Stepside Conversion - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Chevrolet4x4s · 02-03-2006, 10:41 PM

I have been thinking about putting an 88-98 sportside on my 85(since you can't get daul tank square hole swb bedsides anymore and the ones that you could get were tiwanese*with the disclamer of having to do bodywork on them when you recieve them

).I know that it has been done but what all is involved just shimming the back of the bed?Has anyone ever installed a 97-03 cough Ford cough Flareside onto one of these trucks?
Thanks
Shane

1974gmc · 02-04-2006, 01:04 AM

i have a daul tank square hole swb stepside bed

Russell · 02-04-2006, 01:15 AM

Unfortunately, those 88+ step beds do not look good on these trucks at all.

Chevrolet4x4s · 02-04-2006, 07:08 PM

I've seen one around here I thought that it looked good matched allmost perfect.To each his own.

87 STEPPER · 02-05-2006, 07:35 AM

I can not help ya but iv'e seen a few in person and it looks ok some better than others.

I dont think it's that big of a project if ya have a well equipt shop to fab up brackets maybe cut/chop here trim there.

I think the ford flairside bed would look good maybe even better than the chevy one but iv'e never seen that done yet. Now theres a reason to do it be the first one to do that and you'll have the only truck like it

Chevrolet4x4s · 02-05-2006, 01:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 87 STEPPER

I can not help ya but iv'e seen a few in person and it looks ok some better than others.

I dont think it's that big of a project if ya have a well equipt shop to fab up brackets maybe cut/chop here trim there.

I think the ford flairside bed would look good maybe even better than the chevy one but iv'e never seen that done yet. Now theres a reason to do it be the first one to do that and you'll have the only truck like it

Yeah my thoughts exactly..We had a 97 in in my auto shop class Friday.Had passivly thought about it before (only major problem with the bed that i can think of is that the Ford oval emblem is recessed into the tailgate nothing a bigger bowtie couldn't fix though)If it is still there Monday I'll trt to get some measurments But form the looks of this snow there may not be any school

anyways.Hopefully evening class didn't figure out the code and it will still be there.
I'll post some pics later.
Thanks
Shane

82c10 · 02-05-2006, 02:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1974gmc

i have a daul tank square hole swb stepside bed

it would be a SNB if its a stepside and it stands for Short Narrow Bed, and if its a SWB it would be a Fleetside, which SWB stands for Short wide bed

71swb4x4 · 02-05-2006, 02:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 82c10

it would be a SNB if its a stepside and it stands for Short Narrow Bed, and if its a SWB it would be a Fleetside, which SWB stands for Short wide bed

It means different things to different people. Everytime I have heard SWB used it meant Short Wheel Base.

Chevrolet4x4s · 02-05-2006, 05:55 PM

Here are some pics from about June or July 04 I think

**N2TRUX** · 02-05-2006, 05:55 PM

I have no idea what it takes to do it, but I imagine a plasma cutter and a welder might be required.

Personally I don't like the way it looks, but I guess you were just asking how to do it not what I thought if you did. Regardless of how I think it looks, here are some trucks that have done the conversion.

**N2TRUX** · 02-05-2006, 05:58 PM

This guy took it a step further, or should I say took one less step. He modified the rear of the bed by removing the step. This makes the bed much cleaner. If I were doing it, I would also shave the body line at the top of the bed....

79BIG10 · 02-05-2006, 07:15 PM

I saw that blue truck in person. It doesn't look good as the 67-72 cabs with the same bed.

OJOE · 02-05-2006, 07:55 PM

Me Likum Wide Bed

Chevrolet4x4s · 02-06-2006, 10:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OJOE

Me Likum Wide Bed

Yeah I liked the way it lookedbut it has gotten a little rust,which I repaired over the summer( sandblasted, sanded, fiberglass re-enforced filler, normal filler,auto primer, glazing putty,sanded 800 or 1000 grit,automotive paint ) You couldnt tell that it was there,then about three days after painting it started sinking in and bubbling

I did it like it instructed and like books say let it cure and everything a couple days after primer befor paint.Iknow that it is a temporary fix but 3 days is outrageous

Jonboy · 02-06-2006, 11:16 AM

The only bad thing about shaving the upper body seam is that is how the fenders are held on to the bed. The upper rail is metal and the sides are SMC (fiberglass).

