wooden beds, what r u guys doing with them? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

mcc-bri · 11-29-2007, 01:20 AM

Well i have really been thinking lately on what im going to do with my bed on my truck. Money is tight but i would really like to put new wood and strips in before this truck hits the road. I was wounderig if you guys are cutting your own wood and making the bed or are you just buying wood kits? also what woods are you using? Post pics of your beds and what you have done. I will post pics of the poor condition of my bed when i take a pic.

72BlckButy · 11-29-2007, 08:19 AM

Well, I'm actually not to this point, but I will be purchasing the wood from Mar-K. They have some really nice kits. Some people on the board have cut their own boards, I just don't have the equipment to get the boards cut. I've seen Oak, Pine, Maple, and many other types of wood used for their beds.

Is your truck going to be for show and go, for work....? Because that will make a big difference on the type of wood you used in your truck.

I've even seen people seal the boards after they stain them when regular clear coat.

Sequoyah · 11-29-2007, 08:29 AM

Up north you should have a pretty good supply of hardwoods and people to mill them. Do you know any woodworkers with a shop full of tools?

mcc-bri · 11-29-2007, 11:19 AM

This truck will not be used for work so i am not conserned about using softer woods such as pine. I do have a shop accesable to me full of wood working tools. im just trying to figure out the difficulty involved in making my own peices.

i would also like to see pictures of diffrent wood in the beds to decide on what i want to use.

toomanytoyz · 11-29-2007, 11:47 AM

Few I have saved...........

Rick

toomanytoyz · 11-29-2007, 11:53 AM

Some More...........

Rick

toomanytoyz · 11-29-2007, 11:58 AM

You Could Check out this Thread also, He is Going to be Making his own Wood Bed Kit Soon, Sound's like he has a Pretty Good Plan for doing it that would be Fairly Cheap with Good end Result..................

He is doing a Great Job on the Rest of Truck

Wood Bed Kit

Rick

faribran · 11-29-2007, 11:58 AM

i have redone the original floor a few years ago.. its not a very difficult job...
a table saw with a dado set up...... sure helps if u have some of the original left for a pattern.

see ten · 11-29-2007, 12:50 PM

I'm sorry that I can't be more help but I really love posting these pics!

GBWatts · 11-29-2007, 01:05 PM

Don't buy a kit, it is more cost effective and satisfying to do it yourself. I did the most of the mill-work myself, the lumber yard where I purchased the wood specialized in hardwoods and they planed the boards for me,then all it took was a good table saw with the right blades and you are in business! Just make sure you get a good sealer on the boards before you install them!

19673ontree · 11-29-2007, 04:22 PM

this is the only thing I don't like (HATE) about my 67 , it has the friggin metal bed floor !!AHGG
I almost did not buy the truck because it did not have the wood floor and at time's it still makes me mad , I blame GM with this just the same as the camaro's without hideaway headlight's it just suck's !!
the best thing about a good ole american chevy truck is the wood bed floor !!
I am at a point on my 67 where I will either buy all the stuff to put the wood floor in my truck or just get rid of the truck and start over !
gonna cost a flat $1000 buck's to buy all the stuff where mine has the metal I will have to buy all the brace's the rear crossmember too AGGHH!!!!!!!
my current 67 camaro HAS hideaway headlight's , the 67 camaro I had before it DID NOT ! (HINT)
I guess I will eventually have to buy the dang stuff ,

mcc-bri · 11-29-2007, 09:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GBWatts

Don't buy a kit, it is more cost effective and satisfying to do it yourself. I did the most of the mill-work myself, the lumber yard where I purchased the wood specialized in hardwoods and they planed the boards for me,then all it took was a good table saw with the right blades and you are in business! Just make sure you get a good sealer on the boards before you install them!

I know someone who can plane the boards so that wont be a problem. what did you use to do the mill work? also what type of wood did you use?

