The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Making a Stovebolt Bed 1953 bed on a 54 frame

Will a 53 bed fit on my 54 3100 frame? Just can’t seem to find the answer. HELP. Please

Nope- - - -the 54 and early 55 frames have a flattened area under the bed instead of the high arch over the rear axle that the 53 and earlier trucks have, so the shape of the bed and the mounting brackets are different.
Jerry

Will it fit---No. Can you do it---yes, IF you have the tools and skill. Have done several (all 55 1st series) for ones that like the shallow bed with angled top rails. Usually done in conjunction with the 47-53 front sheet metal which gives an earlier look with a one piece curved windshield cab. If you have access to a drive on lift with an overhead chain hoist then it is not a difficult swap. Just suspend the bed in the correct position, where running board to bed bottom filler panel fits, and make custom blocks between the bed cross members and frame rails. This has to be done EVERY TIME on an S10 or other chassis swap. Fortunately the swap kit suppliers have dumbed it down to where they are just drill and bolt installs.

This is an often asked question. I have always thought the early bed will fit on the 54 frame with only re-drilling the front bed to frame holes and using the regular 53 wood mounting blocks. Although we built these beds for many years, we never actually installed this swap to the 54 frame. Measurements would indicate the swap is an easy one. What am I missing?

Mark

Got the lift got the hoist and time. We’re gonna see about the skill. I like the earlier beds just a preference. The truck will have 53 front clip and bed , just cab and frame are 54. Thanks for all the help . Pictures will come.

The truck I picked up this summer is a 54’. But the box is a 53’ style. I’m about to start working on this truck soon. I’ve wondered ever since I got it if this was original or not. From the paint color under the topcoat color it’s the same between the cab and bed. So if it was changed it was done a long time ago. In looking at the door tag my 54’ does appear to be an early 54’. I know Chevy would use carryover over parts on other models and wondered if my truck had received a 53’ bed from the beginning. I’m sure once I get in to the truck more maybe I’ll be able to tell better.

Adam

Tim has shown the reason I suggested custom mount blocks---to keep the bed to cab position of the bed the same. Picture is of an S10 frame swap with the tape line that puts the bed in the correct position in relation to the back window. Ones mounted lower look funny to me. Cypress mount blocks last forever.

[img]https://i.postimg.cc/G87cRmBw/S10-032.jpg[/img]

I’m working with the techs at Mar K to put an early bed on a 54-55 AD frame they already have a kit to put a 54-55 on an early frame. They said that they have never had a request for early bed on a 54-55 frame.

I have met with the owner and I assure you they will help you all they can.

They did and it’s Great. Only Co to use for all your bed needs.

54 with older bed and front clip. You can tell by the large radius of windshield corner that it's one piece. Couldn't find a full frontal picture. We have done a lot of these conversions through the years. The chrome plated running board to bed filler panel is NOT my idea.

[img]https://i.postimg.cc/S2L6zW2C/truck-roll-pans-clips-003.jpg[/img]