Cheapest bed floor options? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

srea76 · 08-07-2010, 10:50 AM

Anyone trying throwing plywood or anything in the back bed for a cheap floor? I am working on getting my stepside bed back on. The previous owner had it all tore down. It has no bed floor or metal strips. Juts the cross seals. I was thinking of cutting a piece of plywood or metal. Anyone have pics of something cheap they did just to have a floor for moving stuff around. Thanks!

Shyguy · 08-07-2010, 11:20 AM

No pictures, but on my lwb stepper I just put a 4' by 8' sheet of exterior plywood down. I did have to put some pieces of wood on each side because 4' is not wide enough.

I stained it and put a couple of coats of sealer on it.

It works for now, when I start restoring I will put in planking. I use the truck to haul stuff from time to time.

It did have a piece of steel plate tacked in when I bought the truck, it looked to be about 1/8" thick.

sjarrett71 · 08-07-2010, 11:22 AM

Definately not criticizing your truck but it looks kind of bowed in the middle. Like the top of the bed is closer to the cab than the bottom.

Also, when I bought my truck it had bigger exhaust megaphones than yours.

srea76 · 08-07-2010, 11:24 AM

I just have the bed laid on it. It is not bolted on. Just got the bed together this morning. Have to get it bolted in place.

sjarrett71 · 08-07-2010, 11:33 AM

Oh, ok. Just curious.

stevencvn72 · 08-07-2010, 11:42 AM

Not pretty, but I don't have to worry about tearing it up. Thinking about going back to wood and makin' it purdy again.

srea76 · 08-07-2010, 11:43 AM

Im looking for cheap, not pretty

thanks for pictures

cdowns · 08-07-2010, 11:52 AM

a few deck boards and carrige bolts is pretty cheapat home depot//glass and stone stores get shipments in large skids and crates sometimes this time of year they'll give wood away cheap or free

67ChevyRedneck · 08-07-2010, 11:52 AM

I used treated deck boards with no metal strips. They've been in my bed since 1997.

You have to "notch" them along the back rail and in a couple spots, you can kind of see what I mean in this pic. Ignore the bed mounting... I had the bumper on wrong, it's "correct" now.

srea76 · 08-07-2010, 12:06 PM

The deck boards look cool and not too expensive. Thanks for that idea!

dnorris009 · 08-07-2010, 12:24 PM

PO used a few pieces of diamond plate.
(had one piece out in the photo...easier to replace brake lines

)

But I'm loving that treated decking idea of 67chevyrednecks

srea76 · 08-07-2010, 01:11 PM

Yeah the treated deck looks close to original and a whole hell of a lot cheaper.

srea76 · 08-07-2010, 02:07 PM

Just got the bed and grill mounted. Need to get me some treated wood for that floor now

67ChevyRedneck · 08-07-2010, 05:22 PM

Thanks guys. It was actually my dad's idea. Back when I did it, I think we only spent like $60 for the boards.

I had planned on swapping my step for a fleet this year, but I have a 67 Firebird to work on the next couple years, so I'll probably sand the bed wood down a bit (I was lazy and got overspray all over the boards) and stain it. The fleet bed will have to wait.

68shortstep · 08-07-2010, 06:27 PM

One sheet Advantech 7/8 " subflooring (& some scraps) donated by a builder-friend from a homebuilding site. Nothing on it at all to help resist the elements. Out in the weather 365 days every year for 5-plus years, & was just starting to surface-flake a little when I sold the truck. It held up to the weather better than the sorry clear coat did on my paint job.........

srea76 · 08-07-2010, 08:35 PM

Got the bed mounted and bumper and grill on today. May try to put the decking boards in rear next week if I have time. Think I even have 2-3 laying around from a swing a redone.

gkesseru · 08-07-2010, 08:47 PM

The problem with deck board is that they are 1x6' (or 5 1/2 inch wide). Since these beds have mostly 7 1/2 inch boards, you will have to drill new holes in the cross supports. Just work.