72BLUZ · 11-29-2007, 11:31 PM

"before"

"after"
i bought my wood, strips and bolt kit thru ebay. the price was very reasonable. i used red oak boards. stained it golden oak, clear coat. and alot of sanding!!!!

OldCreek · 11-30-2007, 11:57 AM

See Ten....

Thanks for my "laugh of the day".

mcc-bri · 11-30-2007, 01:07 PM

thanks for the posts guys. I found a really good source on gmc pauls page for making my bed. Im really looking forward to doing this. should be a nive finishing touch to my truck when i get there.

here is a link to the page
http://www.gmcpauls.com/47-72_BedWood_Info.htm

dingo_dan_22 · 11-30-2007, 03:39 PM

I milled my own wood using the gmc pauls plans. I started with 1" thick maple planks that were a little over 8' long. The wood cost me $140. It took me 3 hours to mill the wood in my indusrial arts class at school. The wood isn't installed so I don't have any finished pics. Good luck.

**Already Gone** · 11-30-2007, 05:33 PM

ttt

EAST SIDE LOW LIFE · 11-30-2007, 05:47 PM

First pic is the bed in my 50' Chevy and the second one is of the bed in the 70' GMC.

esll.

**Boog** · 11-30-2007, 09:14 PM

Asa found a truck with both a wooden bed and wooden grille!

It doesn't take expensive equipment to edge (dado) the boards. I used oak on one truck and pine on another one. I cut all pieces with a skilsaw and countersunk the bed mounting bolt washers ( like factory) by hammer and chisel. Back yard job. I don't have any pics and those trucks are long gone but I am proud of how they turned out. My son and I did these.

mcc-bri · 11-30-2007, 11:40 PM

I talked to my dad and he says he will give me a hand with the bed as he has used and has a dado. im really loking forward to cutting these peices up.

**Boog** · 12-01-2007, 09:34 PM

Hey esll. I like the looks of yours. Those dark strips give a different look.

Sequoyah · 12-01-2007, 10:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcc-bri

I talked to my dad and he says he will give me a hand with the bed as he has used and has a dado. im really loking forward to cutting these peices up.

awesome! what kind of wood are you going to go with?

mcc-bri · 12-02-2007, 12:20 AM

I will probally go with oak but if im tight for money i will end up with pine which is fine since i do like the color and i dont plan on putting anything in the back of my truck anyways. I will be starting my wooden bed somtime after christmas when my truck has been moved from our garage to power mec at my school. I plan on having this truck in paint by the spring time so keep your eye on my balls to the walls project in the build section cause its going to maove fast (i hope)

theoneandonly · 12-04-2007, 05:37 PM

I saw this pic and had to post it. I dont know how he did it but it looks amazing.

LONGHAIR · 12-04-2007, 08:19 PM

That is done with veneer. This is done with very thin pieces, like the layers in plywood. That one is figured or "fiddleback" maple with what looks like walnut.

11-29-2007, 01:20 AM	#1
mcc-bri Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba Posts: 186	wooden beds, what r u guys doing with them? Well i have really been thinking lately on what im going to do with my bed on my truck. Money is tight but i would really like to put new wood and strips in before this truck hits the road. I was wounderig if you guys are cutting your own wood and making the bed or are you just buying wood kits? also what woods are you using? Post pics of your beds and what you have done. I will post pics of the poor condition of my bed when i take a pic.

