Bed cover opinions wanted - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

markeb01 · 05-07-2011, 06:18 PM

If you had access to a free hard cover would you actually want one? That’s the situation I’m in. I bought a Gaylord hard cover 12 years ago and used it for about 10 years. When I retired I pulled the cover and installed bed rails instead, because I like the way they look and intended to use the open bed more often. In the meantime, I’ve also inherited a box trailer which pretty much takes care of the yard waste and dump run duties, so I don’t really need the open bed very often.

So now I’m considering:

1. Pull the bed rails and reinstall the hard cover.
2. Reinstall the bed rails on top of the hard cover (might look cool, might look stupid).
3. Sell the hard cover and buy a tonneau cover that fits in between the bed rails.
4. Sell the hard cover and leave the truck the way it is.

I like the security of the hard cover and the volume of stuff that can be left in the bed, but it’s somewhat of a pain when it comes to hauling furniture or something bulky.

What would you do?

Here’s a current photo of the bed and an earlier photo with the cover in place:

aspiringthomas · 05-07-2011, 07:03 PM

I like the idea of having a hard bed cover with locked up storage. I use a trailer for all of my moving. I have a box trailer so I don't plan on hauling anything big in mine once its done. I think I would also like a smooth look.

Thanks Jeff.

1Bad62Pro/Street · 05-07-2011, 07:23 PM

Sell the hard cover and buy a tonneau cover that fits in between the bed rails.

short bed stepside tonneau cover?
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s....php?p=3697464

LEER Truck Accessories Group, LLC
http://www.leer.com/site/?&ct=51&pt=1&pl=7#

Hard-to-find Classic C-10 Stepside Bed Lids:

'54-'87 Chevy / GMC (Stepside): $1099.95*
http://www.sporttruckdirect.com/Gaylords_Lids.html

old cruiser · 05-07-2011, 08:02 PM

Sell hard cover get one to fit between rails . This is mine from craftec may fit between rails

*lakeroadster* · 05-07-2011, 08:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by markeb01

So now I’m considering:

1. Pull the bed rails and reinstall the hard cover.
2. Reinstall the bed rails on top of the hard cover (might look cool, might look stupid).
3. Sell the hard cover and buy a tonneau cover that fits in between the bed rails.
4. Sell the hard cover and leave the truck the way it is.

I like the security of the hard cover and the volume of stuff that can be left in the bed, but it’s somewhat of a pain when it comes to hauling furniture or something bulky.

What would you do?

Go with option 2.

**N2TRUX** · 05-07-2011, 11:37 PM

I pick door #3 Monte-" Sell the hard cover and buy a tonneau cover that fits in between the bed rails."

**slepysal** · 05-08-2011, 12:31 AM

I think no matter what you do your truck will still look sweet!

markeb01 · 05-08-2011, 05:25 PM

Thanks to everyone for your comments. Now I just need to sit down and do some more figuring.

66 lwb cs · 05-08-2011, 06:14 PM

I would like to add to the confusion. I like the way it looked with the hard cover pretty slick and clean. I say reinstall the hard one. By the way sick lookin truck you got there.

**jocko** · 05-08-2011, 07:58 PM

guess i'm the outlier... I like it JUST THE WAY IT IS! Markeb01, I like those bedrails on your truck. I DON'T like them on mine... Whenever I get off these #$%^&* crutches, I'm gonna pull mine and sell em. Unfortunately the PO drilled right into the virgin rails and now gotta repair that too - which will incur a repaint at least above the bed crease line... sonofgun. Oh well. My rails are similar to your - but they have the tall stantions - I like yours because they lean one way and are pretty short - I think those look great - and since your truck is satin, I think the chrome rails really set it off. For me anyway, the pic of the smooth cover all alone makes it look like something is missing back there... whereas the rails finish it off nicely I think.

Me personally, I like no cover and no rails at all, just stock. BUT - I agree with the comments about lockable storage - and I like the look of the rails on your truck, specifically.