**N2TRUX** · 02-06-2006, 11:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jonboy

The only bad thing about shaving the upper body seam is that is how the fenders are held on to the bed. The upper rail is metal and the sides are SMC (fiberglass).

Jon that's what I always thought too. In an old post on this subject I was told differently by Jeremy (1FaastC10). He worked at a dealership too, so I assumed he was correct. Look here

Now I'm really confused...

Chevrolet4x4s · 02-07-2006, 11:01 PM

Looked at one of the f-150 beds yesterday....they have those screwy flares at the front that wrap up around the edges of the cab,and the front of the bedside the flare is not vertical but slanted.

bigarmzz · 02-07-2006, 11:14 PM

"Here are some pics from about June or July 04 I think"

from lookin at those pics...in my opinion, it looks like a four wheel drive..i had to take a few "double takes"

drop the crap outta it, you'll forget about some small rust bubbles

Chevrolet4x4s · 02-08-2006, 06:18 PM

I like my 4x4 though (just not the gas mileage{was way better with the 6.5 diesel that is currently collecting dust in the garage [close to 22 on trips]})
I'll post current pics at some point.

Ziptar · 02-14-2006, 06:51 AM

There is an 81 C10 with an 88 up Stepside and wheels on it on ebay.

I'd get it for the Cab and Doors and make you a deal on the bed.. But, $750 for a parts truck is too much..

Chevrolet4x4s · 02-23-2006, 07:07 PM

Looks like I really missed the boat there
Shane

1974gmc · 02-24-2006, 05:53 PM

OJ1988 · 02-24-2006, 06:16 PM

His truck is a 4x4!

Chevrolet4x4s · 02-28-2006, 11:34 PM

Yeah its a 4x4 but I'm still doolin thats the best ive ever seen one line up
Thanks
Shane

02-03-2006, 10:41 PM	#1
Chevrolet4x4s Registered User Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: WV Posts: 227	Stepside Conversion I have been thinking about putting an 88-98 sportside on my 85(since you can't get daul tank square hole swb bedsides anymore and the ones that you could get were tiwanese*with the disclamer of having to do bodywork on them when you recieve them ).I know that it has been done but what all is involved just shimming the back of the bed?Has anyone ever installed a 97-03 cough Ford cough Flareside onto one of these trucks? Thanks Shane __________________ 1993 K1500 350 5 speed 1985 K10 Silverado Vortec 406 5 speed (in body shop) "I been drivin' this '85 pickup truck Them buddies of mine call it a bucket of rust She's a little beat up but she still runs like the wind Yeah, kinda like me I been banged and bruisedBeen around the block a time or two But I'm runnin' like new goin' places I never been No, I ain't broke I'm just broken in" 1963 Dodge Townwagon(its amazng what 30 years and zero miles will do to a vehicle ) Member#20327

02-04-2006, 01:04 AM	#2
1974gmc In Progress Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Kamloops, BC, Canada Posts: 312	Re: Stepside Conversion i have a daul tank square hole swb stepside bed __________________ 1993 Chevrolet K2500 454 4L80E 1974 GMC 1/2t 2wd Stepside 305 auto sold 1985 Ford Mustang GT 5.0 5spd

02-04-2006, 01:15 AM	#3
Russell Professional Grade Join Date: May 2003 Location: Fort McMurray, Alberta Posts: 7,915	Re: Stepside Conversion Unfortunately, those 88+ step beds do not look good on these trucks at all. __________________ 1995 Chevrolet 2 Door Tahoe (6.6L LBZ Duramax / ZF6 / NP241 with 1 ton solid axle swap)

02-04-2006, 07:08 PM	#4
Chevrolet4x4s Registered User Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: WV Posts: 227	Re: Stepside Conversion I've seen one around here I thought that it looked good matched allmost perfect.To each his own. __________________ 1993 K1500 350 5 speed 1985 K10 Silverado Vortec 406 5 speed (in body shop) "I been drivin' this '85 pickup truck Them buddies of mine call it a bucket of rust She's a little beat up but she still runs like the wind Yeah, kinda like me I been banged and bruisedBeen around the block a time or two But I'm runnin' like new goin' places I never been No, I ain't broke I'm just broken in" 1963 Dodge Townwagon(its amazng what 30 years and zero miles will do to a vehicle ) Member#20327

