90's Style Step Bed for '69
I have a line on a 90's style bed that I was thinking of getting but wanted some opinions. I'm sure I'll hear "it's your truck, make the way you want" but would like to know if anyone thinks it's a good idea from an installation & looks perspective.
Here is my truck: https://i.imgur.com/pYNgOQa.jpg Here is the bed: https://i.imgur.com/PpO67J8.jpg |
Re: 90's Style Step Bed for '69
To be honest with you, I'm not fond of them. I have seen them done and it's disappointing for me. It's your truck though and your choice
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seen it and don't like it. Why the change?
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The worst part about this swap is that the wheel wells don’t match and looks stupid in my opinion.
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Here’s a pic I found that shows what I mean.
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You mean the square type of the newer style compared to the rounded of the earlier trucks. I get it now. Yeah, it does look kinda' weird.
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I don't think these bed swaps look too bad, mainly since the body line on the older cab lines up with the steps on the newer bed. Also the fenders are fiberglass so they won't rust. However nothing beats the look of the original.
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That guy probably wants your bed because it will look so much better when fixed up.
The 90s beds are OK, the original one is way better. It is your truck. |
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Just my opinion..... DON'T DO IT
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Since you asked for opinions on how it would look... I’d recommend spending your hard earned $ on something else. ANYthing else. Your truck, and the bed, look great just like they are. Very cool original you have there.
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Re: 90's Style Step Bed for '69
:no::jdp::barf::exit:
Fast way to loose half the value , You asked :smoke: |
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I have to agree with most everyone here, I would prefer to keep what I have but it's pretty much gone. It's going to make installing a rear tank really easy though. |
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Post more pictures of your current bed , It doesn't look that bad in the picture you posted ?
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Re: 90's Style Step Bed for '69
I will try and get some tonight. I have it full with the old gas tank, an old door & the cross-member on top of a piece of plywood. Maybe if I crawl underneath it may show some of the areas devoid of any bed like components.
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Maybe if I had a nice short fleet bed I could swap 'em every now & then. Probably, value wise a short fleetside is worth more than the stepside. I'm partial to the short/step and the truck came that way. As far as moving the tank, I'm happy with the stock location. Look forward to seeing pics of your bed. I see parts deals sometimes and you're not far away. PS: who's that in your profile picture? post some more pictures.....;) |
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I am getting a new rear tank because the one behind the seat is trashed as well. Completely gummed up & corroded from years of sitting with half a tank of gas. |
Re: 90's Style Step Bed for '69
I seem to remember a thread about using a square body box with 67-72 fenders. You might look it up. Or maybe it was using a 60-66 box. I'm not remembering for sure but it's been done before. I don't believe there are major differences from your current bed and the ones before and after 67-72,. Most certainly less differences than the late model bed.
Years ago in the time before reproduction parts I made a new box bottom and front for a 51 GMC out of rectangular tubing, angle iron and diamond plate. I didn't own a welder then so I bolted the whole thing together like the factory did. It is still on the truck and working well today. All I had was a drill, a saws-all, a carpenter's square, some saw horses. Oh and patience. |
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That original bed would have to be pretty bad for me to even consider something like that. I'd probably build it into a flat bed first, but that's just my opinion.
Are you going to put a super slick paint job on it? If not, even cobbling something functional together in the bed to keep "that look" on the outside would be totally acceptable to me. |
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you can purchase most if not all parts of the bed to rebuild it and keep the original look. |
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*Edit: and functional :) |
Re: 90's Style Step Bed for '69
Think of it as a mullet for your truck..........don't get me wrong, a mullet can be cool :metal:. But not on a truck.
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Heard someone once say they were upset that their hair was turning gray. I said "I don't care what color my hair turns, I just wish it would quit turning loose!" |
Re: 90's Style Step Bed for '69
I would bet that you could find a cheap step bed in decent condition. Everyone wants the fleetside beds, you might get lucky if you're patient!
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This has been on eBay for several months if anyone is so inclined to give it a new home.
https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/3uQAA...SG/s-l1600.jpg |
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This is the left side, the right side is quite as bad in the rear like the left, but the entire bottom edge is gone.
https://i.imgur.com/S0a67Qg.jpg https://i.imgur.com/GxQyphu.jpg |
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There have been a number of guys use the later model beds on our trucks and while not everyone likes it at least a few of them looked pretty good but not as just a bolt on and go deal. One of our members named Mike Nutt did a 69 with a MUCH modified late model bed and it turned out way nice but it's not for the purists. I agree with many the late model beds in their production form don't blend with the 67-72 well enough. I contend the rear wheel openings have to be round like the front fenders to better blend with the whole truck. There used to be "step shavers" available from the aftermarket that removed the step section behind the rear wheels but I don't believe they are available any more. An experienced fiberglass man could build his own though. Food for thought. And I think you are right. Your bed panels are pretty roached. It really comes down to just how much do you want to spend or how much work are you prepared to do. Do your research. Bill Palf documented modifying a 73-87 stepside box to fit his 70. It's not just a bolt on and go bed either, to do it right.
I pulled out a couple pics of Mike's 69. There are plenty of others truck pics with late model beds on these forums too. |
Re: 90's Style Step Bed for '69
The bed rails & tail gate don't look bad from the outside. I wonder if you could deck the bed floor and up the inside part way to cover up the rusted panels. Might not look bad stained or painted & would seal up the bed and make it useful. Kind of a ruff n' ready approach that wouldn't be too much work or expensive.
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If you want it as slick as the example you showed earlier with the late model bed, it will all work out about the same. Don't do anything short term for right now unless you have to. Do what you think looks best and give it time to work out.
The late model bed was popular when I was in school. Nowadays to me it looks like a dead giveaway for truck thats been hacked up. |
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Yuck. IMO looks ridiculous. Repair/replace the old bed.
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So, I just found this site with a complete bed. I need to call to verify, but, it doesn't look like it comes with the fenders, which is fine, keeps the dirt-bag look to it :)
I think this might be a viable option for me. https://classictruckbeds.net/product...1972-stepside/ |
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There was a complete stepside bed here locally for $500 recently. I have no idea of condition and it would be way far for you but they are out there.
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I'd drive a Ford before I used a late model bed on a 67-72. :lol:
Gary |
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https://miami.craigslist.org/brw/pts...034395073.html |
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I found some Toyota Sienna van seats for free, I'm pretty sure they are from the back of the van. I'm wondering if they will fit in place of the bench seat - ??
Without a lot of modifications, of course. https://i.imgur.com/hbpYTxp.jpg |
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