So, there, I've managed to give you about 5 different opinions. I'm sure that helps. I guess count me as one vote for the status quo.

Original Truckdude · 05-09-2011, 12:45 PM

First of all, great looking truck! I normally don't like bedrails but yours have a thin profile and look great. That hard Gaylord cover looks good in black on your black truck. It blends in and gives a clean look. I've seen hard covers added to vintage trucks and usually they mess up the lines.

I think adding the bed rails to the cover would make it look like a coffin.

I have a shortbed Fleetside and plan to get a soft cover with a frame that lifts up. I don't want to screw a bunch of snaps into my bed. My plan is to recover the cover with custom vinyl that will match the custom seat cover I still need to dream up. Did I use the word cover enough in that sentence? Can anyone recommend a good flip up soft cover? I want something that is easy to detach. Thanks, I have not started looking just yet.
Posted via Mobile Device

Revoh · 05-09-2011, 02:37 PM

You've got kind of an old hot rod theme going on, so I don't see how a modern bed cover plays into that. I can picture a hard cover flush with the top of the bed (between the box) with rolled and pleated black vinyl or perhaps even your diamond pattern from the interior. You know, something that they would have done in 1961. I can't find a good picture right off, but I'm sure you know what I'm saying. Kind of like this, but with the right pattern for you. You could even keep the bed rails.

Slow Build · 05-09-2011, 02:49 PM

I've had hard covers on my last three DD trucks (all fleetsides). I loved the fact that anything in my bed was secure. When we went camping it was a big plus. Then again there was always disadvantage of not being able to haul larger stuff at a moments notice. All that being said if I had one available I would put it on for sure. If it were me I would go for option 1 or 2. The chrome rail might look kinda cool on there . You could figure that out after you mount the cover, just place the rails on the cover take a few pictures and let us decide

. I think the fact that that you have a black truck makes the cover less noticeable. I’ve never had a between the bed rails cover but I would think they would be less water/weather tight. Good luck with your decision.

markeb01 · 05-10-2011, 01:25 AM

Again, thanks for all the input. I like the idea of the diamond patterned cover. Theoretically I’d prefer a hard cover that fit between the rails so the bed could still be secured. I’m somewhat worried about investing in a soft cover, remembering back in the 50’s when many guys had their tonneau slashed with a pocket knife. Maybe that form of vandalism isn’t as popular today.

Well for now I made a practical decision. The squeeze wants to take a 200 mile trip in the truck and needing a place to put our stuff I went ahead and reinstalled the hard cover today, since it’s available right now and is weather tight.

I also rested the rails on top of the cover and think they look pretty cool, so I may install them. Original Truckdude is right, they do lend a somewhat coffin look to the truck, but then again I always liked the Munster Koach!

With all the satin black the glassy black bed cover actually adds some sparkle to the truck. I’ll get some pictures taken tomorrow.

61_FL_Apache · 05-12-2011, 06:29 PM

I like the hard lid best.

I just called Gaylord about a lid for my 61 and the price is up to $1050 in primer plus $300 to ship to me.

Im kinda inclined to build my own for that price.

markeb01 · 05-12-2011, 07:16 PM

The price is a real bummer on these hard covers. When I bought mine in 1999 it was only (?!) $595 in high gloss black +$150 for shipping, and I thought that was outrageously high at the time. I did end up reinstalling it and mounting the rails and I'm very happy with how it looks and works. I had forgotten how convenient it was, and the overall truck looks better with a shiny black cover compared to how crappy the inside of my bed looks.

For anyone that hasn't seen the pics in the daily activity thread, here's how it turned out. I really need to get on a ladder for a better photo angle:

likaroc13 · 05-12-2011, 11:53 PM

looks good, Mark....almost invisible in pictures

**Clyde65** · 05-13-2011, 09:20 AM

That really looks good man!

I would love to have a Gaylord bed cover, but $1500+? wow!

61_FL_Apache · 05-13-2011, 09:26 AM

Id rather install AC for that money..

*lakeroadster* · 05-19-2011, 06:47 PM

Saw this on YouTube and thought of Mark's latest modification....

