73-87 Bed Mat?
 

I can't seem to find a bed mat for 73-87 pickup with short bed. All I get is "discontinued". Really? With probably millions of these trucks still on the road?

I did find a mat for 8 ft beds, but even if it can shortened, I'm not sure what it would take to cut 3/8" reinforced rubber.

Anybody know where I can find one for a short bed?

Re: 73-87 Bed Mat?
 

Try the salvage yards. There are 2 trucks that I have seen with the mats still in the beds. That is, if you don't mind a used one.

Re: 73-87 Bed Mat?
 

First thing on Google.


http://www.realtruck.com/truck-bed-m...r/R204594.html

Ahaha long bed only.

I understand a 88 up works too.

I have one of each, I could check tomorrow if my 98 short bed fits in my 73 short bed.

Re: 73-87 Bed Mat?
 

Protecta brand from truckchamp.com part number 6701. I looked for a while and found them. It's a really good quality mat that you'll be happy with, I really like mine for the thickness and fit in my 1986 swb. The tailgate mat that they offer with it isn't very good though, so I'd recommend a horse mat from tractor supply type store for that if you want a tailgate mat.

Re: 73-87 Bed Mat?
 

http://commerce.idmi.net/ecommerce/c...D=131&PI=51597

http://members.peak.org/~robbpynes/rbr/truck.htm

Re: 73-87 Bed Mat?
 

Thanks. Let me know.

***TKCR -- I'll call those companies on Monday to make sure the short mats are actually available.

Re: 73-87 Bed Mat?
 

Just ordered one from realtrucks for $46.74 and free shipping. No indication of out of stock item, credit card info went through. We'll see what happens.

Re: 73-87 Bed Mat?
 

Nope, too narrow and the fender tubs are bigger on the square.
But... gave me a good excuse to get the junk out from under it and wash my truck.

Re: 73-87 Bed Mat?
 

Keep us posted on how these work out. I have one in my 77, and love it. I bought it many years ago and "assumed" they were still available. I want one for my 84 Sierra and cant find one that has the cut outs for dual tanks.

Please let me know if the one you have has the cut outs, and fits properly.

Re: 73-87 Bed Mat?
 

Personally I never use the tailgate mat but plan on a spray in bed liner. The rubber mat is great for keeping things from sliding around. I'll post up a short review if and when it gets here.

Re: 73-87 Bed Mat?
 

The protecta one does have the cutouts and fits really well IMO. Here's the picture of the cutout.

Re: 73-87 Bed Mat?
 

Another from the back. If you want a rubber mat for a swb it is the one to get. I'm pretty picky and was really impressed with the fit and quality for my 86

Re: 73-87 Bed Mat?
 

Where did you buy it and how long ago ?

Re: 73-87 Bed Mat?
 

Info is in post #4. Installed it 6 months ago

Re: 73-87 Bed Mat?
 

I couldn't find that part # on their website. By application it only shows long bed available from them now.

Re: 73-87 Bed Mat?
 

Up date on the Realtrucks Rugged mat: I got to thinking about the cheap price they offered me and went to the Rugged web site and in fact they don't list a mat for our trucks. I then wondered if I just ordered a mat for the tailgate. Exactly what I didn't want. They have a 24/7 online customer service that I chatted with and they cancelled my order before it shipped. Always the case, too good to be true.

Re: 73-87 Bed Mat?
 

That one does have a nice tight fit. It's kinda hard to see since the bed and mat are both black. Mine has a 1/4" gap all around it and that's all it takes to make it a leaf catching bed ruster.

Re: 73-87 Bed Mat?
 

Ran into this problem too. I would love to find one that fits well.

Re: 73-87 Bed Mat?
 

Excellent information. Thanks for sharing

A mat is not a good alternative to a good spray in liner. My 77 wont ever see that kind of use, so the mat is a great alternative.

Re: 73-87 Bed Mat?
 