11-29-2007, 08:19 AM	#2
72BlckButy Tot Roddin' Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 24,461	Re: wooden beds, what r u guys doing with them? Well, I'm actually not to this point, but I will be purchasing the wood from Mar-K. They have some really nice kits. Some people on the board have cut their own boards, I just don't have the equipment to get the boards cut. I've seen Oak, Pine, Maple, and many other types of wood used for their beds. Is your truck going to be for show and go, for work....? Because that will make a big difference on the type of wood you used in your truck. I've even seen people seal the boards after they stain them when regular clear coat. __________________ -Nate 1969 CST SWB - Project Blank Slate (4.5/6" ECE Static Drop, 6-lug disc brake upgrade (manual), Billet Specialties Vintec 20x8.5 255/40 (F) 20x10 295/40 (R), 250 I-6) 1960 AMF Skylark - Tot Roddin' (Lowered with custom frame; soon to include custom push bar and interior) 2008 Silverado CrewCab 1LT (5.3L, 3:73, 4x4, LT1, Z-71, Towing Package) Last edited by 72BlckButy; 11-29-2007 at 08:20 AM.

11-29-2007, 08:29 AM	#3
Sequoyah so easy a caveman can do it... Join Date: May 2006 Location: Albuquerque, NM Posts: 419	Re: wooden beds, what r u guys doing with them? Up north you should have a pretty good supply of hardwoods and people to mill them. Do you know any woodworkers with a shop full of tools? __________________ My build thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=242380

11-29-2007, 11:19 AM	#4
mcc-bri Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba Posts: 186	Re: wooden beds, what r u guys doing with them? This truck will not be used for work so i am not conserned about using softer woods such as pine. I do have a shop accesable to me full of wood working tools. im just trying to figure out the difficulty involved in making my own peices. i would also like to see pictures of diffrent wood in the beds to decide on what i want to use.

11-29-2007, 11:47 AM	#5
toomanytoyz Luv the Crewcabs Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Andrews, In. 46702 Posts: 4,097	Re: wooden beds, what r u guys doing with them? Few I have saved........... Rick Attached Images __________________ 55 Nomad 52 Willys Truck 67 Stepper 67 Fleet 68 Wrecker 68 Suburban 76 Crewcab 79 Gmc Dumptruck 84 Blazer 86 Crewcab Stepside 87 Iroc 89 GMC Plow Truck 91 Camaro Vert 96 Z71 Stepsde

11-29-2007, 11:53 AM	#6
toomanytoyz Luv the Crewcabs Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Andrews, In. 46702 Posts: 4,097	Re: wooden beds, what r u guys doing with them? Some More........... Rick Attached Images __________________ 55 Nomad 52 Willys Truck 67 Stepper 67 Fleet 68 Wrecker 68 Suburban 76 Crewcab 79 Gmc Dumptruck 84 Blazer 86 Crewcab Stepside 87 Iroc 89 GMC Plow Truck 91 Camaro Vert 96 Z71 Stepsde

11-29-2007, 11:58 AM	#7
toomanytoyz Luv the Crewcabs Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Andrews, In. 46702 Posts: 4,097	Re: wooden beds, what r u guys doing with them? You Could Check out this Thread also, He is Going to be Making his own Wood Bed Kit Soon, Sound's like he has a Pretty Good Plan for doing it that would be Fairly Cheap with Good end Result.................. He is doing a Great Job on the Rest of Truck Wood Bed Kit Rick __________________ 55 Nomad 52 Willys Truck 67 Stepper 67 Fleet 68 Wrecker 68 Suburban 76 Crewcab 79 Gmc Dumptruck 84 Blazer 86 Crewcab Stepside 87 Iroc 89 GMC Plow Truck 91 Camaro Vert 96 Z71 Stepsde

11-29-2007, 11:58 AM	#8
faribran Registered User Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: AL Posts: 1,828	Re: wooden beds, what r u guys doing with them? i have redone the original floor a few years ago.. its not a very difficult job... a table saw with a dado set up...... sure helps if u have some of the original left for a pattern. __________________ "

11-29-2007, 12:50 PM	#9
see ten WTB this ad Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Lafayette Georgia Posts: 5,074	Re: wooden beds, what r u guys doing with them? I'm sorry that I can't be more help but I really love posting these pics!

