I am modifying the cross member by the tailgate on a 46 Chevy with the proper width bed front and tailgate. Previous owner had installed a bed from an AD which measures 56 1/4" across the rear member support . Beds were a little wider on AD's and I need to modify it and redrill the holes that bolt to the bottom of the rear stake pocket. Can someone save me some time by furnishing the magic number .......... that is, the width of an original 46 cross member. I was told several years ago that the bed sides from the AD would work but of course needed the proper width bed front and tallgate so my rear fenders will work with the running boards. When I bought the truck it had an AD bed on it and no rear fenders. Am trying my best to use the original sides.
Hey Tim, for sure the width of the bed front and inside measurement of the tailgate is 48 1/2" so the cross member will be a few inches wider because of the way it connects to the stake pockets with the 3 bolts on each side............ i will probably have to set up the bed temporarily and see how the cross member then fits and make my adjustments ........ lazy me, I was hoping to avoid all that as I'm a few months away from actually putting the bed on and am painting those parts as it is easier when it is warm and not wintry ........... maybe someone could go to their assembled 46 and provide the number ............ thank you for your extra thought about the frame width etc [btw-the 56 1/4 is probably just barely wider on the AD rear cross member than an original 46 cross member]
Hey Tim, for sure the width of the bed front and inside measurement of the tailgate is 48 1/2" so the cross member will be a few inches wider because of the way it connects to the stake pockets with the 3 bolts on each side............ i will probably have to set up the bed temporarily and see how the cross member then fits and make my adjustments ........ lazy me, I was hoping to avoid all that as I'm a few months away from actually putting the bed on and am painting those parts as it is easier when it is warm and not wintry ........... maybe someone could go to their assembled 46 and provide the number ............ thank you for your extra thought about the frame width etc [btw-the 56 1/4 is probably just barely wider on the AD rear cross member than an original 46 cross member]
The sheet metal piece that spans the space between the stake pockets has an overall length of 54 5/8”. The sheet metal overlaps on the backside of the stake pocket face by 2 3/4”, on each end. To be clear, the overlap measurements are included in the overall length of 54 5/8”. The attached photo shows the overlap.
just getting back home and to the computer so I missed your post 46Sparky, until now [3pm Wednesday] ............... thank you for measuring that and the photo ...........
As far as I know the bedsides are the same (excluding fender holes) so the length should be identical.
1970 Chevrolet C10 Grandpa's -- My first truck -- In progress to shiny Follow the build in the Project Journal 1950 Chevrolet 1-Ton Dually "Ole Red Girl" In the Stovebolt Gallery More pictures here 1951 GMC 9430 1 ton dually--Shiny! | 1972 Chevrolet C20- Rusty- the puzzle box lid for the C10 | 1962 AMC Rambler American- my wife's Parts trucks- 1951 GMC 9300 | 1951-GMC 9430 | 1951- Chevrolet 1300
mine is a 3/4 ton with a longer bed length and am hoping my changes will work out okay ......... sure didn't want to have to buy new bed sides if I could help it .............. hae been told that the differences were in width so we'll see ...... thanks
