Wood Or Steel? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Blue85 · 01-30-2006, 01:15 AM

Well the time has come, to decide between a wood floor or a steel floor, the truck has a steel floor right now that is in decent shape, and i already bought a new front bed panel for the steel, but after lookin at some pics i kinda like the wood look better, what do u guys think?

edmonton72 · 01-30-2006, 01:38 AM

I guess it depends on how you intend on using the truck. If you want to haul stuff in the bed I wouldn't suggest converting to wood. If you want a nice show truck like it seems like your doing I would go with wood. It looks awesome and so I would suggest the wood floor.

Rollie396 · 01-30-2006, 02:00 AM

I agree with edm.72.I Love the look of the wood too,but I'd hate to use the truck as a truck after putting that much $ and time into a wood bed.
I'm voting assuming you're going for looks here.
That said,if you don't want that steel floor and it's in good shape I may be interested

.

matt67350 · 01-30-2006, 02:14 AM

Wood is Good!

Striker169 · 01-30-2006, 02:30 AM

if it wont acctually haul anything wood but if you want a truck get a steel floor!

**truckdude239** · 01-30-2006, 02:37 AM

steel for me i'd be scare to haul anything in a wood bed because i'd not want to mess it up oh yeah less work to keep up a stell floor

jsbgump · 01-30-2006, 03:05 AM

Wood for me

BigMike · 01-30-2006, 04:31 AM

I am having the same problem...Should I convert my steel bed to a wood bed. Mine will be mostly a weekend warrior and only haut light things, I will have a heavy rubber mat to protect it either way I decide to go.

Mike

**special-K** · 01-30-2006, 07:51 AM

I have a truck that`s getting a full resto.It has the wood and I`m going to make it pretty and just use it real carefully.Definately not hauling firewood,scrap,or rear-ends`n`motors.You can always throw a bed mat down.If you want it to stay perfect/show,don`t haul.Mine will be a beautiful leasure use "truck".I`m going to use an oil,not a poly.

JAKES 68GMC · 01-30-2006, 10:20 AM

Steel for me. I'd like to have a steel bed floor, but I guess I'm stuck with a wooden one. I'm a little nervous about hauling anything in it. If it will hold up a four-wheeler than I'm all set, cause id never haul anything heavier.

How much would a wooden bed floor hold up with decent wood? (I think mine has oak) Is there any way you can convert to a steel floor without changing beds???

RainFade · 01-30-2006, 10:31 AM

I've been having this debate for months myself.
I have a wood floor and the wood is JUNK.
I have a bad habit of hauling heavy dirty things so I'm going to find (might have found in fact already with a liner) a steel floor bed and have line-x sprayed in it like my last truck.

If I was building a shiny pretty truck for cruising, shows or just general pride it'd be wood all the way with about a zillion coats of hand rubbed oil.

farside847 · 01-30-2006, 11:48 AM

I vote wood, just cuz its different from all the other trucks out there.

1969 C/K CST · 01-30-2006, 11:54 AM

Wood is nice but I prefer steel with nice paint.

**John Fabris** · 01-30-2006, 03:21 PM

Wood all the way!!!!!!

Here mine, Teak with 10 coats of spar varnish...

Update I brought my wood from a company in Washington, East Teak (google search will bring it up.)
I paid $700 shipped to my door, but I also flyfish with the owner (whom has since passed away

). There is a place in
berkely that wants $1100 and one in San Francisco that wants $1600 for that much teak, so I went with East Teak, and only
had two knots in the wood to deal with.

4tiresngas · 01-30-2006, 08:19 PM

Wow John! Where did you get the teak? That must have cost a pretty penny. I would have been scared to even groove it for fear I'd jack it up. It looks great.

Blue85, I say wood. Of course, I'm partial to stepsides...so pretty much wood all the way.

**72ironmike** · 01-30-2006, 08:51 PM

Any of you gettin rid of a short steel floor please let me know.

*Billla* · 01-30-2006, 09:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by special-K

I have a truck that`s getting a full resto.It has the wood and I`m going to make it pretty and just use it real carefully.Definately not hauling firewood,scrap,or rear-ends`n`motors.You can always throw a bed mat down.If you want it to stay perfect/show,don`t haul.Mine will be a beautiful leasure use "truck".I`m going to use an oil,not a poly.

