Pro or con Late model step side bed - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

jbristo67 · 02-19-2009, 06:10 PM

I saw an old friend the other day and he was telling me that he got a 68 SWB pickup that he was about to get started on. HE told me he traded off his swb fleet bed for a late mode step side bed. This bed was perfect and in primer too it was far from junk. I really had to scratch my head on this one, what do you guys think.

see ten · 02-19-2009, 06:15 PM

If he's happy, I'm happy for him....I think he's screwed himself in the long run though.

big_al_71 · 02-19-2009, 06:16 PM

WOw!!!!! I guess his truck/his choice. I am sure that you are going to get a bunch of different opinions.....I know that I would never do that...

Longhorn Man · 02-19-2009, 06:41 PM

well, since you asked for opinions....
I think they look like crap on there.
Everyone raves at how the lines all line up... but... they don't. they are close to almost lining up. Then there's the wheel openings, and then there's the fact that the cab has angular lines, and then the bed has flowing lines... it just doesn't match at all.
I love the 67 - 72 body.
I love the 88 - 98 body too
I love JIF peanut butter
I love a big T-bone too
But I don't want peanut butter on my steak.

Now... with that being said, I am not trying to crap on anyone's projects. It's your rig, your choice, as long as you are happy with it.
It's just not my idea of money well spent

67_C-30 · 02-19-2009, 07:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Longhorn Man

well, since you asked for opinions....
I think they look like crap on there.
Everyone raves at how the lines all line up... but... they don't. they are close to almost lining up. Then there's the wheel openings, and then there's the fact that the cab has angular lines, and then the bed has flowing lines... it just doesn't match at all.
I love the 67 - 72 body.
I love the 88 - 98 body too
I love JIF peanut butter
I love a big T-bone too
But I don't want peanut butter on my steak.

Now... with that being said, I am not trying to crap on anyone's projects. It's your rig, your choice, as long as you are happy with it.
It's just not my idea of money well spent

Well said.
Its been said that the 99 - 07 style looks better on them, but I disagree with that too! They look even worse on there IMO. Nothing beats the stock beds on these trucks.

LowBow · 02-19-2009, 07:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Longhorn Man

well, since you asked for opinions....
I think they look like crap on there.
Everyone raves at how the lines all line up... but... they don't. they are close to almost lining up. Then there's the wheel openings, and then there's the fact that the cab has angular lines, and then the bed has flowing lines... it just doesn't match at all.
I love the 67 - 72 body.
I love the 88 - 98 body too
I love JIF peanut butter
I love a big T-bone too
But I don't want peanut butter on my steak.

Now... with that being said, I am not trying to crap on anyone's projects. It's your rig, your choice, as long as you are happy with it.
It's just not my idea of money well spent

funny story about that, there's a place in town that puts PB on burgers. I was grossed out at first, but then I tried it, and Mmmmmmm. Delicious. Sorry to thread jack.

**Roland** · 02-19-2009, 07:31 PM

...Nothing beats the stock beds on these trucks.

I agree

Skirkpat · 02-19-2009, 07:36 PM

I like my trucks to look stock, I personally do not like th retro cars much either, except for the Charger 2 door, I will give it up to Dodge that MoFo does look sweeeeeet, and I dispise Mopar's styling overall.

metalman1968 · 02-19-2009, 07:47 PM

Congrats to the guy that got the stock bed, I know a guy that did the same thing to a 51. Hard sell!

69sixpackbee · 02-19-2009, 08:08 PM

Negatory

68shortstep · 02-19-2009, 08:14 PM

I wouldn't take pot-shots at anybody's project, & mine's no show truck by a LOOONG ways, but the stock look is hard to beat, for me.

Unless it's lowered to get the stock "butt-high" look corrected. That's coming, when the budget allows.

weasel29gm · 02-19-2009, 08:29 PM

I wouldn't trade a good bed, but if a late was a good price. I'd go for one.

*67/72junkie* · 02-19-2009, 08:40 PM

I have only seen 1 late model stepbed on a 67/72 that I liked.The owner was a bodyman and he made a fiberglass mold of the 67/72 wheel arch then he grafted it to the late model bed .It really looked like it belonged there with that modification.

enaberif · 02-19-2009, 08:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Longhorn Man

well, since you asked for opinions....
I think they look like crap on there.
Everyone raves at how the lines all line up... but... they don't. they are close to almost lining up. Then there's the wheel openings, and then there's the fact that the cab has angular lines, and then the bed has flowing lines... it just doesn't match at all.
I love the 67 - 72 body.
I love the 88 - 98 body too
I love JIF peanut butter
I love a big T-bone too
But I don't want peanut butter on my steak.