basemodel67 · 08-08-2010, 12:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by srea76

Im looking for cheap, not pretty

thanks for pictures

If thats how you roll, I will send you some pics of my sister. She won't be cheap to feed, though.

srea76 · 08-08-2010, 12:36 AM

hahah good one

Jacfourteen · 08-08-2010, 01:47 AM

I used two full sheets and a scrap of 3/4" tongue and groove plywood I had left over from when I redid my roof. Then I rolled it with some herculiner. I think altogether I had about $80 in the ply and bolts then another $60 for the liner. I thought I had some pictures of it on my computer but I don't so I guess I'll have to get some tomorrow. I almost forgot to mention that I hauled 3500 pounds of gravel in the back so its plenty strong too.

PanelDeland · 08-08-2010, 08:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by basemodel67

If thats how you roll, I will send you some pics of my sister. She won't be cheap to feed, though.

Is your real name LARRY ?

CJ Loeffelholz · 08-08-2010, 08:35 AM

Take a look through this thread it's got some pretty interesting ideas.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=413780

srea76 · 09-04-2010, 05:04 PM

Got my deck boards cut today as mentioned above. I bought a gallon of red wood stain. Just have to stain and mount. Also may adjust for smaller gaps and rip a small board if needed.

GRX · 09-04-2010, 05:22 PM

Assume those deck boards are pressure treated. If not I'd highly suggest Tung oil over stain.

Jman03 · 09-04-2010, 06:00 PM

pretty cheap $14 from home depot

08-07-2010, 10:50 AM	#1
srea76 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Hazlehurst, Ga. Posts: 822	Cheapest bed floor options? Anyone trying throwing plywood or anything in the back bed for a cheap floor? I am working on getting my stepside bed back on. The previous owner had it all tore down. It has no bed floor or metal strips. Juts the cross seals. I was thinking of cutting a piece of plywood or metal. Anyone have pics of something cheap they did just to have a floor for moving stuff around. Thanks! Attached Images __________________ 1972 Custom Deluxe LT1 Gen V Swap "Green Lantern" 1984 Silverado Red Baron-72 c10 Project

08-07-2010, 11:20 AM	#2
Shyguy Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Southeast Missouri Posts: 2,436	Re: Cheapest bed floor options? No pictures, but on my lwb stepper I just put a 4' by 8' sheet of exterior plywood down. I did have to put some pieces of wood on each side because 4' is not wide enough. I stained it and put a couple of coats of sealer on it. It works for now, when I start restoring I will put in planking. I use the truck to haul stuff from time to time. It did have a piece of steel plate tacked in when I bought the truck, it looked to be about 1/8" thick. __________________ '67 Chevy C-20 short stepper - build complete, 454/SM-465. '75 C-30 Single Cab DRW-350 small block/NP-435. '77 GMC-6500 Dump Truck, 427 Tall Deck. '92 GMC K-3500 Duallie, 454/4L80E.

08-07-2010, 11:22 AM	#3
sjarrett71 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Rolla, MO Posts: 2,463	Re: Cheapest bed floor options? Definately not criticizing your truck but it looks kind of bowed in the middle. Like the top of the bed is closer to the cab than the bottom. Also, when I bought my truck it had bigger exhaust megaphones than yours. __________________ -Scott-

08-07-2010, 11:24 AM	#4
srea76 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Hazlehurst, Ga. Posts: 822	Re: Cheapest bed floor options? I just have the bed laid on it. It is not bolted on. Just got the bed together this morning. Have to get it bolted in place. __________________ 1972 Custom Deluxe LT1 Gen V Swap "Green Lantern" 1984 Silverado Red Baron-72 c10 Project

08-07-2010, 11:33 AM	#5
sjarrett71 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Rolla, MO Posts: 2,463	Re: Cheapest bed floor options? Oh, ok. Just curious. __________________ -Scott-

