Wood to Steel bed conversion

[darren509]

I have a 69 c/2500 long bed with wood that is absolutely destroyed and I want to convert to steel bed. My question is the steel bed they sell on LMC does it just lay over the wood and then you weld it in or is it more complicated ? Anyone here done it

[68bowtie]

the correct way to convert to a steel bed floor is to find a new or used steel floor header panel and a complete steel bed floor (supports come with the bed floor). you can sell your wood floor header panel and wood floor braces to make up some of the cost. lots of guys are looking for those parts.

the bedsides, wheel tubs, tailgate, and gravel guards are the same. everything is bolt-on except the rear brace (in both cases) has a couple tack welds.

[Nsanehotrodz]

Originally Posted by 68bowtie

the correct way to convert to a steel bed floor is to find a new or used steel floor header panel and a complete steel bed floor (supports come with the bed floor). you can sell your wood floor header panel and wood floor braces to make up some of the cost. lots of guys are looking for those parts.

the bedsides, wheel tubs, tailgate, and gravel guards are the same. everything is bolt-on except the rear brace (in both cases) has a couple tack welds.

Our fleet side steel floors come with the rear cross sill welded. Which makes it a direct bolt in replacement.

[68bowtie]

that sounds like the factory floors. the tack welds connect the rear support to the bedsides so the bedsides stay plumb to the tailgate. i don't know how you could do that without any welding.

[Nsanehotrodz]

Originally Posted by 68bowtie

that sounds like the factory floors. the tack welds connect the rear support to the bedsides so the bedsides stay plumb to the tailgate. i don't know how you could do that without any welding.

The rear cross sills have five bolt holes on each side that bolt to the bed side. Some people bolt them together so they can paint the bed apart.