Stepside Bed restore

[Jrgunn5150]

Ok, I'm at the point where I'm ready to pull the bed and get it ready for paint.

I have a 79 stepside, I need all new wood, and I suspect I'm missing some crossmember's underneath the bed also. Any tip's? Tricks?

I could have sworn I saw people pull the bulkhead and sides, and leave the wood on the frame, is that possible? Or did I imagine it? My GF has her heart set on redoing the wood herself, but it'll probably take her until 2024 to do it, so in the meantime, I'd like to pull the thing, fix it, paint it, and drive it while she ponders all the different ways to put boards in the bottom of a truck.

[87 STEPPER]

Originally Posted by Jrgunn5150

I could have sworn I saw people pull the bulkhead and sides, and leave the wood on the frame, is that possible? Or did I imagine it?

No it's not possible due to the frame rails running the same direction as the wood only two planks would rest on the frame rail's that's why you need the cross supports they also prevent the boards from bowing when you walk on them or place heavy loads in the bed.

If you do need to replace them you can get them from MAR-K OR Bruce horkey's wood and parts.

Both are good I've bought part's from each of 'em I allways call to see who has what im lookin for in stock and then get it from them.

[Jrgunn5150]

Originally Posted by 87 STEPPER

No it's not possible due to the frame rails running the same direction as the wood only two planks would rest on the frame rail's that's why you need the cross supports they also prevent the boards from bowing when you walk on them or place heavy loads in the bed.

If you do need to replace them you can get them from MAR-K OR Bruce horkey's wood and parts.

Both are good I've bought part's from each of 'em I allways call to see who has what im lookin for in stock and then get it from them.

Well damn, I guess I'll pull the whole thing as a unit then.

Another thing, I only have a support by the tailgate, and one forward towards the cab. Nothing in the middle, looking at diagrams it looks like I should have three cross supports? Wonder where my middle one went if so lol.

[Gmc.guy]

You should have one that goes across where each mounting bolt goes through and a couple skinny ones towards the middle

[Jrgunn5150]

Yeah, LMC say's I should have five, I definitely have two. I noticed when the boards dropped 7" or so when i stepped on them lol.

[SS Tim]

Shortbed?

[Jrgunn5150]

Originally Posted by SS Tim

Shortbed?

Yes sir, mine looks just like that lol.