02-05-2006, 07:35 AM	#5
87 STEPPER STILL PLAYS WITH TRUX Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Melbourne, Fla. Posts: 2,764	Re: Stepside Conversion I can not help ya but iv'e seen a few in person and it looks ok some better than others. I dont think it's that big of a project if ya have a well equipt shop to fab up brackets maybe cut/chop here trim there. I think the ford flairside bed would look good maybe even better than the chevy one but iv'e never seen that done yet. Now theres a reason to do it be the first one to do that and you'll have the only truck like it __________________ ~~Bruce~~ MY 87 STEPPER MY 99 2D/WD TAHOE

02-05-2006, 05:55 PM	#9
Chevrolet4x4s Registered User Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: WV Posts: 227	Re: Stepside Conversion Here are some pics from about June or July 04 I think __________________ 1993 K1500 350 5 speed 1985 K10 Silverado Vortec 406 5 speed (in body shop) "I been drivin' this '85 pickup truck Them buddies of mine call it a bucket of rust She's a little beat up but she still runs like the wind Yeah, kinda like me I been banged and bruisedBeen around the block a time or two But I'm runnin' like new goin' places I never been No, I ain't broke I'm just broken in" 1963 Dodge Townwagon(its amazng what 30 years and zero miles will do to a vehicle ) Member#20327

02-05-2006, 05:55 PM	#10
N2TRUX Happy to be here Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 39,021	Re: Stepside Conversion I have no idea what it takes to do it, but I imagine a plasma cutter and a welder might be required. Personally I don't like the way it looks, but I guess you were just asking how to do it not what I thought if you did. Regardless of how I think it looks, here are some trucks that have done the conversion. __________________ Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @N2trux.com Articles- "Jake" the 84 to 74 crewcab "Elwood" the77_Remix 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett" "Refining Sierra" Last edited by N2TRUX; 02-05-2006 at 05:56 PM.

02-05-2006, 05:58 PM	#11
N2TRUX Happy to be here Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 39,021	Re: Stepside Conversion This guy took it a step further, or should I say took one less step. He modified the rear of the bed by removing the step. This makes the bed much cleaner. If I were doing it, I would also shave the body line at the top of the bed....

02-05-2006, 07:15 PM	#12
79BIG10 I'm back with 2nd truck! Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Texas Posts: 3,774	Re: Stepside Conversion I saw that blue truck in person. It doesn't look good as the 67-72 cabs with the same bed. __________________ 1979 Chevrolet Bonanza Big10 "Tootsie Roll" 1985 Chevrolet Silverado (wife's) Member of the Southern Bowties Club "Don't underestimate how sexy a fat man who drinks to excess can be." Homer Simpson

02-05-2006, 07:55 PM	#13
OJOE Crew Cut Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: MONTGOMERY,AL Posts: 757	Re: Stepside Conversion Me Likum Wide Bed __________________ 85 SWB 1/2 TON CREWCAB/5.3 03 CHEV 3500 DURAMAX CREW CAB 85 CHEV SWB/TPI 06 CHEV TAHOE (WIFES) 30 MODEL A HOT ROD 07 HARLEY DAVIDSON BAGGER 09 STREET GLIDE AN D A LOT MORE JUNK

02-06-2006, 11:16 AM	#15
Jonboy Slots go on anything! Join Date: May 2003 Location: Richardson, TX Posts: 5,957	Re: Stepside Conversion The only bad thing about shaving the upper body seam is that is how the fenders are held on to the bed. The upper rail is metal and the sides are SMC (fiberglass). __________________ 1974 Jimmy- 5.3/4L80e/NP241