YouTube - ‪Nissan Navara Top Up...

*lakeroadster* · 05-19-2011, 06:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by markeb01

... Reinstall the bed rails on top of the hard cover ...

Saw this on YouTube and thought of Mark's latest modification....

YouTube - ‪Nissan Navara Top Up...

05-07-2011, 06:18 PM	#1
markeb01 Senior Enthusiast Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Spokane Valley, WA Posts: 8,356	Bed cover opinions wanted If you had access to a free hard cover would you actually want one? That’s the situation I’m in. I bought a Gaylord hard cover 12 years ago and used it for about 10 years. When I retired I pulled the cover and installed bed rails instead, because I like the way they look and intended to use the open bed more often. In the meantime, I’ve also inherited a box trailer which pretty much takes care of the yard waste and dump run duties, so I don’t really need the open bed very often. So now I’m considering: 1. Pull the bed rails and reinstall the hard cover. 2. Reinstall the bed rails on top of the hard cover (might look cool, might look stupid). 3. Sell the hard cover and buy a tonneau cover that fits in between the bed rails. 4. Sell the hard cover and leave the truck the way it is. I like the security of the hard cover and the volume of stuff that can be left in the bed, but it’s somewhat of a pain when it comes to hauling furniture or something bulky. What would you do? Here’s a current photo of the bed and an earlier photo with the cover in place:

05-07-2011, 07:03 PM	#2
aspiringthomas Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: McLoud, OK Posts: 99	Re: Bed cover opinions wanted I like the idea of having a hard bed cover with locked up storage. I use a trailer for all of my moving. I have a box trailer so I don't plan on hauling anything big in mine once its done. I think I would also like a smooth look. Thanks Jeff.

05-07-2011, 08:02 PM	#4
old cruiser Registered User Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Camperdown Vic Australia Posts: 230	Re: Bed cover opinions wanted Sell hard cover get one to fit between rails . This is mine from craftec may fit between rails Attached Images

05-07-2011, 11:37 PM	#6
N2TRUX Happy to be here Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 39,023	Re: Bed cover opinions wanted I pick door #3 Monte-" Sell the hard cover and buy a tonneau cover that fits in between the bed rails." __________________ Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @N2trux.com Articles- "Jake" the 84 to 74 crewcab "Elwood" the77_Remix 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett" "Refining Sierra"

05-08-2011, 12:31 AM	#7
slepysal Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: San Jose NOR*CAL Posts: 3,080	Re: Bed cover opinions wanted I think no matter what you do your truck will still look sweet! __________________ 1960 Apache long bed fleet L6 250 Clifford intake 2 bbl carb. Langdon cast headers with dual exhaust and bellflower tips. T-5 5 speed, power steering and power disc brakes. "Over, Around or through it... "

05-07-2011, 07:23 PM	#3
1Bad62Pro/Street "Where were you in '62?" Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Cleveland County, North Cackalacky Posts: 5,013	Re: Bed cover opinions wanted Sell the hard cover and buy a tonneau cover that fits in between the bed rails. short bed stepside tonneau cover? http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s....php?p=3697464 LEER Truck Accessories Group, LLC http://www.leer.com/site/?&ct=51&pt=1&pl=7# Hard-to-find Classic C-10 Stepside Bed Lids: '54-'87 Chevy / GMC (Stepside): $1099.95* http://www.sporttruckdirect.com/Gaylords_Lids.html __________________ PROJECT: "FULL METAL YELLOW JACKET" 1962 Chevy C-10 Stepside Shortbed Nostalgia Pro/Street Pickup Truck PROJECT: "FULL METAL YELLOW JACKET Build Thread What Are You Workin' On? - 1Bad62ChevyPickup PROJECT: "TYRANNORAMBLER REX" 1969 AMC Rambler American Nostalgia Pro/Street Youtube Channel: Father Son Projects Youtube Channel: 2TIMOTHY2FITHTEEN "North and South Carolina Folks Click Here!" (((( ~ I have Parts For Sale & Miscellaneous Stuff ~ )))) "Well being as there's no other place around the place, I reckon this must be the place, I reckon...Nyuk Nyuk Nyuk" -Curly Howard Ph.D. Last edited by 1Bad62Pro/Street; 05-07-2011 at 07:26 PM. Reason: http://www.sporttruckdirect.com/Pics/GAYLORDS/Gaylords_Old_Chevy_Stepside_Open_Big.jpg

