new bed, old truck

[2nd_wnd]

After seeing on the web a 67-72 stepside with 88-97 stepside bed, I began to wonder what about doing the same with a non-stepside truck.

Would the contour and lines match?
Would it bolt up easily?

[Palf70Step]

Somewhat. You can get the lower trim lines to fall in line, but becase of the wheel wheel shape differences you'll notice the mismatch. Also not that the later bed is narrower, so you see some of the rear cab ribbing exposed, where it is hid by the original bed.

MY $.02, some look good with them on, some don't I think it is mostly a color thing to me on whether it looks good or not.

Bolting on a newer one is pretty easier. You will have to build some spacers where it mounts to the frame to level out the new bed, but that is relatively simeple. If YOU like the looks and can get a decent bed, than go for it.

Another thing that does help in my opinion, is abit of customizing to remove the rear step pieces from the newer bed. It helps the looks alot.

[skchevota]

I dont think the upper part of the bed would match up well. If you have your bed off, you could take your truck to a wrecking yard and see if they will test fit a few for you so you could see if it would look right.

[rsorrowjr]

Im doing that conversion on my 71 right now. The bottom lines match up pretty well. You can still see about 1/2in of the ribs on the rear of the cab on both sides. I've got it temporaily setup on the frame until I fab some brackets/spacers to get it just right. The top lines up good because you have to raise the bed a little to line up the bottom lines. Some people dont like the difference in the wheel-well opening but it depends what you like since your going to drive it. Personally I think it is going to look great on mine

[2nd_wnd]

is there anybody that can maybe mock one up in photoshop. would prefer silver to give me an idea of what it would look like

[rsorrowjr]

this thread has some pics
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...88-98+stepside

[1LoC10]

I didnt see any pics in that thread with a new fleetside bed... but there is a yellow one around somewhere, Ill try to find the pic

[Palf70Step]

Here is a build of a board member mike nutt and his noce looking ride. It's not silver, but start at about post 244 and you'll see a REAL nice truck.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...180941&page=10

[1LoC10]

Isn't he asking about a new fleetside

[Palf70Step]

Originally Posted by 1LoC10

Isn't he asking about a new fleetside

Yes I just caught that too.

2nd_wnd....On the fleetsides they do not match up well at the top of the bed and the older cab. The bed hangs out a good bit and does not flow into the cab. I don't think I have any shots to show what I am talking about because I didn't like the look at all.

[2nd_wnd]

thats pretty much what i wanted to know. Was hoping to see what it might look like before i try and get one for mine.

Thanx

[Longhorn Man]

they look even worse than the late model stepsides. IMO, they don't even come close to looking right.
The top sticks out, the bottom is tucked in, the bed side isn't even shaped the same.

[rsorrowjr]

yeah I missed that too

[Boog]

Whoa! That is awful. That's the first one I've seen and well, it's awful. IMO I hope he can find the correct bed soon and correct this error. I like the mirrors, paint and wheels however.