The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Making a Stovebolt Bed bed caps

i have been searching for a forum that i read a year or so ago. It was about homemade bed caps used to close up the bed holes on the AD trucks. Does anyone remember seeing it or how they were made? I can always go buy some, but i wanted to ensure that the homemade ones didn't look better.

I will keep searching......

Thoughts/Ideas?

Chris

Are you referring to the holes at the tops of the bed sides? If so, some install lights or reflectors or even rubber plug. You can also weld them closed.

If you are referring to the openings on the top of the bed sides, Mar-K sells a stainless-steel cap./cover.

yes, the round holes at the top of the Bed sides. I will look at Mar-K to get ideas. Thanks!

http://s1372.photobucket.com/user/foxj12/library/?view=recent&page=2

http://s1372.photobucket.com/user/foxj12/library/?view=recent&page=1

Top left pictures on both links.
Check the bed side pictures. You may have to zoom in to see.
I used frost plugs on the top of my tubes. However, mine are homemade and are completely enclosed, but might work with a stocker. I used 1&5/8" plugs, beveled them and tapped them in with a rubber mallet. Look nice and cost about $2.00! Give it a try. It might work for you too!

Fox, well, I like your bed cap idea. And I really like your dually conversion! For me, it is the first time I've seen this type of conversion and your truck. Very nice.

I know, off topic, but I just had to comment.

Thanks drew! Progress has slowed as the school year has started and marking papers seems to be piling up on me already!

Ndkid,
Here's another option that is in the tech tips section.

http://www.stovebolt.com/techtips/plugs.html

Thanks for the ideas everyone. I was originally looking for what Fox just posted above; however, i kind of like the first post he put up using freeze plugs.

Chris

Chris,

Was reading your post about "Bed Caps". Not sure which way you want to go with it. I bought a Mar-K bed a few years back for my 53 3100 restoration. I must have accidently ordered the that tear drop cover that some of the guys were referring to. If you decide to go that direction, I have decided not to go with them. I am sure they cost me something. But, don't know how much they sell for. If you want a steel pair of them, I can make you a good deal on them. Not sure how much they charge for them at Mar-K now. Let me know if you are even interested in them. I am sure we can come up with something that is fair.

You probably don't remember any of my posts. It has been quite awhile since I have contributed to the conversation. I joined back in 2001. I was one of the first 1000 members. Because life happens, I have had to put my restoration on hold. But, have now the time to devote more time to it. Should be more of a fixture for the near future.

Let me know if you want to go this direction.

Thanks,
Rugo

Rugo,

I will keep your option in mind. i think that i might try the freeze plug route and see how that looks.

Chris

Chris,

The good news is, it is your truck and you can do anything you want to do with it. That is what makes it yours. If you change your mind, just let me know. Good luck with your restoration.

Rugo

thanks Rugo,

Please tell my wife that it is my truck! She has not made a decision with it until it came to the color at which point she got angry that i didn't discuss it with her! OPS!

Chris

Chris,
Wish I could help you with that one. My wife calls mine, "Your Truck". I am sure when it get done, it will be, "Our Truck". Good luck with yours.

Rugo

I found some freeze plugs that would look pretty cool! Only issue is that i don't know sizes.

will these fit?
http://www.jegs.com/i/Proform/778/141-232/10002/-1

thanks,

Chris

Chris,
Those will look great! I think that they sit inside of a normal frost plug judging by the ad. Make sure you check with JEGS before you buy. I used 1&5/8" plugs on my home built bed tube. I will try one of this size plug tomorrow on my parts bed to see if it will work on a stock tube. Don't buy them yet.

Chris,
I couldn't help it. I ran outside in the dark to check for you! My wife says these trucks are a bad influence! I took a spare plug and hammered it into my parts truck's stock top tube. 1&5/8" fits great. Be careful if you've painted already as it is a very snug fit.
I suspect with that plug size, JEGS will be able to give you a confirmation!

thanks fox! i just need my truck back from paint now to get going with the finishing touches!

Chris,
If you do go with the plugs, I'd love to see how yours turn out.

I am coming in late on this thread, and started at the bottom and progressed to the beginning of it.
As I got started, my knee-jerk reaction was, "Why all the fuss for a plug to fill a hole which really doesn't need plugging."
Then I saw the post with the picture of the Bow Tie freeze plug fillers.
Now I get it! Can't argue with cool.
Carl

Carl,
I figure you guys have the cool trucks and i am just trying to find little details to make mine stand out a little bit despite it not being a stock from the '50s item.

My Jane is fairly plain, with old weathered paint, but some pig lipstick here and there, but the folks swarm around it at the shows.
Carl

Carl,

I am sure that it is not a pig with lipstick! If has just experienced a good life!