05-08-2011, 05:25 PM	#8
markeb01 Senior Enthusiast Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Spokane Valley, WA Posts: 8,356	Re: Bed cover opinions wanted Thanks to everyone for your comments. Now I just need to sit down and do some more figuring.

05-08-2011, 06:14 PM	#9
66 lwb cs Registered User Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: aurora co Posts: 208	Re: Bed cover opinions wanted I would like to add to the confusion. I like the way it looked with the hard cover pretty slick and clean. I say reinstall the hard one. By the way sick lookin truck you got there. __________________ 66 C20 LWB CS 327/TH400 A/C

05-08-2011, 07:58 PM	#10
jocko Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Godley, TX Posts: 17,943	Re: Bed cover opinions wanted guess i'm the outlier... I like it JUST THE WAY IT IS! Markeb01, I like those bedrails on your truck. I DON'T like them on mine... Whenever I get off these #$%^&* crutches, I'm gonna pull mine and sell em. Unfortunately the PO drilled right into the virgin rails and now gotta repair that too - which will incur a repaint at least above the bed crease line... sonofgun. Oh well. My rails are similar to your - but they have the tall stantions - I like yours because they lean one way and are pretty short - I think those look great - and since your truck is satin, I think the chrome rails really set it off. For me anyway, the pic of the smooth cover all alone makes it look like something is missing back there... whereas the rails finish it off nicely I think. Me personally, I like no cover and no rails at all, just stock. BUT - I agree with the comments about lockable storage - and I like the look of the rails on your truck, specifically. So, there, I've managed to give you about 5 different opinions. I'm sure that helps. I guess count me as one vote for the status quo.

05-09-2011, 12:45 PM	#11
Original Truckdude Registered User Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: West Chicago, IL Posts: 24	Re: Bed cover opinions wanted First of all, great looking truck! I normally don't like bedrails but yours have a thin profile and look great. That hard Gaylord cover looks good in black on your black truck. It blends in and gives a clean look. I've seen hard covers added to vintage trucks and usually they mess up the lines. I think adding the bed rails to the cover would make it look like a coffin. I have a shortbed Fleetside and plan to get a soft cover with a frame that lifts up. I don't want to screw a bunch of snaps into my bed. My plan is to recover the cover with custom vinyl that will match the custom seat cover I still need to dream up. Did I use the word cover enough in that sentence? Can anyone recommend a good flip up soft cover? I want something that is easy to detach. Thanks, I have not started looking just yet. Posted via Mobile Device __________________ The dude abides.

05-09-2011, 02:37 PM	#12
Revoh Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Music City, U.S.A. Posts: 638	Re: Bed cover opinions wanted You've got kind of an old hot rod theme going on, so I don't see how a modern bed cover plays into that. I can picture a hard cover flush with the top of the bed (between the box) with rolled and pleated black vinyl or perhaps even your diamond pattern from the interior. You know, something that they would have done in 1961. I can't find a good picture right off, but I'm sure you know what I'm saying. Kind of like this, but with the right pattern for you. You could even keep the bed rails. __________________ 1963 C-10 My car blog, for your reading pleasure. Last edited by Revoh; 05-09-2011 at 02:37 PM.