I put a carpeted bedliner in mine. But mine has a tonneau cover and it will never get used in a manner of hauling big dirty items. Got it from Gaylords.

Re: 73-87 Bed Mat?
 

I exchanged a couple e-mails with KN Rubber/Koneta Inc, makers of the ProtectaMat. Their #6701 is no longer manufactured, but their #6642 long bed mat has scribe lines that can be cut with a sharp utility knife to fit short bed.

***Kaysen -- you lucked out!

Re: 73-87 Bed Mat?
 

I guess I did luck out! Well that sucks for you guys, maybe you'll come up with a solution.

Re: 73-87 Bed Mat?
 

You are correct. I checked as well, and got the same results. Capt Kaos called the manufacturer and offered to buy a quantity, but was declined.

Re: 73-87 Bed Mat?
 

i called the manufacture of protecta brand and they refered me to "LMC" . i bought one for a short bed. it came long but was market to cut down. very pleased!!

Re: 73-87 Bed Mat?
 

How iong ago did you order from LMC. I only seen one listed for a long bed. Just wondering if it is marked to cut for a short bed.

Re: 73-87 Bed Mat?
 

Yeah that’s what he said

Re: 73-87 Bed Mat?
 

Yep, your right uknowme. Went back and reread post. For some reason I understood him to say he had ordered a short bed mat and received a long bed mat and cut it. Sorry for the confusion. This is what happens when you get old.

Re: 73-87 Bed Mat?
 

Ttt

Re: 73-87 Bed Mat?
 

got any pics?

Re: 73-87 Bed Mat?
 

got any pics?

Re: 73-87 Bed Mat?
 

Since this thread is alive again, just wanted to say the #6642 mat works fine and was easy to cut to fit a short bed.

I see where the P/N may also be #6642D, but just googled it, found several links, but all show "Not Available."

Re: 73-87 Bed Mat?
 

I just tried their web site nothing seems to be working, keep getting 404 errors (page not found).

I guess I will try later.

Re: 73-87 Bed Mat?
 

Found this mat: https://realtruck.com/p/promaxx-truc...kup-1500/1987/

Re: 73-87 Bed Mat?
 

be nice for us o.c.d guys to get a true s.b mat and NOT a cut to fit mat .

i know when i called around a few months ago . . . . i found no love for short bed trucks even tho s.b is going crazy. . .

Re: 73-87 Bed Mat?
 

Don't forget your bed mat maintenance. I bought my truck with a bed mat that wasn't maintained and the bed rusted through all around it. It needs to be taken out and the bed thoroughly washed at least a couple times a year. Dirt and leaves like to collect under the edges of the mat and keeps that bed perpetually damp. I only use mine if I plan to haul gnarly stuff and then take it back out.

Re: 73-87 Bed Mat?
 

Currently loking for a rubber bed mat for my shortbed fleetside 84. Anyone have any pics or recent purchases that worked out? Is trimming the long bed version the only option currently out there?

Re: 73-87 Bed Mat?
 

I've always bought the generic bed mat and cut it to fit. The wheel well contours are similar for most bed mats.
Couple of tips.
As they say measure once cut once. I start with the front and cut it to fit the wheel wheels. Then trim the back as needed.
I lay the bed mat out on a piece of plywood after I've made my cut lines. On the 8 foot length side. Then using a piece of 2x2 I screw it down to the plywood trapping the bed mat between so it can't move as I cut it. Using really (brand new) sharp razor knife blades I cut it as needed. Takes a few passes with the razor knife but the 2x2 makes for a nice clean cut line.

Re: 73-87 Bed Mat?
 

A few years ago, even the long bed version was not available, so I'd get one now. If they made a short bed version you wouldn't be able to tell the difference, unless the cuts were really sloppy.

Re: 73-87 Bed Mat?
 

LMC Truck has the long bed option available, but it is now on backorder as of Dec 2020

Re: 73-87 Bed Mat?