The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Paint and Body Shop 1940 Bed Question

I just picked up a '40 1/2 ton. I know it has the wrong rear fenders, they're from a '47 or later truck. I'm pretty sure the bed is also from a later truck since it has a steel floor. Anyone out there know if the '40 had a wood bed floor or steel? I'm going to be buying a new bed anyway and a floor kit, probably from Mar-K so I may be selling this one, I just would like to know what year it might be.

Joe,

It’s wood

Mike

Tough to say as it could be from ‘47 thru ‘53. The bed on all those years all have wood beds. The steel is probably just on top of the wood.

What are the inside dimensions of the bed? Length and width. Does it look like there are unused fender bolt holes as if the fenders don't match the bedsides? Also, could you show a picture of the outside of the tailgate? There were changes made during the years in question and that information can help nail down what year your bed is.

Mark

Hi Mark,

I don't have the truck yet, it's on it's way here. So I don't have the dimensions. From the photos it's pretty clear that it has the wrong fenders. You can see the outline of the correct fenders. It also has the wrong rear end, it has 5 lug wheels on the rear. I guess it could just have the wrong axles. I've attached a photo of the tailgate (at least I'm trying to attach it). It has the script Chevrolet stamped in it.

The 1940 Chevrolet Truck Data Book lists the following for the light delivery model.
78” inside length, 16-1/4” from the top rail (top of the roll) to the bed wood, 14” from top of tailgate to bed wood, and 48-1/2” inside width.

That's a 40 tailgate and appears to be 40 bedsides and front panel. The tailgate and latch for 40 is unique to that year.

Mark

I suspect the bed is original to the truck and ‘47-‘53 rear fenders were added. The script on the tailgate is much earlier than the AD fenders.

Thanks for all the info. I think I've located a pair of '40 rear fenders. I'm still waiting for one of these "brokers" to get back to me with a cost for shipping it to me. Seems "Transportation Brokers" are in the same category as used car dealers, the quote you one price and then come in with the real price that's $500+ higher.