11-29-2007, 01:05 PM	#10
GBWatts Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Howell, MI Posts: 37	Re: wooden beds, what r u guys doing with them? Don't buy a kit, it is more cost effective and satisfying to do it yourself. I did the most of the mill-work myself, the lumber yard where I purchased the wood specialized in hardwoods and they planed the boards for me,then all it took was a good table saw with the right blades and you are in business! Just make sure you get a good sealer on the boards before you install them! Attached Images __________________ GBWatts 68 C10 Stepside LWB Howell, MI

11-29-2007, 04:22 PM	#11
19673ontree CAN'T FIX NOTHIN Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: SOUTHRUST VIRGINIA !!! Posts: 2,112	Re: wooden beds, what r u guys doing with them? this is the only thing I don't like (HATE) about my 67 , it has the friggin metal bed floor !!AHGG I almost did not buy the truck because it did not have the wood floor and at time's it still makes me mad , I blame GM with this just the same as the camaro's without hideaway headlight's it just suck's !! the best thing about a good ole american chevy truck is the wood bed floor !! I am at a point on my 67 where I will either buy all the stuff to put the wood floor in my truck or just get rid of the truck and start over ! gonna cost a flat $1000 buck's to buy all the stuff where mine has the metal I will have to buy all the brace's the rear crossmember too AGGHH!!!!!!! my current 67 camaro HAS hideaway headlight's , the 67 camaro I had before it DID NOT ! (HINT) I guess I will eventually have to buy the dang stuff , __________________ 1967 C10 Shortbed Fleetside Small back glass 6 cyl 3spd on the tree 3.08 gears underdash AC

11-29-2007, 11:31 PM	#13
72BLUZ Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: lafayette, ga. Posts: 832	Re: wooden beds, what r u guys doing with them? "before" "after" i bought my wood, strips and bolt kit thru ebay. the price was very reasonable. i used red oak boards. stained it golden oak, clear coat. and alot of sanding!!!! __________________ Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same.... Ronald Reagan Last edited by 72BLUZ; 11-29-2007 at 11:33 PM. Reason: info

11-30-2007, 11:57 AM	#14
OldCreek Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Central Coast California Posts: 1,026	Re: wooden beds, what r u guys doing with them? See Ten.... Thanks for my "laugh of the day". __________________ 1972 K20 Suburban 5.7/700r4/NP205 Dana 44/H052 Sold 1972 C10 5.3L/4L60E 12bolt 5Lug - Sold 1971 K5 Blazer 6.0L LQ9 4L60E NP205 Dana 44/H052!!! 1970 K3500 1ton CrewCab 8.1L/Allison1000/NP205 Dana 60/14B!!!! - Sold 1984 K10 SWB 7.4L/4L80e/NP208 Corp 10/12 bolt Sold 1988 V30 CCLB 7.4L/TH400/NP205/Dana 60/Dana 70/3.73!!! (Sold) 2003 K2500HD 8.1/Allison1000/NP263

11-30-2007, 01:07 PM	#15
mcc-bri Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba Posts: 186	Re: wooden beds, what r u guys doing with them? thanks for the posts guys. I found a really good source on gmc pauls page for making my bed. Im really looking forward to doing this. should be a nive finishing touch to my truck when i get there. here is a link to the page http://www.gmcpauls.com/47-72_BedWood_Info.htm

11-30-2007, 03:39 PM	#16
dingo_dan_22 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Saskatchewan Posts: 119	Re: wooden beds, what r u guys doing with them? I milled my own wood using the gmc pauls plans. I started with 1" thick maple planks that were a little over 8' long. The wood cost me $140. It took me 3 hours to mill the wood in my indusrial arts class at school. The wood isn't installed so I don't have any finished pics. Good luck. __________________ 71' Chevrolet -> 350c.i. w/ 600 Edelbrock Carb, Headers, P/S, 3/5 Drop



