Is this bed really original??

[JNJchev77]

Found this on CL (Not mine), thought the bed was odd looking, almost looks like a Ford Pick up bed... guy says it's original..

http://phoenix.craigslist.org/wvl/cto/3200999150.html

[tex_waco_usmc]

That is a bed from a truck that came from Mexico, it is most likely the original bed and that truck most likely came from Mexico!

[shawno72]

[custom1970]

X3, there was a tread about one a couple of months ago. I believe the gauges on the dash are in Spanish also.

[JCD]

I was always curious about these trucks..
For instance, where did those beds come from?

Either they were made for these trucks, or were they beds that were on hand, that were added to the bare chassis they received from GM.

And with GM beds available, why did they opt for their own version?

Then, if you're going ahead and making your own bed to make the truck different than the American version, why not do your own fenders.. doors, and maybe a grill.

Any experts on the Mexican trucks that could shed a little light on these points?

J.

[JNJchev77]

^ I agree, make it flow a little better!

[GCncsuHD]

As mentioned that is the "Mexican" bed.

Originally Posted by JCD

I was always curious about these trucks..
For instance, where did those beds come from?

Either they were made for these trucks, or were they beds that were on hand, that were added to the bare chassis they received from GM.

And with GM beds available, why did they opt for their own version?

Then, if you're going ahead and making your own bed to make the truck different than the American version, why not do your own fenders.. doors, and maybe a grill.

Any experts on the Mexican trucks that could shed a little light on these points?

J.

I believe the trucks were available to Mexico as Cab&Chassis only to save on shipping costs. Once there, they were upfitted with a Mexican bed.

[VWBeamer]

That would be a good conversation starter, but I like the reg bed a lot better.

[54Caddy]

Thats a mexico truck for sure, I have a buddy here in town who has one. I personally like the looks alot better. His truck is black so you have to pay real close attention to it to really notice it.

[Steve Hafner]

. . . .

Here's the link to one of the Mexican trucks:

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=528881

. . . .

[sir_talk_alot]

they have ugly tailgates and taillights

[wilbilt]

Originally Posted by GCncsuHD

I believe the trucks were available to Mexico as Cab&Chassis only to save on shipping costs. Once there, they were upfitted with a Mexican bed.

It also had to do with international trade and tariffs. It is less expensive to import incomplete vehicles (aka "truck parts") than complete vehicles.

In the early 1970's, most Japanese import trucks came off the boat in the US as cab & chassis, with the beds shipped separately (both shipped as "truck parts") to avoid the high tariffs on imported vehicles.

In the case of the Mexican trucks, apparently it was advantageous to install a locally-produced bed. It also seems the aesthetics of those beds suited them just fine.

[special-K]

I guess that part is so,but a cab & chassis is a complete product offered by the manufacturer. Not a truck part. It doesn't explain why they used different beds. I figure Mexico wanted and needed them,so probably didn't make importing an expensive proposition,especially with the difference in income levels,economies,etc. Trucks can be piggybacked w/o beds. I always wondered if maybe the deal was to allow for jobs making their own beds in exchange for no tariffs