The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Making a Stovebolt Bed 1958 3200 bed to 1956 3200 bed conversion

I have a 1958 3200 step side that needs new box sides. I prefer the slightly shorter box on the 1956 3200 and am looking to purchase the 1956 box sides to put on my truck. I'm wondering if the mounting of the box is the same on the 2 models? I'm assuming the frame was just extended 6 inches or so on the 1958 model to accommodate the longer box. I am looking to get my frame sandblasted in the coming weeks, and would like to cut the frame prior to this if possible. If anyone has frame dimensions off a 1956 3200 that would be helpful! I bought a complete assembly manual for 54-59 trucks, but it doesn't seem to dictate the measurement differences. Thanks for any help/info!

Although the assembly manual is sold as for 55-59 trucks, it does not cover the things that are different as the truck design changed over that period. My assembly manual is at least 25 years old but I don't think the manual was revised over the years. Sheet 25 section 2 in my book has a detail drawing of the 3200 frame for the shorter bed you desire. Note there are four 7/16" diameter holes dimensioned along the rear portion of each frame rail. Those are the bed to frame mounting points for that shorter bed and you will likely find holes in your 58 frame match those points except for the rear mounting points. Simply cut your frame to the length dimension shown and drill the appropriate 7/16 holes at the rear and you should be good to go.

Mark

Awesome. I will see if my manual has the same information you have mentioned. If not, I may ping you for that info if possible. Thanks a bunch!

the manual is on-line: https://www.trifive.com/55-59Assy.pdf