Now... with that being said, I am not trying to crap on anyone's projects. It's your rig, your choice, as long as you are happy with it.
It's just not my idea of money well spent

Amen!

I don't get this at all. I've seen a few trucks done with this and I swear the owner is from another planet

67ChevyRedneck · 02-19-2009, 09:21 PM

Traded a good short fleet for it??? CON!

72BlckButy · 02-19-2009, 09:25 PM

I have to agree w/ Andy.... keep it original and don't dip into other years for sheetmetal.

OARNGESI · 02-19-2009, 09:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 72blckbuty

i have to agree w/ andy.... Keep it original and don't dip into other years for sheetmetal.

but isnt that whats custom is all about taking what you like from a couple different cars to make the one you like i think it was a bad trade cause his bed was probally worth more but without pics of both beds that would be hard to judge either

jbristo67 · 02-19-2009, 09:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 72BlckButy

I have to agree w/ Andy.... keep it original and don't dip into other years for sheetmetal.

Or fiber glass for that matter

jasons · 02-19-2009, 09:56 PM

I've seen one where the front fenders were modifed with new style wheel arches to match the newer bed. This helped, but it still didn't look right.

lostmya · 02-19-2009, 11:08 PM

I'm all for custimizing trucks to make them cooler but changing the bed is just too drastic....just my opinion.

orangek5 · 02-19-2009, 11:10 PM

(I'm not in fond of it) But To help understand why some might do this in my toughts and lack of talent. An install of a fiberglass bed is easier & cheaper then rust repair, broken & striped bolts and replacing rotting wood beds.

Tempting.

Close fit not but not close enough, my 2 ¢

But I like seeing any and all things done to these truck 67-72 chevy/GMC trucks rock regaurdless what is done so push the envolope

OARNGESI · 02-19-2009, 11:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lostmya

i'm all for custimizing trucks to make them cooler but changing the bed is just too drastic....just my opinion.

yeah but swiching back is really easy just 6 bolts and reconnect the lights there definately a lot more drastic changes accepted like cutting a dash aint that more work to go back to stock than swapping a bed

phipp13 · 02-20-2009, 12:19 AM

if thats what he's into good for him. i've seen trucks w/ newer beds and HATE the look. IMHO its kinda like the sbc in my 52 ford f1 except i can close the hood and you'll never know

see ten · 02-20-2009, 12:43 AM

Let me restate my position on this. The first time I saw it done I loved it! it was a dark green 71-72 with woodgrain lower moldings and rally wheels. I thought it looked sweet. As far as the wheelwells not matching...big whoop! Look at the 57 Chevy cars, they don't match. People that know virtually nothing about cars can pick a 57 Chevy out of a lineup. Now that it's been done over and over I really don't care for it. To me it looks just like what it is...a shortcut for someone that couldn't find or afford a correct bed. Now, if you drive your truck with it's late model bed to a cruise in, I'm not going to pick it out and make fun of it....That's not why I'm there. However if you come on this forum or in my garage and ask my honest opinion I'm going to give it to you. Does it count as custom? I don't think so. My wife drives a car that never came with a V8 that now has one, it's had the two halves of the hood welded together, extra teeth in the grill and an airride system that lets her lay frame...That's a custom! (Remember you can't spell custom without CUS

). I have seen the later beds with the rear steps shaved off and I will say that it is a huge improvement and helps em fall in to the acceptable category for me.

So, My opinion doesn't mean squat but here it is. If your budget is small to nonexistent and a later stepside bed will get you rolling...DO IT!! It makes me happy to see another old truck back on the road. If you're doing it because you think it looks better or custom...please don't.

I really don't care....I just like trucks!!!

