The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Paint and Body Shop Modern Bed?

Can anyone show me a picture of a modern chevy bed,'88 or newer step side on a '53 3600? The original box is pretty far gone, and kinda ugly. We're thinking a modern bed would kind of smooth out the look of the truck.

Installing a 1988-1998 1/2 ton stepside (sortside) box on a 1953 3/4 ton would require shortening the wheelbase probably 8-10 inches on the 53 as it has a 7 1/2 foot bed on it.

So, what are my options? Shorten the wheelbase or stretch the bed? I'd try to put an 8' bed, but those are all fleetsides, and I don't think that would look right.
Maybe narrow a fleetside, and use the original fenders? That might look cool, but it would have to be sent out to a pro. I don't think I'd try something like that.

I've seen a couple of trucks with the modern bed on them and they look pretty good. Considered it myself on my 50, but my wife likes the look of the original bed. Don't have any pictures. John

i've seen this done as well . . . but they've all been 55-60's model trucks. They look nice that way & almost orig. for those years if you add the orig. fenders.