08-07-2010, 11:42 AM	#6
stevencvn72 Kill Bill...et Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Winchestertonfieldville, Wa Posts: 366	Re: Cheapest bed floor options? Not pretty, but I don't have to worry about tearing it up. Thinking about going back to wood and makin' it purdy again. __________________ -Steve I ♥ Grease '67 Chev stepper http://youtu.be/38p_2Iu2fd0

08-07-2010, 11:43 AM	#7
srea76 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Hazlehurst, Ga. Posts: 822	Re: Cheapest bed floor options? Im looking for cheap, not pretty thanks for pictures __________________ 1972 Custom Deluxe LT1 Gen V Swap "Green Lantern" 1984 Silverado Red Baron-72 c10 Project

08-07-2010, 11:52 AM	#8
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	Re: Cheapest bed floor options? a few deck boards and carrige bolts is pretty cheapat home depot//glass and stone stores get shipments in large skids and crates sometimes this time of year they'll give wood away cheap or free __________________ 71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY

08-07-2010, 11:52 AM	#9
67ChevyRedneck Hittin E-Z Street on Mud Tires Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Greenville, SC Posts: 23,090	Re: Cheapest bed floor options? I used treated deck boards with no metal strips. They've been in my bed since 1997. You have to "notch" them along the back rail and in a couple spots, you can kind of see what I mean in this pic. Ignore the bed mounting... I had the bumper on wrong, it's "correct" now. __________________ 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! Last edited by 67ChevyRedneck; 08-07-2010 at 11:57 AM.

08-07-2010, 12:06 PM	#10
srea76 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Hazlehurst, Ga. Posts: 822	Re: Cheapest bed floor options? The deck boards look cool and not too expensive. Thanks for that idea! __________________ 1972 Custom Deluxe LT1 Gen V Swap "Green Lantern" 1984 Silverado Red Baron-72 c10 Project

08-07-2010, 12:24 PM	#11
dnorris009 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Canton Ohio Posts: 109	Re: Cheapest bed floor options? PO used a few pieces of diamond plate. (had one piece out in the photo...easier to replace brake lines ) But I'm loving that treated decking idea of 67chevyrednecks

08-07-2010, 01:11 PM	#12
srea76 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Hazlehurst, Ga. Posts: 822	Re: Cheapest bed floor options? Yeah the treated deck looks close to original and a whole hell of a lot cheaper. __________________ 1972 Custom Deluxe LT1 Gen V Swap "Green Lantern" 1984 Silverado Red Baron-72 c10 Project

08-07-2010, 02:07 PM	#13
srea76 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Hazlehurst, Ga. Posts: 822	Re: Cheapest bed floor options? Just got the bed and grill mounted. Need to get me some treated wood for that floor now Attached Images __________________ 1972 Custom Deluxe LT1 Gen V Swap "Green Lantern" 1984 Silverado Red Baron-72 c10 Project

08-07-2010, 05:22 PM	#14
67ChevyRedneck Hittin E-Z Street on Mud Tires Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Greenville, SC Posts: 23,090	Re: Cheapest bed floor options? Thanks guys. It was actually my dad's idea. Back when I did it, I think we only spent like $60 for the boards. I had planned on swapping my step for a fleet this year, but I have a 67 Firebird to work on the next couple years, so I'll probably sand the bed wood down a bit (I was lazy and got overspray all over the boards) and stain it. The fleet bed will have to wait. __________________ 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! Last edited by 67ChevyRedneck; 08-07-2010 at 05:24 PM.

08-07-2010, 06:27 PM	#15
68shortstep Looks good at 20-ft ..... Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Mtn Home, AR Posts: 707	Re: Cheapest bed floor options? One sheet Advantech 7/8 " subflooring (& some scraps) donated by a builder-friend from a homebuilding site. Nothing on it at all to help resist the elements. Out in the weather 365 days every year for 5-plus years, & was just starting to surface-flake a little when I sold the truck. It held up to the weather better than the sorry clear coat did on my paint job.........



