Best shortbed patch panels?

[HunterRotten]

My truck has some pretty bad rust on the bed just behind the wheel houses and I'm looking for some new patch panels. I normally order my panels from tabco however on their website the image that represents the piece I need doesn't look OEM at all.

I'll reply from my phone with the specific areas I'm talking about.

[HunterRotten]

Here are the pictures I have taken, and here is a direct link to the 73-87 Chevy page on the tabco website.

[KrazyRay]

There are 2 different OEM patterns on the bed floors. What year is your truck?

[HunterRotten]

Originally Posted by KrazyRay

There are 2 different OEM patterns on the bed floors. What year is your truck?

1978 Sierra

[HunterRotten]

Really? No one has any experience with bed floor patches? Alright...

[Gmc.guy]

I haven't looked for a patch panel, so I can't tell you if one is available. I think you can buy the whole rear or whole front half of the floor as a patch if I remember right. I have had similar holes near the far rear like that but I cut a patch from one of my parts trucks. I'd bet that it would be tough to make a patch panel work if the stamping wasn't 100%. It's not like a rocker or cab corner that you can pie cut, make work and look nice.

[hatzie]

There are smaller than 1/2 & 1/4 bed floor sections.
I've usually gotten whole replacement beds and called it good but my rust was a whole lot worse than what your pictures show.

Tabco claims to be factory gauge. Worst case you get to massage the patch to match the damaged area. I've always had to massage most patch panels as they aren't exactly the same.

[HunterRotten]

Originally Posted by hatzie

There are smaller than 1/2 & 1/4 bed floor sections.
I've usually gotten whole replacement beds and called it good but my rust was a whole lot worse than what your pictures show.

Tabco claims to be factory gauge. Worst case you get to massage the patch to match the damaged area. I've always had to massage most patch panels as they aren't exactly the same.

On tabco's example picture it looks like they took a sheet and cut it to fit, where as on the stock floor the raised parts of the bed fade out before reaching the fenders. The way I explained it is a little confusing but I honestly can't explain not any better.

[Gmc.guy]

Yes , for sure Hatzie. I just meant it would make a lot of work to fix every peak and valley for depth and width if it was even 1/4 inch or less off. I don't think I've ever had a perfect fit on anything.

Make sure you look at the second last crossmember from underneath. It usually is pretty beat and may need replaced as well Maybe you could cut the patches from a bed floor that is junk, but cut them from in front of the wheel tubs and swap sides? The gas filler bump is there but it might give you the detail for the ends you are looking for

[hatzie]

They don't show a front patch panel just the back ones. Front being against the cab.
I'd dig around to see if you can't liberate the sections you need from an otherwise thrashed bed.
Too bad the 73-80 E81 fleetside wood bed floor flanges are not being reproduced.

[HunterRotten]

My dad brought up the wood floor but I really just don't have the truck to do that to. The pictures shown is the only rust on the bed and the guy we bought I from last year said leaves sat behind the fender for a long time and caused the big hole. All of the rust is on the fenders and on the back of the bed. The box underneath is solid but scaley.

I also think the wood floor would make me never use the bed, plans are to get the bed lined while it's being painted.

Being in Ky I doubt I could find a bed in better shape or a floor that has what I need.. I've been to a few junkyards and there simply isn't a floor to cut from.

[KrazyRay]

I have several rust free beds here. I should be able to come up with some OEM patches for you if you want to send me a pm.

[HunterRotten]

Originally Posted by KrazyRay

I have several rust free beds here. I should be able to come up with some OEM patches for you if you want to send me a pm.

I'll send you a PM when I am home and can get pictures of what is needed. Thanks!

[HunterRotten]

I think both of my wheelhouses are toast, I'm not sure how good the replacements are or how much shipping from California is but I believe some new ones are in order. The previous owner(s) thought bondo was a good way to repair rust so I am sorry about the dust.

I don't know if this is all of the rust on the bed, I know there is some random spots on the bed sides and perhaps some where the floor meets the bedside. I will go over it with my dad tomorrow and see if there is any more.

I've marked what I (kinda) think I need replacements for. I'm not sure what to do with the rear of the bed (tailgate side) as it's bubbled up against the support box underneath in just about every "valley" on the bed floor and some have popped and rusted beyond repair. The box seems to be in good shape.

[hatzie]

That's almost all in the rear next to the tailgate and the wheel tubs. It's not that bad either. Those pieces are available.
Tabco 50006L & 50006R Left and Right rear patch panels appear to cost $28.75 US
The new Tabco 50075U Wheel tubs are supposed to be original gauge metal. for just under $42

[HunterRotten]

Originally Posted by hatzie

That's almost all in the rear next to the tailgate and the wheel tubs. It's not that bad either. Those pieces are available.
Tabco 50006L & 50006R Left and Right rear patch panels appear to cost $28.75 US
The new Tabco 50075U Wheel tubs are supposed to be original gauge metal. for just under $42

Tabco has been good to me and is just one state north, however I have experience with their floor pans, front fender patches, their (generic branded) inner door skin, cab corners, and most importantly their horrible shipping. Their parts don't fit great or match 100% but I've no experience with anyone else. The shipping is mangled boxes full of scrap metal, 0 packing material.

If getting OE is too much $ or too complicated I'll go to tabco.. just on the bed floor I don't think their patches will line up with mine well.

[UKNOWME]

Or you could drive down to Georgia and buy the whole floor.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=720398

[HunterRotten]

A new bed floor would be awesome but mine really isn't bad enough to spend $600. I'm hoping the guy out of California gets back with me with some numbers or if he can help Pat all.

Does anyone have a y experience with tabco wheelhouses? They don't look like they have some of the original GM bed markings on them but I can't tell for sure.