Longhorn Man · 02-20-2009, 12:47 AM

see ten... you just said it better than I ever could.
tried reppin you, but it's too soon I guess. (just repped you on your photo thread)

02-19-2009, 06:10 PM	#1
jbristo67 resident oilfield trash Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Lubbock TX Posts: 1,465	Pro or con Late model step side bed I saw an old friend the other day and he was telling me that he got a 68 SWB pickup that he was about to get started on. HE told me he traded off his swb fleet bed for a late mode step side bed. This bed was perfect and in primer too it was far from junk. I really had to scratch my head on this one, what do you guys think. __________________ 1967 SWB C10 396/400 factory air factory tach (sadly had to send to a new home) 1986 Honda 70 Fourtrax 1991 Chevrolet K5 blazer 2wd 1982 Mastercraft Pro Star 190 Stars and Stripes 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe 2011 Nissan Armada

02-19-2009, 06:15 PM	#2
see ten WTB this ad Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Lafayette Georgia Posts: 5,074	Re: Pro or con Late model step side bed If he's happy, I'm happy for him....I think he's screwed himself in the long run though.

02-19-2009, 06:16 PM	#3
big_al_71 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: South Florida Posts: 11,375	Re: Pro or con Late model step side bed WOw!!!!! I guess his truck/his choice. I am sure that you are going to get a bunch of different opinions.....I know that I would never do that... __________________ Get your facts first, and then you can distort them as much as you please!!!!!. Sylvester's build thread >>>http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ht=big+rebuild

02-19-2009, 06:41 PM	#4
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	Re: Pro or con Late model step side bed well, since you asked for opinions.... I think they look like crap on there. Everyone raves at how the lines all line up... but... they don't. they are close to almost lining up. Then there's the wheel openings, and then there's the fact that the cab has angular lines, and then the bed has flowing lines... it just doesn't match at all. I love the 67 - 72 body. I love the 88 - 98 body too I love JIF peanut butter I love a big T-bone too But I don't want peanut butter on my steak. Now... with that being said, I am not trying to crap on anyone's projects. It's your rig, your choice, as long as you are happy with it. It's just not my idea of money well spent

02-19-2009, 07:31 PM	#7
Roland Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Brandon, MS Posts: 134	Re: Pro or con Late model step side bed ...Nothing beats the stock beds on these trucks. I agree

02-19-2009, 07:36 PM	#8
Skirkpat Registered User Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: K.C. Missouri Posts: 1,024	Re: Pro or con Late model step side bed I like my trucks to look stock, I personally do not like th retro cars much either, except for the Charger 2 door, I will give it up to Dodge that MoFo does look sweeeeeet, and I dispise Mopar's styling overall.

02-19-2009, 07:47 PM	#9
metalman1968 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: yakima wa. Posts: 95	Re: Pro or con Late model step side bed Congrats to the guy that got the stock bed, I know a guy that did the same thing to a 51. Hard sell! Last edited by metalman1968; 02-19-2009 at 09:40 PM.

02-19-2009, 08:08 PM	#10
69sixpackbee Registered User Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Sabinal, Texas Posts: 1,706	Re: Pro or con Late model step side bed Negatory

02-19-2009, 08:14 PM	#11
68shortstep Looks good at 20-ft ..... Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Mtn Home, AR Posts: 707	Re: Pro or con Late model step side bed I wouldn't take pot-shots at anybody's project, & mine's no show truck by a LOOONG ways, but the stock look is hard to beat, for me. Unless it's lowered to get the stock "butt-high" look corrected. That's coming, when the budget allows. Attached Images

02-19-2009, 08:29 PM	#12
weasel29gm SLOW BUT SURE,BUT CLOSER Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: eleanor wv usa Posts: 3,094	Re: Pro or con Late model step side bed I wouldn't trade a good bed, but if a late was a good price. I'd go for one. __________________ 69 C-10, OWNED 38YRS... 350 over 30, 350 Turbo, 3:73 Posi P/S, P/B Black with red and black int. ''LOVE THESE OLD ''TRUCKS.......

02-19-2009, 08:40 PM	#13
67/72junkie Account Suspended Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: NC Posts: 1,129	Re: Pro or con Late model step side bed I have only seen 1 late model stepbed on a 67/72 that I liked.The owner was a bodyman and he made a fiberglass mold of the 67/72 wheel arch then he grafted it to the late model bed .It really looked like it belonged there with that modification.

02-19-2009, 09:21 PM	#15
67ChevyRedneck Hittin E-Z Street on Mud Tires Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Greenville, SC Posts: 23,090	Re: Pro or con Late model step side bed Traded a good short fleet for it??? CON! __________________ Jesse James 1967 C10 SWB Stepside: 350/700R4/3.73 1965 Ford Mustang: 289/T5-5spd/3.25 Trac-Loc 1968 Pontiac Firebird: Project Fire Chicken! 2015 Silverado Double Cab 5.3L Z71 2001 Jeep Wrangler Sport 4.0L 5spd 2020 Chevrolet Equinox Premium 2.0L Turbo 2011 Mustang V6 ~ Wife's ride American Born, Country by the Grace of God 1967 CST Shop Truck Rebuild! My 1967 C-10 Build Thread My Vintage Air A/C Install Project "On a Dime" Trying my hand at Home Renovation! 1965 Mustang Modifications!

