 parts it seems that have to line up with each other. If the parts were needing massaging on something like that it would be impossible to get a straight, square bed. Only complaint about Mar-K is that they don't supply a short support to go between wheel tubs, said it wasn't needed, Well the wood floors I remember seeing all had those, but I tried it and was way too soft between there, I ordered one from LMC of all places (actually have had no problems with LMC yet), and it fit just like the Mar-K stuff and made a big difference in floor strength. Without it I think there would be 4 rows without a brace. MAR-K are you listening ?? You need to get that support for between the tubs in your kit !!

Mar-K is listening and you come through loud and clear. Thanks for the kind words but especially thanks for the criticism. That is how we learn to improve. We don't get to read all posts every day so sometimes it takes a day or two to pay attention. The short support (we call it the reinforcing strip in the catalog) you requested is the same part used in the stepside beds. It should have been sold to you when you requested. We have measured many trucks over the years but this must have slipped by. There is a 72" reinforcing strip at the front of the wheel tub and a cross sill at the rear of the wheel tub. We showed nothing in between them, a span of 39". In the center the wood practically rests on the frame. A reinforcing strip could be placed at the bed strip hole that is 48" back from the front bed panel assuming you have a short bed. Is that where you placed yours? Did it interfere with the frame? Anybody out there with an original wood bed? We will include it in the kit if it was there originally. Otherwise it will be available as a recommended option.

Mar-K