which bed? any step side pics?

[68c10owner]

I picked up my project minus the bed. If was originaly a fleet side truck. I kinda got a line on a fleet bed from another member but I haven`t heard back from him in a little bit. I did happen to find a step side bed froma 63 for $200 but I could probably get it for less. I can also get a really clean long bed fleet for $100 but I would need to shorten it. I just don`t know what bed to go for. I know it`s a personal prference thing but I like them either way. I`m just loking for opinions and pics of step sides if you got them.

[62 short step]

Here are some of my 62 when I had it. I like both, fleet or step.

[greg64]

I'm partial to step. Love those big fenders and the whole thing is more interesting to look at than fleet.

[Tim64]

I like the stepsides the best, but there are a lot of sweet fleets out there too. Here are a few pics of steps for ya. Mine is the first, I don't know who owns the rest.
Good luck,
Tim

[Chevy Fleetside]

Here is mine. I sold the bed though and got a Fleetside bed seeing the truck was orignially a fleetside truck..

[Tomsriv]

I prefer stepsides for the look, but once I started using it as a truck I prefered it as a truck too. Sometimes with a fleet side things on the bottom of the bed are out of reach, like tye downs, etc. To get to them you have to walk to the back, step on the bumper and step into the bed to get what you need. With a stepside it is much easier to step up and get to things at the front of the bed.

[Lane]

I like both, but lean to the stepsides - which I have.

Here's mine before I bought it:

[David Flores]

easy... fleet!!!

[Chevy Fleetside]

I just found this one...

[badriand]

My take is for me the fleets are harder to find... The stepside beds can be bought new (the whole thing) reproduction, not so lucky that i know of on the fleets. I do however like them both. Mine was orginally a step but the PO but a fleet on it. I'm putting the fleet back on but if i came across a good step i wouldn't mind having as backup.

[harry]

i have both and it depends on how you get them looking,some different looks

[68c10owner]

Originally Posted by Lane

I like both, but lean to the stepsides - which I have.

Here's mine before I bought it:

Really nice truck. I like the steps too but alot of the ones I`ve seen just don`t do it for me but I would love to drive something like you put together. I can get the step bed pretty cheap. i might have to go for it. I guess I can always change it later if I want to change the look. Thanks guys. Keep the step pics coming if you got them.

[68c10owner]

Originally Posted by harry

i have both and it depends on how you get them looking,some different looks

Harry, those are some nice looking trucks you got there.

[fuelpump]

Here is mine

[billydonn]

Another vote:

[63sbssbbw]

I'll vote step side

[68c10owner]

Originally Posted by billydonn

Another vote:

I like your wheel choice. What size are they? Tires too?

[joe231]

I like them both, but fleets get my motor running!
some every one has probably seen







and my two

[billydonn]

Originally Posted by 68c10owner

I like your wheel choice. What size are they? Tires too?

Thank you. The wheels are American Torquethrust 2s, 17x7 front and 17x8 rear... both about 4 inch backspace. Rear tires are Goodyear 255x60, fronts 235x55. Rears are on the ragged edge of what will fit under a stepside fender with lip trimmed off, so if you use the wider '71 or '72 rear axle you will be too wide.

The wheels are common as dirt, but for a good reason: reasonable cost and so many people like them.

Cheers,
Don

[bigblock63]

if anyone has a lift, id like to get a good pic of the underside of a short stepside (bed only) im putting mine back together and forgot how it all goes together, mainly with the rails that go from bedside to bedside, or if anyone can explain that would be great. thanks

[68c10owner]

Originally Posted by billydonn

Thank you. The wheels are American Torquethrust 2s, 17x7 front and 17x8 rear... both about 4 inch backspace. Rear tires are Goodyear 255x60, fronts 235x55. Rears are on the ragged edge of what will fit under a stepside fender with lip trimmed off, so if you use the wider '71 or '72 rear axle you will be too wide.

The wheels are common as dirt, but for a good reason: reasonable cost and so many people like them.

Cheers,
Don

I`m using a 73 rearend which is the same as the 71-up. I have found 17x8 with 5" backspacing, maybe the 255`s will fit then?

How much is your truck lowered?

[sixtyfour]

Click picture for larger view.

[billydonn]

Originally Posted by 68c10owner

I`m using a 73 rearend which is the same as the 71-up. I have found 17x8 with 5" backspacing, maybe the 255`s will fit then?

How much is your truck lowered?

If your measurements of the 73 rearend are correct, you should be about right I would think. (I have heard others say that they got 275 or 285 tires under a stepside rear, but my 255s are a close fit both inside and outside.)

I lowered my truck so long ago that I don't remember exactly what it was supposed to be. I'm gonna say 3-4 in rear and 4+ in front. My height to fender at the wheel center is 27 1/2 front and 25 1/4 rear. Measure your stock height at those points, subtract my numbers, and you've got the rough amount lowered...(wheel diameter would affect that somewhat too). If you do that please post the result as I would like to know.

Cheers...