6' Stepside Compatability?

[Sammy]

With the exception of the fenders. Is it correct that most of the Chevy/Gmc stepside beds are the same? If not what years are the same to fit on a 6' frame? I need to hunt for a 6' bed. Looking at all my options as the 6' fleets are rather rare & expensive. I thought I heard a few years ago that 60 some thing thru 70's stepside boxs were identical except just adding the fenders. Is this correct? Does anyone have expertise in stepsides out there? Thanks for any responses..

[krue]

The 73-87 stepside beds can be made to work, but there are some mods that you'll have to do. Check the FAQ Submissions page and on the index thread is a link to Palf70steps article on converting them.

[krue]

It's not exactly the same, ask me how I know. The bedsides are different from 72 to 73 as is noted here.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=123833

[special-K]

Fender mounting will differ.The`72-ups have different steps,so front stake pocket/upright will be different.I`m guessing that`s what is in Krue`s link.

[nate68]

i know the tailgates are all the same

[Sammy]

You are never too old to learn something. That is true. Today I searched a salvage place found he had at least 10 step beds. All chevy no two exactly alike. Everyone had a different fender arch. Our year step trucks don't have the clearence markers? I think I found a decent step but no marker lights. Anyone have a sure 67-72 step pic of the side of the step fender?.

.ohh by the way located 2 fleet 6' beds, one a 68 ...was told by owner that belonged to my uncle he is gone several yrs ago & that truck & bed will still rust that spot 20 yrs from now. Another one: salvage yard, that bed is rare we will start to talk at $ 1,500. it was a rusted thru and bent from being pushed around. yikes..

[krue]

NO clearance lights (or markers) is a 67 only. Fairly sought after.

[Sammy]

Hmmm think I may...seen one today. those arches & ridges on the fenders I never knew chevy made so many slightly different..the one I have ny eyes on has that slight ridge a few inches up from the bottom that runs the full length of the bed..the other one had a straight rige horizontal the length of the fender..guessing a 50-60 yr group??

[chevy_fatman]

This what a 1967 stepside bed looks like...



And this is a 68-72, notice the sidemarkers on the fenders...



The bedside fender mounting area differs through (sp?) the years

[Sammy]

ok thanks a whole bunch..printed a venders pic of a stepside fender..thanks for everyone's help this will ensure I purchase the right bed!!!!!

[68shortstep]

68 stocker-stepbed.

Some folks don't like the sidemount spare tire fender cutout, and will go so far as to fill it in, with a way-lot of body work. Easier (around here) to look for a replacement non-cutout fender.

That sidemount spare feature really appealed to me for some reason......

[CPNEJR]

here's 71402BB's step bed with the cutout for spare tire

[nate68]

you can buy repro fenders but they don't make them without the marker lights which i would rather not have the side markers

[Sammy]

Yeah,
well I found a bed. Step a '67 with all the correct arch & ridge. No marker lights, no cutout for spare but someone did cut a 1 1/2" hole in the left fender for a gas tank..other than that great shape the green 71 machine now will get a place to sleep (bed). Thanks for everyone's responses.

[nate68]

lucky

[Sammy]

Update: The 67 bed sides/ front panel with a chevy tailgate looks really good.
had to take a 66 short bed complete to get all the support structure under the bed as the previous owner of the 67 had removed them & installed only a 1/8 " aluminum plate inside the bed. Overall after two weeks hunting the right stuff not bad. Now disassembly and a trip for media blasting...thanks for your help & the pics really helped!