I'm putting a wood bed back in my truck and have every intent of using it as a work truck. The wood bed that's in there is 33 years old and still holds up

I plan to get a driver set of wood, and paint the metal strips with black POR. When I really have to do something nasty I'll put down a 1/2 OSB cover.

I like the look of the wood bed, even if it's not polished and pretty

Frizzle Fry · 01-30-2006, 10:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Fabris

Wood all the way!!!!!!

Here mine, Teak with 10 coats of spar varnish...

Sooooooo NICE! Give us the deal John. Where and how much?

5150 · 01-30-2006, 11:14 PM

I went to steel but I can't use my bed because I'm afraid I'll scratch it up. I like to think my truck is nice, but I didn't want to spend all the money on the wood.
Also if I need to carry something I can with the lining.

LUV2XCLR8 · 01-30-2006, 11:20 PM

Wood for show, steel to go

**Stocker** · 01-30-2006, 11:22 PM

I had my answer before reading the other replies -- honest! Wood for show, steel if it will be used.

Blue85 · 01-31-2006, 12:54 AM

Yellow69, what gauge steel did u use for your floor, i really like the look.

72armyswbtruck · 01-31-2006, 01:14 AM

Looks Excellent, Super quality wood. Just checked out their web site, Teak is expensive but they are relatively priced compared to others I have seen.

lilred67 · 01-31-2006, 09:57 AM

i put steel in place of my old rotten wood floor,but i haul stuff and didn't want the upkeep of the wood.i used 3/16" steel plate for the floor,a little extra weight made it ride better and gave it some more traction.

hambone1958 · 01-31-2006, 11:11 AM

I went with the Mar-K steel to wood conversion kit. It went together real nice. I got the Oak kit should have pics this weekend with the wood in.

View Poll Results: Wood Floor Or Steel Floor
Wood	41	68.33%
Steel	19	31.67%
Voters: 60. You may not vote on this poll

01-30-2006, 01:15 AM	#1
Blue85 Oilfield Trash Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Raymore, Sk, Canada, Earth Posts: 3,171	Wood Or Steel? Well the time has come, to decide between a wood floor or a steel floor, the truck has a steel floor right now that is in decent shape, and i already bought a new front bed panel for the steel, but after lookin at some pics i kinda like the wood look better, what do u guys think? __________________ 14 Dodge 3500 Mega Cab 08 Dodge 3500 Mega Cab 87 Chev 3+3 4x4 80 GMC K10 High Sierra bone stock 70 Chevelle 350SS long term project 68 GMC 3ton Grain Truck/Garbage wagon 50 Pontiac 2 Door Coupe Project "I've got a shotgun rifle and a 4 wheel drive and a country boy can survive" Hank Jr.

01-30-2006, 01:38 AM	#2
edmonton72 Nothings as cool as my 72 Join Date: May 2005 Location: Edmonton, AB, Kanuckastan Posts: 181	Re: Wood Or Steel? I guess it depends on how you intend on using the truck. If you want to haul stuff in the bed I wouldn't suggest converting to wood. If you want a nice show truck like it seems like your doing I would go with wood. It looks awesome and so I would suggest the wood floor. __________________ 1972 C10 Longbox In the middle of body off restoration Rebuilt 355, turbo 400, 3.42 12-bolt Rolling chassis finally done and cab mounted. Now onto sanding, bondo and more sanding.

01-30-2006, 02:00 AM	#3
Rollie396 someday it will be done! Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Lloydminster,AB. Canada Posts: 1,620	Re: Wood Or Steel? I agree with edm.72.I Love the look of the wood too,but I'd hate to use the truck as a truck after putting that much $ and time into a wood bed. I'm voting assuming you're going for looks here. That said,if you don't want that steel floor and it's in good shape I may be interested . __________________ '72 C-10 Proud owner of a million new and used pieces that used to be and will once again be(god willing) a testament to the term "they don't build em like that anymore. '80 LWB 2wd beater '67 GMC long fleet (cab donor) '66 long step (parked till it's turn comes around) '65 short step (parts truck that will donate it's bed and possibly frame to the '66) '06 Grand Prix wife's car (she hardly lets me touch it) my pics

01-30-2006, 02:14 AM	#4
matt67350 Registered User Join Date: May 2001 Location: Benbrook, TX Posts: 1,060	Re: Wood Or Steel? Wood is Good! __________________ 69 swb stepside, rebuild and upgrade in progress

01-30-2006, 02:30 AM	#5
Striker169 Car O'Holic Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Austin, Tx. Posts: 692	Re: Wood Or Steel? if it wont acctually haul anything wood but if you want a truck get a steel floor!

