The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Tons 'o Fun 3/4 ton bed on a 1 ton?

Will the 1952 3/4 ton bed fit a 1949 1 ton chassis?

Wrong wheelbase. It could sort of fit but leave a gap between the cab (small I think?) And for sure extra frame out the back.
A 3/4 ton bed is about 8' and the 1 ton bed is 9'.

Thanks Grigg, that's what I needed to know. I would guess an actual 1- ton bed is a rare commodity?

The 1 ton beds are as rare as a hen's teeth. Especially ones that are in good shape. Quite simply, GM didn't make alot of the 3804 trucks. Most 1 tons were destined for flat beds, stake sides, etc...

The 3/4 ton beds are more plentiful, but still a little rare.

If you wanted to do some fab work, you could always shorten your frame and move the rear axle forward. Of course, that would entail a ton of work. Shortening running boards, shortening drive shaft, brake lines, etc...

I don't see that making a 1 ton bed would be that difficult if you already have one for a pattern. All the parts except for 9' sides are available already right?

There is a good tech tip on this site for fabricating bedsides, http://www.stovebolt.com/techtips/bed/bedsides/index.html I did this for my 1 ton that originally had a flatbed on it, look at the pic's in my photo ablum, it is complete except for paint. Worked out very well for me. Start with a plywood mock-up, much cheaper than buying more steel.

Sounds like I need to come up with a plan B.