I had to cut the old bed out with a Sawsall and grinder. Rusted bolts, rotten oak, and stainless strips that aren't my style. I want to go pine and painted steel. All of that to say disassembly didn't give me guidance for what I need to do now.

I've been reading on the Mar-K site and will probably go with spar varnish. But first I need to order a kit - rails & pine boards. I figure pre-drilled to reduce the chances I screw something up. Is there a preferred vendor?

Basically, I'm coming at this as a total newbie and don't even know what comes first. Bed rails bolted in place across the frame? Then...?

If someone would be so kind as to put together a numbered list of the steps in chronological order I'd sure appreciate it. And any other warnings or hints.

Note: I've done some searching here and will do more, but so far I'm not seeing a systematic presentation. And haven't seen one on the net either.


A VW guy trying his hand at a '59 LB fs. Lots to learn, but it's about the journey.