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11-30-2007, 05:33 PM	#17
Already Gone 70+ ( Old Skool Club ) Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan ,Canada Posts: 9,105	Re: wooden beds, what r u guys doing with them? ttt __________________ 1972 C10 Custom/Deluxe 613 Highlander 406/700R4 1999 White Tahoe LS 4x2 with Z56 Police Package 1992 K1500 GMC Suburban Members I have personally met: MusicMan70 - HeavyD - ChewyChevy67 - StingRay -71SWB4x4 - 67 Burb - DeadheadNM - too much stuff - bc65 - das601 " Circumsatances Do Not Change Responsibility " " The Sky is not the Limit, Your Mind is." Marilyn Monroe .. RIP Charlie Watts 1941 - 2021

11-30-2007, 05:47 PM	#18
EAST SIDE LOW LIFE Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: VANCOUVER ISLAND, B.C., Canada Posts: 1,602	Re: wooden beds, what r u guys doing with them? First pic is the bed in my 50' Chevy and the second one is of the bed in the 70' GMC. esll. Attached Images __________________ Tomorrow is for doing today's stuff. ************************************* This truck has just the right amount of energy for me! Author: Warren Lake .... (member)

11-30-2007, 09:14 PM	#19
Boog laying low Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Searcy, Ark. USA Posts: 13,103	Re: wooden beds, what r u guys doing with them? Asa found a truck with both a wooden bed and wooden grille! It doesn't take expensive equipment to edge (dado) the boards. I used oak on one truck and pine on another one. I cut all pieces with a skilsaw and countersunk the bed mounting bolt washers ( like factory) by hammer and chisel. Back yard job. I don't have any pics and those trucks are long gone but I am proud of how they turned out. My son and I did these. __________________ Boog 69 Chevy stepside, 358/T350, 4.11 posi, 4.5/4 drop, rallys, poboy driver primer is finer 91 Chevy sportside, Tahoe, Yukon & GMC Crewcab All GM..'nuff said. I stand for the flag and kneel at the cross

11-30-2007, 11:40 PM	#20
mcc-bri Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba Posts: 186	Re: wooden beds, what r u guys doing with them? I talked to my dad and he says he will give me a hand with the bed as he has used and has a dado. im really loking forward to cutting these peices up.

12-01-2007, 09:34 PM	#21
Boog laying low Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Searcy, Ark. USA Posts: 13,103	Re: wooden beds, what r u guys doing with them? Hey esll. I like the looks of yours. Those dark strips give a different look. __________________ Boog 69 Chevy stepside, 358/T350, 4.11 posi, 4.5/4 drop, rallys, poboy driver primer is finer 91 Chevy sportside, Tahoe, Yukon & GMC Crewcab All GM..'nuff said. I stand for the flag and kneel at the cross

12-02-2007, 12:20 AM	#23
mcc-bri Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba Posts: 186	Re: wooden beds, what r u guys doing with them? I will probally go with oak but if im tight for money i will end up with pine which is fine since i do like the color and i dont plan on putting anything in the back of my truck anyways. I will be starting my wooden bed somtime after christmas when my truck has been moved from our garage to power mec at my school. I plan on having this truck in paint by the spring time so keep your eye on my balls to the walls project in the build section cause its going to maove fast (i hope)

12-04-2007, 05:37 PM	#24
theoneandonly Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Fayetteville NC Posts: 102	Re: wooden beds, what r u guys doing with them? I saw this pic and had to post it. I dont know how he did it but it looks amazing. Attached Images __________________ SSG Jeffery Ahlheim 586th Network Support Company, 525th BfSB US Army, FT Bragg, NC 2009 Chevy Silverado LT ext cab 5.3L If you don't stand behind our troops, please feel free to stand in front of them.

12-04-2007, 08:19 PM	#25
LONGHAIR just can't cover up my redneck Join Date: May 2004 Location: Columbus OH Posts: 11,414	Re: wooden beds, what r u guys doing with them? That is done with veneer. This is done with very thin pieces, like the layers in plywood. That one is figured or "fiddleback" maple with what looks like walnut.

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