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08-07-2010, 08:35 PM	#16
srea76 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Hazlehurst, Ga. Posts: 822	Re: Cheapest bed floor options? Got the bed mounted and bumper and grill on today. May try to put the decking boards in rear next week if I have time. Think I even have 2-3 laying around from a swing a redone. Attached Images __________________ 1972 Custom Deluxe LT1 Gen V Swap "Green Lantern" 1984 Silverado Red Baron-72 c10 Project

08-07-2010, 08:47 PM	#17
gkesseru Registered User Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: California, Maryland Posts: 544	Re: Cheapest bed floor options? The problem with deck board is that they are 1x6' (or 5 1/2 inch wide). Since these beds have mostly 7 1/2 inch boards, you will have to drill new holes in the cross supports. Just work. __________________ 72 Fleet (died) 78 Step (sold) 55 Step named Fred (sold) 00 F150 68 Step (named El Scorcho by PO) Build thread for the new El Scorcho http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=392932

08-08-2010, 12:36 AM	#19
srea76 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Hazlehurst, Ga. Posts: 822	Re: Cheapest bed floor options? hahah good one __________________ 1972 Custom Deluxe LT1 Gen V Swap "Green Lantern" 1984 Silverado Red Baron-72 c10 Project

08-08-2010, 01:47 AM	#20
Jacfourteen Big Red - Now its a SWB! Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Oroville, Ca Posts: 1,624	Re: Cheapest bed floor options? I used two full sheets and a scrap of 3/4" tongue and groove plywood I had left over from when I redid my roof. Then I rolled it with some herculiner. I think altogether I had about $80 in the ply and bolts then another $60 for the liner. I thought I had some pictures of it on my computer but I don't so I guess I'll have to get some tomorrow. I almost forgot to mention that I hauled 3500 pounds of gravel in the back so its plenty strong too. __________________ 68 3/4 ton (Project)-350 Small Block, .030 over, 10:1 comp, 3998993 heads, C3BX edelbrock intake, comp cams XE268, Holley 670 SA, long tube headers, dual flow 40's, E-fan, Alum rad, currently under the knife getting shortened and bagged build thread 41 3/4 ton (wife's)-flatbed, fully restored to original 01 Tahoe LT 4WD (my daily driver)-Magnaflow Muffler, Rollin on 22's 02 Ford Mustang Convertable (Wife's Car)-Flowmaster 50, Clear corners, Intake, sittin on 18's Last edited by Jacfourteen; 08-08-2010 at 01:50 AM.

08-08-2010, 08:35 AM	#22
CJ Loeffelholz Registered User Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 63	Re: Cheapest bed floor options? Take a look through this thread it's got some pretty interesting ideas. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=413780

09-04-2010, 05:04 PM	#23
srea76 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Hazlehurst, Ga. Posts: 822	Re: Cheapest bed floor options? Got my deck boards cut today as mentioned above. I bought a gallon of red wood stain. Just have to stain and mount. Also may adjust for smaller gaps and rip a small board if needed. Attached Images __________________ 1972 Custom Deluxe LT1 Gen V Swap "Green Lantern" 1984 Silverado Red Baron-72 c10 Project

09-04-2010, 05:22 PM	#24
GRX Registered User Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: MD Posts: 1,937	Re: Cheapest bed floor options? Assume those deck boards are pressure treated. If not I'd highly suggest Tung oil over stain. __________________ 1969 c-10 Step Side Long Bed. I-6 250cid = = 1969 Pontiac GTO hard top. 400, 4-speed.

09-04-2010, 06:00 PM	#25
Jman03 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Manteca, Ca Posts: 13	Re: Cheapest bed floor options? pretty cheap $14 from home depot Attached Images

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