Wood bed intallation problem on 72 LWB

[Orence1]

I am in the process of installing a wood bed in my 1972 LWB. Using the diagrams and instructions on GMC Paul's web site I created the boards from scratch using oak. The length and width of each board conforms to his diagrams. My problem is that when starting out from the other edges and working my way towards the center I am left with a gap in the middle that is too wide. The strips and the holes in the tailgate end line up with the exception of the middle. I would make sense just to slide each board a bit towards the center to compensate but then the tailgate end holes will be out of alignment. I was hoping that some of you that have successfully installed a wood bed might have some suggestions as to how to solve the problem. Any help appreciated.

[Mmorgan32]

Mine is at 4 3/4 but mine is the original wood and strips. What are you doing for the holes in the wood? Are you doing the offset washers. I'm curious I'm thinking about making my own bed out of reclaimed lumber and don't know how it would turn out with the holes in the wood

[Orence1]

If I can get things lined up, I will need to drill holes on the outer edges and the wheel tub edges. I appears from what I have seen that the gaps in the boards that the strips cover are just wide enough for the bolts to fit between. Hoping to get some suggestions from others who have created their own beds and make things fit. Once things fit and I get the holes drilled, I will disassemble the bed, seal the boards with spar varnish and re-assemble.

[LockDoc]

Originally Posted by Orence1

If I can get things lined up, I will need to drill holes on the outer edges and the wheel tub edges. I appears from what I have seen that the gaps in the boards that the strips cover are just wide enough for the bolts to fit between. Hoping to get some suggestions from others who have created their own beds and make things fit. Once things fit and I get the holes drilled, I will disassemble the bed, seal the boards with spar varnish and re-assemble.

Have you checked out MAR-K's installation web site?

http://www.mar-k.com/installation_hints.aspx

They have measurements and all kind of tips & tricks..... Good info and great USA made parts.

LockDoc

[Orence1]

Thanks for the tip. I will do that.

[69chevy lwb]

The easiest solution is put all the boards where they look good and then cheat with one board to compensate for the gap you have. There's a chance you cut a 1/16th into each board and the measurements stacked up. This is one I made but it's completely custom it's all equal width boards made of oak on a raised bed floor.

[Mmorgan32]

Originally Posted by Orence1

If I can get things lined up, I will need to drill holes on the outer edges and the wheel tub edges. I appears from what I have seen that the gaps in the boards that the strips cover are just wide enough for the bolts to fit between. Hoping to get some suggestions from others who have created their own beds and make things fit. Once things fit and I get the holes drilled, I will disassemble the bed, seal the boards with spar varnish and re-assemble.

Can you post pics after you drill the holes?

[Baddflash]

I'm just installing mine now but I did not cut or mill the two centre boards, that way I can compensate for any deviation. Is it possible the issue is with the first boards you installed on the perimeter of the bed? Did you measure between them before you started working across? is the bed square?

[Orence1]

All good stuff guys. Many thanks for the helpful suggestions.