01-30-2006, 02:37 AM	#6
truckdude239 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Lewisville, Nc Posts: 10,217	Re: Wood Or Steel? steel for me i'd be scare to haul anything in a wood bed because i'd not want to mess it up oh yeah less work to keep up a stell floor __________________ David fuller Ase Certified Mechanic Click here to help support our board!! 1971 Chevy c-10 under going a 4.8l LSx swap Build Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=421305 2007 Honda Accord my daily 145kmiles 2002 Honda Accord 4 door With 330k(sisters car) 2005 toyota Avalon 228k( brothers car) 2002 Sububran 5.3 245k 2000 Tahoe 5.3l 378 General manager for Marco's Carwash & lube Last edited by truckdude239; 01-30-2006 at 02:37 AM.

01-30-2006, 03:05 AM	#7
jsbgump Gone Fishing Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Fort Worth, Texas 76135 Posts: 12,361	Re: Wood Or Steel? Wood for me __________________ 68 Chevy Short Fleetside LSX Swap Under Way 3.73 posi 2.5/4 drop Frame of resto has been started 2022 Hyundai Tucson Limited 2019 Chevy Traverse Redline Edition Wifes Ride Build Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1#post3483616

01-30-2006, 04:31 AM	#8
BigMike Registered User Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Rancho Santa Margarita - SoCal Posts: 1,432	Re: Wood Or Steel? I am having the same problem...Should I convert my steel bed to a wood bed. Mine will be mostly a weekend warrior and only haut light things, I will have a heavy rubber mat to protect it either way I decide to go. Mike __________________ Mike My 69 SWB Project Father/Son 72 Nova Project My Airbrushed RC Car Bodies

01-30-2006, 07:51 AM	#9
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,863	Re: Wood Or Steel? I have a truck that`s getting a full resto.It has the wood and I`m going to make it pretty and just use it real carefully.Definately not hauling firewood,scrap,or rear-ends`n`motors.You can always throw a bed mat down.If you want it to stay perfect/show,don`t haul.Mine will be a beautiful leasure use "truck".I`m going to use an oil,not a poly. __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

01-30-2006, 10:20 AM	#10
JAKES 68GMC Aluminum slot wheels rule... Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Maine Posts: 6,212	Re: Wood Or Steel? Steel for me. I'd like to have a steel bed floor, but I guess I'm stuck with a wooden one. I'm a little nervous about hauling anything in it. If it will hold up a four-wheeler than I'm all set, cause id never haul anything heavier. How much would a wooden bed floor hold up with decent wood? (I think mine has oak) Is there any way you can convert to a steel floor without changing beds???

01-30-2006, 10:31 AM	#11
RainFade Registered User Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Central Ohio Posts: 215	Re: Wood Or Steel? I've been having this debate for months myself. I have a wood floor and the wood is JUNK. I have a bad habit of hauling heavy dirty things so I'm going to find (might have found in fact already with a liner) a steel floor bed and have line-x sprayed in it like my last truck. If I was building a shiny pretty truck for cruising, shows or just general pride it'd be wood all the way with about a zillion coats of hand rubbed oil. __________________ 71 K20 350/350/205, dealer air, 4" lift, Flowtech,Edel 1406 on 2101, procomp HEI,4.10's, 33x12.50x16.5 BFG MT's on slots. 4 wheel disc brakes. My lame K20 page My lame Eaton disc brake page

01-30-2006, 11:48 AM	#12
farside847 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Bay Area, California Posts: 991	Re: Wood Or Steel? I vote wood, just cuz its different from all the other trucks out there. __________________ 1971 Chevy C10 Shortbed Stepside, 307v8 3-on-the-tree

01-30-2006, 11:54 AM	#13
1969 C/K CST A.K.A- Crummy Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: NC foothills Posts: 3,025	Re: Wood Or Steel? Wood is nice but I prefer steel with nice paint. __________________ 2003 Silverado Z71 Are fishermen all liars?