05-09-2011, 02:49 PM	#13
Slow Build Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: California Delta Posts: 2,163	Re: Bed cover opinions wanted I've had hard covers on my last three DD trucks (all fleetsides). I loved the fact that anything in my bed was secure. When we went camping it was a big plus. Then again there was always disadvantage of not being able to haul larger stuff at a moments notice. All that being said if I had one available I would put it on for sure. If it were me I would go for option 1 or 2. The chrome rail might look kinda cool on there . You could figure that out after you mount the cover, just place the rails on the cover take a few pictures and let us decide . I think the fact that that you have a black truck makes the cover less noticeable. I’ve never had a between the bed rails cover but I would think they would be less water/weather tight. Good luck with your decision. __________________ Name: Rich Current Ride: 1964 C-10 Short Fleetside Daily Driver: 2005 GMC crew cab short fleetside /2001 Chevy Tahoe Past GM Trucks: 1959 GMC short stepside 1968 GMC short stepside-4x4 1973 Chevy short stepside 1989 Chevy short fleetside-reg cab 1993 Chevy short fleetside-Xcab 2002 Chevy short fleetside-Xcab Save the dinosaurs, use synthetic oil.

05-10-2011, 01:25 AM	#14
markeb01 Senior Enthusiast Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Spokane Valley, WA Posts: 8,356	Re: Bed cover opinions wanted Again, thanks for all the input. I like the idea of the diamond patterned cover. Theoretically I’d prefer a hard cover that fit between the rails so the bed could still be secured. I’m somewhat worried about investing in a soft cover, remembering back in the 50’s when many guys had their tonneau slashed with a pocket knife. Maybe that form of vandalism isn’t as popular today. Well for now I made a practical decision. The squeeze wants to take a 200 mile trip in the truck and needing a place to put our stuff I went ahead and reinstalled the hard cover today, since it’s available right now and is weather tight. I also rested the rails on top of the cover and think they look pretty cool, so I may install them. Original Truckdude is right, they do lend a somewhat coffin look to the truck, but then again I always liked the Munster Koach! With all the satin black the glassy black bed cover actually adds some sparkle to the truck. I’ll get some pictures taken tomorrow.

05-12-2011, 06:29 PM	#15
61_FL_Apache Who Me? Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Royal Palm Beach, FL Posts: 4,067	Re: Bed cover opinions wanted I like the hard lid best. I just called Gaylord about a lid for my 61 and the price is up to $1050 in primer plus $300 to ship to me. Im kinda inclined to build my own for that price. __________________ Steve 1997 Tahoe LT 4D 2WD (DD) 2001 Blazer 4D 2WD 1961 Apache 10 (sold) 1965 C10 Stepper (sold)

05-12-2011, 07:16 PM	#16
markeb01 Senior Enthusiast Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Spokane Valley, WA Posts: 8,356	Re: Bed cover opinions wanted The price is a real bummer on these hard covers. When I bought mine in 1999 it was only (?!) $595 in high gloss black +$150 for shipping, and I thought that was outrageously high at the time. I did end up reinstalling it and mounting the rails and I'm very happy with how it looks and works. I had forgotten how convenient it was, and the overall truck looks better with a shiny black cover compared to how crappy the inside of my bed looks. For anyone that hasn't seen the pics in the daily activity thread, here's how it turned out. I really need to get on a ladder for a better photo angle:



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05-12-2011, 11:53 PM	#17
likaroc13 Rollin' Old Skool Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Hattiesburg, MS Posts: 5,371	Re: Bed cover opinions wanted looks good, Mark....almost invisible in pictures

05-13-2011, 09:20 AM	#18
Clyde65 1965 Chevy C10, 2005 4.8L/4l60 Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: DFW Texas Posts: 8,540	Re: Bed cover opinions wanted That really looks good man! I would love to have a Gaylord bed cover, but $1500+? wow! __________________ Clyde65 Rebuild of Clyde http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...84#post8338184 69 Aristocrat Lo Liner build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...84#post7561684 *support our troops!*

05-13-2011, 09:26 AM	#19
61_FL_Apache Who Me? Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Royal Palm Beach, FL Posts: 4,067	Re: Bed cover opinions wanted Id rather install AC for that money.. __________________ Steve 1997 Tahoe LT 4D 2WD (DD) 2001 Blazer 4D 2WD 1961 Apache 10 (sold) 1965 C10 Stepper (sold)

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