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

Re: 90's Style Step Bed for '69
 

seen it and don't like it. Why the change?

Re: 90's Style Step Bed for '69
 

Because the bottom and some of the sides are completely gone. It would be a lot of money & work to get it somewhat usable. Looking for a cheap way out.

Re: 90's Style Step Bed for '69
 

The worst part about this swap is that the wheel wells don’t match and looks stupid in my opinion.

Re: 90's Style Step Bed for '69
 

Here's a picture of it on a '70 - I think?

https://i.imgur.com/pqNRdeA.jpg

Re: 90's Style Step Bed for '69
 

Here’s a pic I found that shows what I mean.

Re: 90's Style Step Bed for '69
 

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.

Re: 90's Style Step Bed for '69
 

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.

Re: 90's Style Step Bed for '69
 

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.

Re: 90's Style Step Bed for '69
 

Just my opinion..... DON'T DO IT

Re: 90's Style Step Bed for '69
 

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.

Re: 90's Style Step Bed for '69
 

:no::jdp::barf::exit:

Fast way to loose half the value , You asked :smoke:

Re: 90's Style Step Bed for '69
 

Ha! Didn't think about that. Maybe that's why this guy is trying to get rid of his bed :confused:

Re: 90's Style Step Bed for '69
 

Hey, you're pretty close to me. Wanna sell your bed? ;)
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.

Re: 90's Style Step Bed for '69
 

Post more pictures of your current bed , It doesn't look that bad in the picture you posted ?

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.

Re: 90's Style Step Bed for '69
 

WELLLL...... most everything IS for sale.. NAH..
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.....;)

Re: 90's Style Step Bed for '69
 

I tell people that everything is for sale, not on sale.
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.

Re: 90's Style Step Bed for '69
 

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.

Re: 90's Style Step Bed for '69
 

I agree, I am not a fan of the newer bed on these older trucks.

you can purchase most if not all parts of the bed to rebuild it and keep the original look.

Re: 90's Style Step Bed for '69
 

I did a rough estimate for rebuilding the bed with LMC parts and it would be roughly $2000.00, not including hardware or shipping, just sheet metal and oak flooring - and using my existing fenders. Buying fenders would be an additional $1200.00. I want to keep it rough looking, but safe and reliable.
*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.

Re: 90's Style Step Bed for '69
 

Been there, done that, cannot do it again without plugs or a wig :lol:
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!"