Metal to Wood Bed

[72BlckButy]

I have a 72 Chevy SWB, that is in some serious need of a new bed. New sides, new front, new bed... Is it possible to switch from a metal bed to a wood bed? I'm wanting to turn this into a show-n-go truck, and I was looking at adding some nice oak or pine, but before I get my hopes up, I wanted to make sure that it was possible.
Thanks!

[RainFade]

I've thought about going the other direction with my LWB and found there are a LOT of different parts but it can be done.
The supports, the front of the bed come to mind right off.

IMHO you'd be best off to find a wood floor bed in decent shape and use that as your starting point.

[HuggerCST]

Originally Posted by RainFade

I've thought about going the other direction with my LWB and found there are a LOT of different parts but it can be done.
The supports, the front of the bed come to mind right off.

IMHO you'd be best off to find a wood floor bed in decent shape and use that as your starting point.

I agree, it's a pretty expensive swap unless you can find some of the parts used. To swap to a wood floor you will need the cross supports under the wood, including the rear support, the front panel, strips on top of the wood, a bolt kit, boards, and also the "splashguards" inside the fenderwell, behind the tires. It may be worth it for a show truck though. I'm doing this myself, because my metal floor needed alot of work, and it's so hard to find a good metal floor. The metal floors look great when they are showroom slick, but it's hard to beat the look of an oak floor.

[ChevyDude]

I just did this. I bought all new pieces from GMC Paul's : 2 new bedsides, 2 new wheel housings, a new front panel, all new under bed wood supports, 2 new under bed wheel skirts and support bars, and 1 new rear panel. Total for this is somewhere in the $1800 range...and I still have the buy the oak, chrome strips, and bolt kit.....so yes it can be done but it's not cheap.

[72BlckButy]

Well, I appreciate all your information. I love the look that wood beds add to the truck, especially a show truck. I was planning on this being fairly expensive, but I considered the fact that I already have to basically get an entire new bed so... Plus I have an uncle that is a wood worker, to we're planning on sinking the bed support bolts into the bottom of the boards so they won't be seen.