The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Paint and Body Shop Replacing Bed Side Angle Strips

I recently purchased a 1954 Chevy 3100. The bed had been replaced with a flatbed. I am preparing to replace the flat bed with a regular step side bed. When I purchase the truck the owner had the original fenders. I was able to locate an original bed that included the two bedsides and the bed front. The bedsides need patched where the side angle strips had been welded on. They are missing. I did not go with an aftermarket bed because the 54 and 55 first series had an embossed side that aligned with the fenders. These embossed sides are not reproduces and I wanted to keep the original look. Once I repair the sheet metal I need to replace the angle strips. That is the history, here is my question.

Does anyone have the measurements for the placement of the angle strips? How far up from the bottom or down from the top?

When I look at pictures of the replacement angle strips they show the angle strips on top of the wood bed? Shouldn't they be under the wood to support it on the side? Is there two angle strips? One welded to the side under the bed to support it and one on top to hold it down?

One angle-strip on each side - the wood edge goes underneath.

http://www.stovebolt.com/techtips/bed/bed_mounts_ad.htm

http://www.stovebolt.com/techtips/bed/bedsides/index.html

Ive got a real nice 54 bed, sides are perfect no rust, I need a 53 or older

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Thanks. This was the last piece of the puzzle. I am ready to start my build.

Dave, the bed angle strips on the inside of the box side do sit on top of the wood. There are bolts that anchor down through the strip, then wood, then the crises sill and then frame. The wood sits on the cross sills and the strips and the side angle strip sit on top. It may be hard to see from Tim's photo if you're unfamiliar with how these old trucks go together.
When you install your bed wood you start on the outside, slide the boards in and under the strip and then work inwards.
The only trucks I've seen that have a lip under and the angle strip on top of the wood are on the front bed panel of 1 tons.

Thanks for the help. I love this site. It is a wealth of knowledge