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I'm picking up my new truck this week, and it will be my first AD truck project a 1950 3100. The truck doesn't have a bed on it but I have my pick of two to choose from.

One bed has a gas filler neck on passenger side and has slanted top rails. The other does not have a filler neck but has flat top rails. They both have the same fenders so im guessing just a difference in years not class right? Is the bed with the gas tank a better option? Will they both mount and fit ok?

Matt,

The bed with the fuel tank filler on the side and fuel tank under the bed is a 1947/48 bed. The slanted bed sides were in 47-53.

1954/55st had flat bed rails and a semi-circle embossment around the rear fenders.
1955nd to 1972 (I think) had flat top rails but no "embossment" around the rear fenders.

Where is your fuel tank?

Most of the above information is described/shown in this excellent Advance-Design Spotting Guide Tech Tip.

In the cab

Wait to hear from other members.

The slanted top-rails bed will mount like the original - same mounting blocks/pads.

I do not know how easily the bed with flat top-rails will mount on your frame.

The flat top box will give you fits when trying to mount it to the older frame. The flat top box is "deeper" and the 54/55 frame is lower (by way of a smaller kickup over the axle) to accommodate the deeper box. Not that it can't be done, but heads up for this curve ball.

I think I'll have another look at the older bed, would be nice to have a spot for gas tank, did the early trucks have a different frame for the tank?

I don't like the idea of the tank under my back side either but this does make you think...

http://339297.mobilizetoday.com/blog/index.php/category/technical-articles/1947-55/gastanks-1947-55/

The 47/48 used a strap system that held the tank in place on the passenger side frame rail which is the same as 49 and up. Reproductions are available.
http://www.oldchevytrucks.com/cart/product.asp?prodid=MEG159&i=19888|||||

This tank was exposed to easy rock and road damage. If a tank was built from 16 gauge metal then it may not be a problem.

Yea, i have heard this argument and honestly... In the cab is probably fine. I mean werent ppl heavy smokers during that time too? I like the look of the angles top rails but this newer style bed is in real good shape. I'm worried about it mounting properly. It would look funny to have to filler spots for gas but might be easier than trying to mount the newer bed.

Anyone here used a newsr bed on an older truck?

rock and road damage?

high up between the frame rails, inside the wheels?

but, somehow the tank on my Suburban did have a large dent on the lower forward inward side

Fox got it right, if you want your truck to look right and fit as designed, the later bed just won't work with the early frame. http://www.mar-k.com/_assets/images/instructions/Installing54bedon47-53Frame.pdf

Got the truck home and was able to piece together a front axle from a couple of frames. The 47 bed was real rough, multiple areas of rusting out and looks like areas of welded patches that looked real bad. Passenger panel was or seemed very rusty flimsy. I went and took the newer bed. Very solid, pretty rust free and no awful patches. I know I know, I'll have to mount it properly and hopefully make it look ok. I think it looks good sitting up there, I suppose I can always find another bed if I need to.

And thanks for that article, the floor is trashed, I think I will raise the floor. That'll have to wait a bit though.

[img]https://goo.gl/photos/eKa2kqX9TWK2w9q48[/img]