short step bed cross sill puzzle

[steverino66]

This photo shows all the cross sills I have removed, the ones with the tape markings came from next to front and back of bed, with long bolts through the frame (front bed panel and tailgate sills still in place on the bed).
Does anyone have a photo of all the cross sills in place on a short step bed without the wood installed? - I'm trying to determine how many/what type of sills I'm missing. I searched here and looked at Mar-K's site, no luck.
The side angle strips have 9 bolt holes while the center strips have only 7 - ?
Any clarification will be appreciated!

[lakeroadster]

This photo of my short step might help ya.

Mine had (3) of the tall cross sills (2 in the front, 1 in the back) and (1) "not as tall" sill just ahead of the rear axle.

[steverino66]

Great - thanks, lake - looks like I'm not really missing anything!
For the other part of the mystery: holes marked here are 3rd and 6th ones counting backwards from front of bed - what's with the extra holes on the angle strips?

[lakeroadster]

Good question. I had extra holes too. I just threw in some carriage bolts and tightened them down. My bed angles werent symmetric, drivers side vs. passenger side..... go figure?

[steverino66]

Originally Posted by lakeroadster

Good question. I had extra holes too. I just threw in some carriage bolts and tightened them down. My bed angles werent symmetric, drivers side vs. passenger side..... go figure?

Works for me - long as I know I'm not chasing parts, I'm good. Thanks again.

[aggie91]

I will have to check mine after work, but I am sure that even in Lakeroadster's pic, there is one missing.

Starting in the front, you should have 2 tall ones, 1 short one before getting to the rear axle, 1 short one after the rear axle, and then 1 tall one before getting to the rear sill. Looks like Lake's is missing the one after the rear axle.

Also, on your center strips, the holes should match up like this (from Front Panel to Rear Cross Sill):
1) Front Panel, 2) Tall Cross Brace, 3) Tall Cross Brace, 4) Short Cross Brace, 5) skipped hole (only for wood hold down), 6) Short Cross Brace, 7) Tall Cross Brace, 8) Rear Cross Sill.
I will look at mine and repost...

[steverino66]

Aggie, you're correct -
I noticed the missing short one on lakeroadster's pic too - according to Mar-k diagram, there are 3 tall ones and 2 short ones, not counting very back one at tailgate base;
I was confused by those extra angle strip holes toward the front - lakeroadster said his are not symmetrical, but both sides of mine are like the photo above

[lakeroadster]

Originally Posted by aggie91

I will have to check mine after work, but I am sure that even in Lakeroadster's pic, there is one missing.

Originally Posted by steverino66

Aggie, you're correct -
I noticed the missing short one on lakeroadster's pic too - according to Mar-k diagram, there are 3 tall ones and 2 short ones, not counting very back one at tailgate base

What Mar-k diagram are you referring to? Here is what I found on their website, which matches my truck and is applicable to '60 thru '72 short stepsides:

Mar-K text (click this link: Short Stepside) have 3 cross sills and 1 reinforcing strip.

[steverino66]

Originally Posted by lakeroadster

What Mar-k diagram are you referring to? Here is what I found on their website, which matches my truck and is applicable to '60 thru '72 short stepsides:

Mar-K text (click this link: Short Stepside) have 3 cross sills and 1 reinforcing strip.

this little interactive doohickey diagram: (gives info when you mouse over a cross sill)
http://www.mar-k.com/Catalog/catalog.aspx

[steverino66]

Lakeroadster-
Here's a copy of your pic with what I THINK is right, based on best evidence and that Mar-K diagram's notes:
The short cross sill I highlighted in green should also appear where the arrow points. One of the short ones in my very first photo above came from there.

[lakeroadster]

Thanks for the information but heck... that's just an interactive ref. diagram. It shows 2 cross sills and 1 reinforcing strip. Can't really go by that.


It's all good. I put a custom pressure treated plywood floor in mine...

[steverino66]

[QUOTE=lakeroadster;4625209]Thanks for the information but heck... that's just an interactive ref. diagram. It shows 2 cross sills and 1 reinforcing strip. Can't really go by that.

Right - diagram's useless for specifics; that's why I quizzed you guys initially…
Love the mods on your bed, by the way, and thanks again for the assist

[aggie91]

The last couple of nights it has been dark by the time I get home. My bed is on stands, and no light out there...I'll see if I can take a minute in the morning for taking the boys to school,...