02-07-2006, 11:01 PM	#17
Chevrolet4x4s Registered User Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: WV Posts: 227	Re: Stepside Conversion Looked at one of the f-150 beds yesterday....they have those screwy flares at the front that wrap up around the edges of the cab,and the front of the bedside the flare is not vertical but slanted. __________________ 1993 K1500 350 5 speed 1985 K10 Silverado Vortec 406 5 speed (in body shop) "I been drivin' this '85 pickup truck Them buddies of mine call it a bucket of rust She's a little beat up but she still runs like the wind Yeah, kinda like me I been banged and bruisedBeen around the block a time or two But I'm runnin' like new goin' places I never been No, I ain't broke I'm just broken in" 1963 Dodge Townwagon(its amazng what 30 years and zero miles will do to a vehicle ) Member#20327

02-07-2006, 11:14 PM	#18
bigarmzz Registered User Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Elkins, West Virginia Posts: 2,542	Re: Stepside Conversion "Here are some pics from about June or July 04 I think" from lookin at those pics...in my opinion, it looks like a four wheel drive..i had to take a few "double takes" drop the crap outta it, you'll forget about some small rust bubbles __________________ 1987 350 TBI lowered 5/7 Last edited by bigarmzz; 02-07-2006 at 11:16 PM.

02-08-2006, 06:18 PM	#19
Chevrolet4x4s Registered User Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: WV Posts: 227	Re: Stepside Conversion I like my 4x4 though (just not the gas mileage{was way better with the 6.5 diesel that is currently collecting dust in the garage [close to 22 on trips]}) I'll post current pics at some point. __________________ 1993 K1500 350 5 speed 1985 K10 Silverado Vortec 406 5 speed (in body shop) "I been drivin' this '85 pickup truck Them buddies of mine call it a bucket of rust She's a little beat up but she still runs like the wind Yeah, kinda like me I been banged and bruisedBeen around the block a time or two But I'm runnin' like new goin' places I never been No, I ain't broke I'm just broken in" 1963 Dodge Townwagon(its amazng what 30 years and zero miles will do to a vehicle ) Member#20327

02-14-2006, 06:51 AM	#20
Ziptar Diesel Addict Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Beyond The Sun. Posts: 144	Re: Stepside Conversion There is an 81 C10 with an 88 up Stepside and wheels on it on ebay. I'd get it for the Cab and Doors and make you a deal on the bed.. But, $750 for a parts truck is too much..



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02-23-2006, 07:07 PM	#21
Chevrolet4x4s Registered User Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: WV Posts: 227	Re: Stepside Conversion Looks like I really missed the boat there Shane __________________ 1993 K1500 350 5 speed 1985 K10 Silverado Vortec 406 5 speed (in body shop) "I been drivin' this '85 pickup truck Them buddies of mine call it a bucket of rust She's a little beat up but she still runs like the wind Yeah, kinda like me I been banged and bruisedBeen around the block a time or two But I'm runnin' like new goin' places I never been No, I ain't broke I'm just broken in" 1963 Dodge Townwagon(its amazng what 30 years and zero miles will do to a vehicle ) Member#20327

02-24-2006, 05:53 PM	#22
1974gmc In Progress Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Kamloops, BC, Canada Posts: 312	Re: Stepside Conversion __________________ 1993 Chevrolet K2500 454 4L80E 1974 GMC 1/2t 2wd Stepside 305 auto sold 1985 Ford Mustang GT 5.0 5spd Last edited by 1974gmc; 02-24-2006 at 05:56 PM.

02-24-2006, 06:16 PM	#23
OJ1988 Just a car guy Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: New Washington, IN Posts: 991	Re: Stepside Conversion His truck is a 4x4!

02-28-2006, 11:34 PM	#24
Chevrolet4x4s Registered User Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: WV Posts: 227	Re: Stepside Conversion Yeah its a 4x4 but I'm still doolin thats the best ive ever seen one line up Thanks Shane __________________ 1993 K1500 350 5 speed 1985 K10 Silverado Vortec 406 5 speed (in body shop) "I been drivin' this '85 pickup truck Them buddies of mine call it a bucket of rust She's a little beat up but she still runs like the wind Yeah, kinda like me I been banged and bruisedBeen around the block a time or two But I'm runnin' like new goin' places I never been No, I ain't broke I'm just broken in" 1963 Dodge Townwagon(its amazng what 30 years and zero miles will do to a vehicle ) Member#20327

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