01-30-2006, 03:21 PM	#14
John Fabris TOTY 2006 Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Magalia CA USA Posts: 2,270	Re: Wood Or Steel? Wood all the way!!!!!! Here mine, Teak with 10 coats of spar varnish... Update I brought my wood from a company in Washington, East Teak (google search will bring it up.) I paid $700 shipped to my door, but I also flyfish with the owner (whom has since passed away ). There is a place in berkely that wants $1100 and one in San Francisco that wants $1600 for that much teak, so I went with East Teak, and only had two knots in the wood to deal with. __________________ John Fabris 67 C10 SWB Last edited by John Fabris; 01-30-2006 at 11:57 PM.



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01-30-2006, 08:19 PM	#15
4tiresngas An American Soldier Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Grumolo D' Abadessee, Italy Posts: 503	Re: Wood Or Steel? Wow John! Where did you get the teak? That must have cost a pretty penny. I would have been scared to even groove it for fear I'd jack it up. It looks great. Blue85, I say wood. Of course, I'm partial to stepsides...so pretty much wood all the way. __________________ Dan dan.brue@us.army.mil

01-30-2006, 08:51 PM	#16
72ironmike Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Olathe KS (Greater Kansas City MO Area) Posts: 2,053	Re: Wood Or Steel? Any of you gettin rid of a short steel floor please let me know.

01-30-2006, 11:14 PM	#19
5150 C10 Club Tennessee Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: White House, TN 37188 Posts: 8,279	Re: Wood Or Steel? I went to steel but I can't use my bed because I'm afraid I'll scratch it up. I like to think my truck is nice, but I didn't want to spend all the money on the wood. Also if I need to carry something I can with the lining. Attached Images __________________ Bryan www.gmtruckshow.com Project "Andes"-Halen's First Truck Project: Patina Burb for he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer. Romans 13:4

01-30-2006, 11:20 PM	#20
LUV2XCLR8 The LuvShack Garage Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Maple Grove, TN (West Side) Posts: 30,470	Re: Wood Or Steel? Wood for show, steel to go __________________ Owner/Op: "TN Classic Transport Carriers" The Toy: "Square Vette" 72 Hybrid Blazer Toy Barn: "LuvShack" 40 x 60 x 20 Shop Big Piggy: "Goliath" 07 Kodiak C4500 Lil Piggy:"Maddy" 88 Silverado 3500 Hauler: "Feathers" 14 Aluma 8218T

01-30-2006, 11:22 PM	#21
Stocker 20' Daredevil (Ret) Join Date: May 2003 Location: Jefferson State Posts: 13,526	Re: Wood Or Steel? I had my answer before reading the other replies -- honest! Wood for show, steel if it will be used. __________________ - Mike - 1972 K20 LWB 350/350/205 RIP El Jay

01-31-2006, 12:54 AM	#22
Blue85 Oilfield Trash Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Raymore, Sk, Canada, Earth Posts: 3,171	Re: Wood Or Steel? Yellow69, what gauge steel did u use for your floor, i really like the look. __________________ 14 Dodge 3500 Mega Cab 08 Dodge 3500 Mega Cab 87 Chev 3+3 4x4 80 GMC K10 High Sierra bone stock 70 Chevelle 350SS long term project 68 GMC 3ton Grain Truck/Garbage wagon 50 Pontiac 2 Door Coupe Project "I've got a shotgun rifle and a 4 wheel drive and a country boy can survive" Hank Jr.

01-31-2006, 01:14 AM	#23
72armyswbtruck Registered User Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Idaho Posts: 4,034	Re: Wood Or Steel? Looks Excellent, Super quality wood. Just checked out their web site, Teak is expensive but they are relatively priced compared to others I have seen.

01-31-2006, 09:57 AM	#24
lilred67 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: weatherford,texas Posts: 1,003	Re: Wood Or Steel? i put steel in place of my old rotten wood floor,but i haul stuff and didn't want the upkeep of the wood.i used 3/16" steel plate for the floor,a little extra weight made it ride better and gave it some more traction.

01-31-2006, 11:11 AM	#25
hambone1958 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Point Harbor NC Posts: 299	Re: Wood Or Steel? I went with the Mar-K steel to wood conversion kit. It went together real nice. I got the Oak kit should have pics this weekend with the wood in. __________________ Alan

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