Steel to wood floor

[Hawssie]

I hope this isn't a common question but I coudn't find much on it. Anyways what is the best way to go about changing a short bed fleet side from steel to wood? I saw a kit from Mar-k but there is no price listed. I already have new bedsides on order and its torn down to the floor. What parts do I need besides a typical complete floor kit. Can I just get a kit for a bed floor truck and adapt it?

[SS Tim]

There are a lot of threads on wood floors and conversions. In basic terms the bed front panel, all the cross sills and the rear sill are specific to a wood floor bed. So there are a number of parts needed beyond a wood and strips with hardware kit.

[SS Tim]

Mar-K has a conversion booklet that might be a good idea to review before making a decision.
INST67LFGMCONV Bed Assembly Instructions - Steel-to-Wood Floor Conversion Instructions

The most basic pine/painted longbed kit is $458.00 plus of course all the listed required parts. Hope this helps you work this through.

[TBONE1964]

I personally have used Mar-K and would not use anything else. The last kit I bought was in 1998. It was oak wood. stainless stripes and bolts, all the cross sills and the correct front of bed panel. At that time, the cost was just shy of $1,000.00 and it was well worth it. The quality is there.

[Hawssie]

I noticed some kits require you to drill holes and a few dont. I think the Mar-K requires drilling. What is you thoughts on that. Part of me thinks it may be preferable to drill so you know they will be in the right place. Thanks for the advice

[TBONE1964]

Absolutely will take some fitting and trail assembly before anything gets bolted down permanent. If I remember correctly there was drilling required in the wood on the left and right wood slates.

[SS Tim]

Use the pre-punched strips it will help you to lay it out and align it before blowing holes you can't move. Like I said earlier get the guide book.