The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Paint and Body Shop Bed Wood Width???

I have a '54 3100 stepside, short box and it's time to install the bedwood. I have scoured this and other forums, plus Google searches on the subject of bedwood. I'm confused with the information I have gathered relative to the board widths. A '54 such as mine has 8 boards, 2 @4.25", 2 @5" and 4 @7.25". This adds up to 47.5" of wood. There are 7 bolts @.25" which is 1.75 additional inches. This totals 49.25", however my total inside box width is 50". Does the .75" get evenly distributed between the 7 bedrails?

With 8 boards there will be 9 rows of bolts. There is also the distance from the bed angle bolt holes to the bed sides, which is 3/4". There are 7 strips and the two bed angles.

Are you cutting your own boards or buying boards?

In a word, yes. Also, leave about 1/8" at each side between the wood and the bedside. You need some space available for the boards to expand from changes in humidity and temperature.

Mar-Ktech

Thanks for the information, it's great too be able to start a project with some confidence of success.
Yes, I plan to cut my own wood. My original plan was to use Southern Yellow Pine because it was what was used back then. I've been keeping an eye on it in the "store" (no names) since last winter while the truck was at the paint shop. It looked like a real excellent candidate and I was going to cover it with linseed oil with dull black stain (same store). Anyhow, last week I went to purchase it, what a stand of beatup cracked and split boards. Someone must of "picked the lot" before me. There I decided a lot of what I've read about the Southern Yellow Pine must have some truth...it ain'nt the same as the quality years ago. Since the closest to the garage this truck is going to get is along side or in front of with a cover, I plan on using marine plywood, painted one coat of primer, 3 coats finish on all sides and holes. I'm looking for an eggshell finish in black. I don't plan on carrying anything in the back.

If you want good wood, don't go to a chain store. Find a hardwood lumberyard, the kind furniture makers frequent. They will have what you need. It won't be very cheap, but it will be very good. The good stuff never makes it to contractor/homeowner lumberyards.

4ontheFloor, I understand exactly your words of wisdom and the truth therein. A couple of home projects enlighten me to shop at the experts. The chain stores have their place and market. Thanks.