02-19-2009, 09:25 PM	#16
72BlckButy Tot Roddin' Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 24,461	Re: Pro or con Late model step side bed I have to agree w/ Andy.... keep it original and don't dip into other years for sheetmetal. __________________ -Nate 1969 CST SWB - Project Blank Slate (4.5/6" ECE Static Drop, 6-lug disc brake upgrade (manual), Billet Specialties Vintec 20x8.5 255/40 (F) 20x10 295/40 (R), 250 I-6) 1960 AMF Skylark - Tot Roddin' (Lowered with custom frame; soon to include custom push bar and interior) 2008 Silverado CrewCab 1LT (5.3L, 3:73, 4x4, LT1, Z-71, Towing Package)

02-19-2009, 09:56 PM	#19
jasons not enough hours in the day Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Axtell, NE Posts: 550	Re: Pro or con Late model step side bed I've seen one where the front fenders were modifed with new style wheel arches to match the newer bed. This helped, but it still didn't look right. Last edited by jasons; 02-19-2009 at 09:56 PM.

02-19-2009, 11:08 PM	#20
lostmya Registered User Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Dallas, Tx. Posts: 19	Re: Pro or con Late model step side bed I'm all for custimizing trucks to make them cooler but changing the bed is just too drastic....just my opinion.



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02-19-2009, 11:10 PM	#21
orangek5 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Rose Hill Ks Posts: 290	Re: Pro or con Late model step side bed (I'm not in fond of it) But To help understand why some might do this in my toughts and lack of talent. An install of a fiberglass bed is easier & cheaper then rust repair, broken & striped bolts and replacing rotting wood beds. Tempting. Close fit not but not close enough, my 2 ¢ But I like seeing any and all things done to these truck 67-72 chevy/GMC trucks rock regaurdless what is done so push the envolope __________________ 1970 Jimmy 4x4 IL6 1971 Jimmy 4x4 350ci v8 1971 SWB 327ci v8 1972 Short Stepside 305ci v8 1972 Blazer 2WD CST LS9 350ci 4sp 1999 4 Door LB 1 Ton Old Body Style 5.7 v8

02-20-2009, 12:19 AM	#23
phipp13 THE DAMN YANKEE Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Southern MD Posts: 551	Re: Pro or con Late model step side bed if thats what he's into good for him. i've seen trucks w/ newer beds and HATE the look. IMHO its kinda like the sbc in my 52 ford f1 except i can close the hood and you'll never know

02-20-2009, 12:43 AM	#24
see ten WTB this ad Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Lafayette Georgia Posts: 5,074	Re: Pro or con Late model step side bed Let me restate my position on this. The first time I saw it done I loved it! it was a dark green 71-72 with woodgrain lower moldings and rally wheels. I thought it looked sweet. As far as the wheelwells not matching...big whoop! Look at the 57 Chevy cars, they don't match. People that know virtually nothing about cars can pick a 57 Chevy out of a lineup. Now that it's been done over and over I really don't care for it. To me it looks just like what it is...a shortcut for someone that couldn't find or afford a correct bed. Now, if you drive your truck with it's late model bed to a cruise in, I'm not going to pick it out and make fun of it....That's not why I'm there. However if you come on this forum or in my garage and ask my honest opinion I'm going to give it to you. Does it count as custom? I don't think so. My wife drives a car that never came with a V8 that now has one, it's had the two halves of the hood welded together, extra teeth in the grill and an airride system that lets her lay frame...That's a custom! (Remember you can't spell custom without CUS ). I have seen the later beds with the rear steps shaved off and I will say that it is a huge improvement and helps em fall in to the acceptable category for me. So, My opinion doesn't mean squat but here it is. If your budget is small to nonexistent and a later stepside bed will get you rolling...DO IT!! It makes me happy to see another old truck back on the road. If you're doing it because you think it looks better or custom...please don't. I really don't care....I just like trucks!!!

02-20-2009, 12:47 AM	#25
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	Re: Pro or con Late model step side bed see ten... you just said it better than I ever could. tried reppin you, but it's too soon I guess. (just repped you on your photo thread)

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